Services
DRC Adaptive Software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice recognition software program that allows the user to create documents with one’s voice, without the need for constant keyboarding. Users train Dragon with commands that will start and stop programs and control program windows. Dragon is known for being helpful for those who have disabilities that make typing or writing difficult.
- Kurzweil 3000 offers a combined scanning and reading feature that is capable of reproducing text on screen, as it appears on paper. Audio files of scanned text can be created for portable listening. Kurzweil 3000 also includes a number of study skills tools such as bookmarks, highlighting and sticky notes, which students can use to improve their reading comprehension.
- Kurzweil 1000 provides blind users access to printed and electronic materials. Scanned print documents and digital files (such as eBooks or email) are converted from text to speech and read aloud.
- RFB&D Reader is a software program that plays RFB&D audio books. It has the same features as an RFB&D CD player but in a software format.
- JAWS is a screen reader that provides the visually impaired access to a variety of information like navigating the web, reading or writing email messages, or accessing information from a data base. JAWS also outputs to the most popular refreshable Braille displays.
- Inspiration can be used to enhance visual learning and brainstorming. Inspiration can help clarify thinking, deepen understanding and concepts, increase retention and tap creativity. Inspiration has the ability to convert from diagram to outline and vice versa which can be very helpful for writers. Inspiration also has the ability to export to Word, making it easy to integrate with other activities.
- ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a reader and a magnifier that allows a person to see and hear what they're doing in all applications. Magnification includes 1x to 36x with the clearest magnified text possible. All magnification levels provide color, contrast and brightness ability. Users can also enhance the size and color of the mouse pointer and text cursor, making them easier to find and follow.
To view the different types of adaptive technology programs available in our campus computer labs go to: http://ic.ucsc.edu/services/computer_labs/software.php#adaptech
If you would like to know if any of these assistive “tools” might be useful to you, please contact the DRC for more information at 831-459-2089.
