The McKay 290 Lab can assist with: 10PC Compatible ADA Software/Hardware: Kurzweil 3000, Kurzweil 1000, JAWS, DSpeech, Flatbed Scanners.
Text-To-Speech Software
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is the comprehensive reading, writing, and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or those who are English Language Learners. Kurzweil displays the textbook page on the screen and then highlights the words as it reads to you. Get information at http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx or stop by the reading center for a demonstration.
Kurzweil 1000
Kurzweil 1000 is software that makes printed or electronic text readily available to people who are blind or visually impaired. It combines accessibility, communication, and productivity tools to ease and enhance their reading, writing, and learning experience. For information, see http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz1000.aspx or stop by the reading center for a demonstration.
DSpeech
DSpeech is a free text-to-speech program you can get for your own computer. It has some pretty powerful features for a freeware program. Download your copy at http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/or you may stop by MCK 290 and ask for a CD copy. You may want to add a computer voice if your computer doesn't have any newer - more natural-sounding voices installed.
Computer Voices
Your computer may not have any pleasant-sounding voices to read text. You can add newer, more realistic-sounding voices from http://www.nextup.com/ or search on the web. Most voices run around $35.00. These voices work with most Text-to-Speech software, including DSpeech.
You can find information about alternative text options offered by the Assistive Technology Coordinator on the Alternative Text Options web page.
Other Services
E-Text
Requests for e-text must be made by the student in time for the books to be processed. If students do not use the books ordered, their eligibility for that service will be discontinued. Those students will have to provide additional rationale to Disability Services before the service will be renewed.
FM Systems
We have FM Systems where the Instructor wears a wireless microphone and the student has the receiver with ear bud to hear the lecture better. Please contact us well ahead of the semester to arrange for this type of accommodation.
Captioning in the Classroom
CART, C-Print, Typewell or similar services can be provided as required. Please contact us at least 4-6 weeks before semester begins to allow enough time to make arrangements with a captionist.
Voice Recorders
We have a variety of voice recorders that can be checked out for recording class lectures. Some have a USB port to upload the lectures (audio files) to your computer.
Audio Text Creation
Both Kurzweil and DSpeech have the ability to convert text to audio MP3, Wave or OGG formats. Contact a Kurzweil lab assistant for a demonstration.
Audio Books
Learning Ally (formerly known as RFB&D) is a program helping individuals with print disabilities, like dyslexia or visual impairments, succeed with reading. The company has a large library of books recorded by human readers and students can start off with a Free 10 day Trial. Signup online at https://www.learningally.org/adult-learners. Along with the Learning Ally's service, you may download the free Learning Ally Audio App on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Online Learning
Contact our office for help with online class accommodations.
Lab assistants are available to help with training and scanning books at the Reading Center in MCK 290.