Disability Services at UNCW offers an array of assistive technology (AT) available for student use or accommodation need.  The Disability Services Technology Room is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of official university holidays and closings, as well as other specified times throughout the year.  Individuals registered with Disability Services who are interested in using the Technology Room or receiving any support regarding AT should call Disability Services (962-7555) to check on the availability of resources and staff. 

Upon request, members of the Disability Service staff are available to provide an AT consultation or training for registered students.  Additionally, an AT workstation is offered through Randall Library for greater accessibility on weekends and evening hours when the Disability Service office is closed (see http://library.uncw.edu/disabilities/equipment).

AT, described in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, can be software, equipment, or other products “used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Disability Services has taken an active role in identifying and obtaining necessary AT in order to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.  Students registered through Disability Services may access the following equipment for their academic/personal use: 

• Assistive technology available for use through Disability Services Technology Room:
• Closed Captioned TV (CCTV)  (Video magnifier)
• Dragon Naturally Speaking (Speech to Text Program)
• Enlarged key keyboards
• JAWS (Screen reader)
• Kurzweil 1000 (Reader)
• Kurzweil 3000 (Text to Speech Program)
• Premier Assistive Technology
• Scanners
• ZoomText (Screen magnifier)

• Staff supported assistive technology offered through Disability Services:
• FM Systems (electronic amplification/hearing system)
• Portable CCTVs (Video magnifier)
• Text in Alternative Formats
• UBI Duo (electronic communication device)

While some of the above technologies are also available in ITSD operated computer labs and in Randall Library, it is the responsibility of each academic department to provide necessary AT during the class meeting times to students with documented disabilities taking courses within that department. Students who require AT in order to access their courses or coursework are encouraged to register with Disability Services so we may support their efforts to gain the necessary AT.  The following is more expanded information on the AT available through Disability Services: 

Closed Caption Televisions

This device assists students with visual impairments or learning disabilities by allowing them to enlarge the contents of printed materials. The image is captured by a video camera which allows the user to adjust magnification level, focus, brightness, contrast, and coloration. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a fast, easy and accurate way to turn speech into text. Users can dictate into virtually any windows-based application. More information on Dragon Naturally Speaking can be found at: http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm 

FM Receivers

FM systems work like a small radio transmitter and radio receiver. A parent or teacher wears the FM transmitter and microphone. The receiver picks up the signal from the microphone and routes it to a personal hearing aid, cochlear implant processor or other device. 

JAWS

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is the most powerful screen reader and uses an integrated voice synthesizer and your computer's sound card to output the content of your computer screen to speakers. More information on JAWS can be found at: http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp 

Kurzweil

Kurzweil provides both audible and visual accessibility to word documents and web pages. The company is recognized as the leading developer of reading technology for people with learning difficulties and those who are blind or visually impaired. More information on Kurzweil can be found at: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html 

Premier Assistive Technology

Premier Assistive Technology has established a mission to provide assistive technology to persons with disabilities and give them access to today's technologically oriented world. They have developed a complete suite of products that address "reading, writing and information transfer" needs for individuals with visual, cognitive and mobility challenges. More information on Premier Assistive Technology can by found at: http://www.readingmadeez.com/company/ 

Ubi-Duo

Is an electronic communication device used by individuals with hearing impairments to enable instant communication. Additional information on the Ubi-Duo can be found at http://www.scomm.com/ubiduo

ZoomText

ZoomText, the world's leading low-vision solution, is available as a screen magnifier or integrated magnifier/reader. With magnification up to 16x, ZoomText enlarges and enhances everything on the screen, making all your applications easy to see and use. More information on Zoomtext can be found at: http://www.aisquared.com/zoomtext