Assistive Devices

Assistive Technology Lab - Location: Carrier Library, Room 102

The Assistive Technology Lab (ATL) is an adaptive lab geared toward providing equal access to electronic information for faculty, staff, and students with documented disabilities.

Hours of Operation: The lab is available for use anytime the library is open for operation.

Student Use of the ATLab: Students desiring access to the ATLab must be registered with the Office of Disability Services and have an ATLab Access Card issued to them. This card is required for entrance into the lab and should be presented with your JACard to the Carrier Library Circulation Desk to receive a key for the lab.

Faculty & Staff Use of the ATLab: Faculty and staff desiring to use the ATLab should have documentation of their disability on file with Affirmative Action (Faculty) or Human Resources (Staff). Please contact the Office of Disability Services to receive an ATLab Access Card. This card is required for entrance into the lab and should be presented with your JACard to the Carrier Library Circulation Desk to receive a key for the lab.

The lab contains the following technology and adaptive equipment:

Hardware:

• 2 Dell Optiplex GX1 computers
• 1 Power Mac G3
• 1 HP Scanner
• 1 HP Laser Printer

Specialized Software:

Screen Reader Software

• Jaws for Windows 3.7 - Jaws utilizes an internal software speech synthesizer and a computer's sound card to read aloud information displayed on the computer screen thus enabling equal access electronic information

Low Vision Software:

• Zoomtext Xtra - Level 2 - Version 7.0 - ZoomText Xtra is a screen magnification and screen reader software programs designed specifically for the low-vision computer user. ZoomText Xtra includes DocReader", a tool for reading text from any Windows application. DocReader automatically reads through complete documents, including web pages and email.

Scanning & Reading Software:

• Arkenstone Open Book - OPENBook reads, edits and manages scanned images from books, magazines, manuals, mail and other printed documents. OPENBook turns a computer system into a scanning and reading machine, offering blind and vision-impaired individuals access to printed materials.

Literacy Scanning & Reading Software:

• WYNN Wizard & Reader - WYNN (What You Need Now) is a PC-based software package that helps you read, write, study, and comprehend effectively.

Adaptive Equipment:

• Low-vision magnifier
• Height adjustable computer tables and arm supports
• Ergonomic chairs

ATLab Orientation & Training: To set up an appointment to discuss your individual technology access needs and training on the software, please contact the Office of Disability Services at: (540) 568-6705.

Please visit JMU Computing Support & Lab Services for information regarding the general labs on campus.