SASS, Access Service » Faculty Guide - Adaptive Technology Training

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Adaptive Technology Training

The Access Service offers adaptive technology training and support to University of Ottawa professors and staff members.

What is Adaptive Technology?

Adaptive technology, in the university context, is any product, device or equipment that allows an individual with a disability to accomplish tasks or access resources while minimizing the impact of his or her disability (as defined on http://www.bvmschool.on.ca/courses/technology/AT_2_0.htm)

Types of Adaptive Technology

Type of adaptive technology

Who uses it …

Tools available at uOttawa

Voice-to-Text: Software that allows users to speak into a microphone while the computer transcribes their voice into a digital format.

  • Students who have difficulty typing using a standard keyboard due to a physical disability
  • Students with writing difficulties

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional
Nuance Communications, Inc.
(tel: 800.443.7077)

Text-to-Voice: Software that allows students to scan their texts into the computer, which converts the text into a digital format and uses a speech synthesizer to read it aloud. 

  • Students with learning difficulties that benefit from simultaneous auditory and visual reinforcement when reading
  • Students who have a physical disability that makes manipulating print material difficult
  • Students who are blind or visually impaired

Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.
(tel: 800.894.5374)

WordQ
Quillsoft
(tel: 866.629.6737)

Mind-Mapping: Software that assists students in the brain-storming process and in organizing their work.
  • Students with organizational difficulties or learning difficulties

Mind Manager
Mindjet Corporation
(tel: 877.646.3538)

Inspiration
Inspiration Software, Inc.
(tel: 800.877.4292)

Time Management Tools: Software that allows students to create schedules, schedule appointments, and track assignments and contacts.
  • Students with organizational difficulties

Palm
Palm, Inc.

PocketPC
Microsoft Corporation

Screen Magnifiers: Software that allows students to magnify the size of what appears on the screen.
  • Visually impaired students or students who are susceptible to eye strain

Zoomtext
Ai Squared
(tel: 800.859.0270)

Writing Tools: Software that helps students correct their grammar or spelling mistakes.
  • Students with writing difficulties or second language learners

Antidote (French only)
Druide Informatique
(tel: 800.537.8433)

Screen Readers: Software that reads the computer screen aloud to students, replacing the graphical user interface with auditory interface. 

  • Students who are blind or visually impaired

JAWS
Freedom Scientific Products
(tel: 800.444.4443)

CCTV: Closed captioned television systems enlarge print texts using a camera and standard computer monitor.
  • Students who are blind or visually impaired
  • Individuals who are susceptible to eye strain or need to see fine detail

SMARTVIEW CCTV
HumanWare Group
(tel: 800.722.3393)

Training & Support

If you are a professor, lab administrator, IT rep, faculty or support staff member that supports adaptive technology in your sector, the Access Service can provide you with training and technical support. Our trainers offer one-on-one support and workshops. For more information, please contact the Access Service.

Where Can I Access Adaptive Technology on Campus?

On Campus

There are several locations across campus where you can have access to adaptive technology. (LINK TO AT AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS) In order to access these locations you must register with the Access Service.

Trial CDs

The Access Service can provide uOttawa staff with product trial CDs of the adaptive technology used on campus. Please contact the Access Service to have a trial CD sent to your office.