Assistive Technology

The Jennifer Keeping AccessAbility Centre offers a wide spectrum of adaptive technology to students with disabilities at Cape Breton University. It is available to students here at the Centre, on loan, or for purchase. It is also available upon request if it is not currently provided.

Available assistive software and equipment:

Computers: The Center has a room equipped with computers so that students have the ability to access adaptive software (i.e. kursweil) that they need. Desktops and laptops are available for examination purposes, internet access, etc.

Scanners: Here at the Centre, scanners are used primarily for scanning textual material, such as a textbook or an article, where it is then converted into an alternate format to meet student needs.

Closed circuit televisions: The CCTV is a screen magnification tool that gives students with visual impairments the ability to read regular size print material as it is enlarged on a screen.

Braille embosser and Laser Jet Printer: Enables students to emboss or to print off text material directly from a computer or from another source, such as a Braille writing tool.

Note taking devices: Since some students are unable to take notes in the same way as other students, note taking devices are available. This enables students to take notes efficiently and effectively. Some examples would be laptops, Braille Notes, Pac Mates, and QWERTY keypads.

Magnification Devices: The Centre carries magnifiers to assist with student reading for those with vision impairments. Magnifiers help to enlarge the print.

Kursweil Educational Systems: Kursweil is a "text-to-speech" program that requires the use of a scanner. It enables students with learning and visual disabilities to scan print material onto the computer where it is then read to them with this special software.

ZoomText Xtra: ZoomText is a screen magnification program for the visually impaired. It acts as a "magnifier" for the computer monitor.

JAWS: Job Access With Speech is a "text-to-speech" program for the blind. It reads to the student what appears on the screen to a sighted person. It requires the use of keyboard commands.