Premier Assistive Technology Grant Software

The Accessibility Resources Center department was awarded a grant from Premier Assistive Technology to deploy assistive software across campus.  Currently the following assistive technology is available in the Accessibility Resources Center office for student use.

• Talking Word Processor – An easy to use and fully functional word processing program combined with Text-to-Speech capabilities to help with reading, writing, and studying. Includes expanded word prediction; spell-check; a high speed highlight & extract function that lets you build your own study notes; talking grammar check; word repeat, pause, magnify and key echo; and integrated 250,000 word English dictionary as well as medical and legal dictionaries.
• Scan & Read Pro – Uses state-of-the-art Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to convert hardcopy printed text into both digital text and understandable audio.  Full-powered scanning application with full voice capabilities for reading combined with electronic document creation with easy to use controls and includes built-in word processing capabilities.
• Text Cloner Pro – Scanning application designed to work with the voice capabilities of an existing screen reader.  It features a high-performance Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine as well as a built-in spell checker. It also has one-touch functionality which means all important tasks can be accomplished with a single keystroke.  Works great for individuals who already have screen reader software.
• Text to Audio – A high-end application that converts electronic text into audio files.  “Clear audio” technology ensures the highest fidelity digital speech audio.  It can be used to turn E-books into Audio books. Can create 10 different types of audio output, including WAVE, MP3, GSM, MP2, WMA and VOX.  Includes a built-in talking word processor.
• Premier Predictor Pro  – The prediction of words can significantly help those who struggle with writing, grammar and composition, regardless of cause.  Predicts and reads each word aloud and allows the user to select any word from the list. It also includes a built in talking dictionary, word search and Document Digester.
• Universal Reader Plus – Read anything you highlight or point to on your computer screen.  Works with virtually any application – Word files, PDF files, web pages, email, and flash. It includes a Language Model Information Summarization (LMIS), which allows the user to summarize information making it a valuable study tool.
• Premier Internet Toolbar  – For Microsoft Internet Explorer, a custom toolbar, which includes easy access to Premier Tools. It will read anything you highlight or point to on the web page and can even turn a web page into an audio file that can be converted to PDF or an MP3 file. Features zoom capability, talking dictionary, comprehensive text reader, and a text summarization utility.
• Ultimate Talking Dictionary – a comprehensive, unabridged dictionary.  Contains over 250,000 words including slang, jargon & historic figures along with a fully integrated Thesaurus.  Will read the definition of a word and use it in a sentence to assist the individual with getting a true understanding of the word. The reader can look up a word without knowing exactly how it is spelled and search for words by concept.
• PDF Equalizer ML – transforms PDF files from mere content to true study tools.  Access, read, work with and supplement PDF files from any source.  Analyzes and converts PDF files to a variety of standard accessible formats such as MS Word, TXT, RTF & HTML. It also will read PDF files aloud and convert them to MP3 format. Has built-in note taking function, built-in text-to-audio, talking dictionary, language translation, information summarization, text highlighting features, scanning, text annotation and mark-up, and new edit PDF files feature. Supports English, French, and Spanish.
• PDF Builder – makes creating and manipulating PDF files easy.  Complete with multi-format export options, easy and complete manipulation of PDF files and the ability to merge multiple PDF files into a single document.  Compatible with all versions of Adobe Acrobat PDF files.
• E-Text Reader – an overall robust reading, writing and studying tool designed to help those who have trouble reading or comprehending the printed word.  Reads, using digital voices, electronic versions of books.  Can read any document in Standard Text, MS Word, Rich Text Format and HTML formats.  As a study aid, with full editing capabilities, documents can be modified by adding, deleting, and changing any text.  Text can be highlighted and extracted for notes or for points of interest; notes can be typed directly into an existing document and any number of bookmarks can be inserted to mark a place in the document for easy navigation.
• PDF Magic Pro – converts virtually any PDF file into any of 11 different fully accessible formats.
• Talking Calculator – a fully functional talking calculator that words with or without the use of a screen reader. It also displays the entries and results of your work.
• Magnify It – Turns the mouse into a magnifier. Has adjustable magnification size and levels, and is toggled on and off with a single keystroke.

Donation

The following software was purchased through a donation from a current student and parents in order to facilitate students with varying disabilities with access to technology and thereby enhancing their opportunities for academic success.  All of these software/equipment is deployed in the Accessibility Resources Center.  A CCTV is also located in the Marvin K. Petersen Library, and Zoomtext w/an enlarged computer screen and zoomtext keyboard are deployed in the Center for Learning Resources and in College of Lifelong & eLearning.

• Vision Technology Insight Video Magnifier (CCTV) – allows individuals with visual disabilities the ability to easily read books and other materials.  Users can select between color, high contrast black/white or high contrast white/black modes.  Features selectable color pallets, line markers and window shades.  Magnifier keeps objects in perfect focus and in great contrast while premium LED lighting eliminates glare and shadowing. 
• Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader – a powerful computer access solution for the visually impaired consisting of two adaptive technologies – screen magnification and screen reading.  Zoomtext allows the user to see and hear everything on the computer screen, providing complete access to applications, documents, email and the Internet.
• Abbyy FineReader  – A highly intelligent OCR (optical character recognition) software for creating editable and searchable electronic files from scanned paper documents, PDFs and digital photographs. ABBYY FineReader 10 gives you the power to unlock data in documents and images and transform them into manageable and accessible information. The application reaches beyond typical OCR capabilities such as page by page recognition by processing complex, multipage documents including their original structure. ARC uses this software to create electronic textbooks accessible for students with print disabilities.
• Text-Help Read & Write Gold – award-winning literacy software solution that allows struggling students to access any curriculum and complete reading, writing, and research assignments as well as take tests independently.  This customizable easy to use toolbar seamlessly integrates with familiar applications including Microsoft® Word, Internet Explorer®, and Adobe® Reader, allowing students to access the support tools they need from within mainstream software programs. It highlights and reads text aloud using natural sounding voices and also includes a comprehensive set of support tools for reading, writing, studying, research, and test taking.
• Research Tools with Graphic Organizer – Fact Finder, Fact Folder, Fact Mapper
•  Spanish Translator Tool – The new Translation Tool provides easy access to one-click translation of English words that a student gets stuck on. The tool works with any digital context, on-screen selections, accessible applications, website context, or digital textbook.
• Speech – Highlights and reads the words, sentences, or paragraphs in your document to aid with proof-reading.
• Spelling – Has a fast, advanced, spellchecker specifically designed to solve the most complex phonetic errors.
• Dragon Naturally Speaking  ~ gives PC users the power to create documents, reports and emails three times faster than most people type, through speech recognition, with up to 99% accuracy. Surf the Web by voice or dictate and edit in Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and most other Windows-based applications. Create voice commands to quickly insert blocks of texts or images — such as your name, title, and signature. Dictate into a handheld device when you’re away from your PC, or use a Bluetooth microphone for the same great dictation results without the wires.
• Kurzweil 3000 – a software designed to provide complete reading, study skill, and writing support to users with learning and reading difficulties, or those who are blind or visually impaired. It allows the user to access material on the screen, or from scanned documents, by displaying, highlighting, and reading aloud material.