Screen Readers - software packages which enable people with visual impairments, blindness, or cognitive disorders to access information on the web. The programs scan the text and then read it aloud using a voice synthesizer. Some of the most common screen readers are JAWS, Open-Book, Window-Eyes, and Hal. The software will also verbalize on-screen alerts or notifications.
Speech Recognition - Speech recognition software allows a user to input text by voice, navigate between tasks and give standard commands to the computer verbally--basically enabling the user to use the computer hands-free.
Video relay system - a product provided by Sorenson Communications which they provide free of charge to libraries. The relay system sends video of a sign-language using person to an interpreter who speaks what is being signed to the hearing person. Then the spoken response is signed back to the sign-language user via video. www.sorenson.com
Enlarging Software - allows patrons with low vision to use the computer applications by enlarging the screen display or tailoring the screen display to accommodate their disability. Depending on their needs, text size can be increased or background and text colors cam be changed. Thus, standard sites like Facebook, search engines, and the user's own email account can be easily viewed. The software packages, like Zoomtext Xtra, Magic for Windows, Lunar, and Supernova are easy to install, work with most operating systems, and cam be quickly customized to suit individual users.
Closed-Circut Television Monitors (CCTV) - magnifying systems which use a video camera lens to enlarge the text on any printed matter placed underneath it, from 3 to 30 times its original size, projecting the text onto a TV monitor.
Keyboard alternatives - many specialized products exist to help people with disabilities enter information into the computer. Keyboards with oversized keys are designed for users with limited dexterity in their hands. Micro-keyboards are designed for users with limited range of motion in their hands. Onscreen keyboards are controlled by head movement. A Madentec Tracker is an input package in which the user wears a tiny reflective dot on their head, the movement of which is tracked by a computer camera, which controls the movement of the cursor.
Mouse Alternatives - multiple products exist to replace standard standard computer mice. There are over-sized mice with larger buttons which can benefit people with limited dexterity in their hands, including arthritic users. Some mice have color-coded buttons to make their functions more apparent to users with limited cognitive abilities. There are also a variety of roller-ball and joystick mice available that are easier for people with certain movement disorders to operate.
Low-Tech Assistive Technology - consists of such things as hand-held magnifiers, signature guides, recorded books, large-print books, and Braille books. Also white-boards and markers can be used for communicating with deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons and those with low-vision because of their high-contrast effect and large surface on which to write very large text.
Hardware, Workstations and Monitors - Accessible workstations allow patrons to adjust the height of the work surface to accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. Monitors can be mounted on swinging arms to that patrons can bring them closer, or tilt them, for better visibility. Oversized monitors (over 20 inches) are useful for low-vision patrons, especially those using screen enlarging software so that they can view a greater portion of the screen at one time.
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