Adaptive Technologies

Adaptive technologies help people with disabilities and seniors to live independently. Many of the devices are based on computer technology, and they let you read books, mail, letters, recipes, and other small print materials, use email and the Internet.

Use of these technologies is free, as is the training needed to operate them. For more information or to schedule training, please call OLBPD at 216-623-2911.

JAWS
for Windows by Freedom Scientific, is a screen reading program that runs on a computer. If you have low vision or are blind, JAWS provides voice output for the contents of your computer screen.

ZoomText Xtra
by A-I Squared is designed for the low vision user, combining a screen magnifier and screen reader all in one. It can effectively magnify the contents of your screen up to 32x larger than normal.

Closed-circuit television magnifiers
are available, that employ a video camera lens to enlarge text and images from 3-30x normal text size. CCTV’s allow users to change background and font colors, or look at photographs with ease.

Braille
If you read Braille, or need to type Braille documents, Duxbury Braille Translator is a Braille typing program that translates typed text into Braille. Braille embossers produce or “print” Braille documents. A refreshable braille display is a device that allows braille readers access to electronic braille or information typically displayed on a computer monitor.

Sorenson Video Relay Service
allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired to communicate using video, with hearing people in real-time, via a qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. It replaces TTY or Text Telephone.

Adaptive Input Devices
allows people with mobility impairments a variety of methods for interacting with a computer. Devices include an eye controlled input system, joystick mouse, large key and mini keyboards, trackball and touch pad.

Adaptive Technology Locations

CCTV Magnifiers are available for use within any Library Branch, at the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (OLBPD), and at Main Library, free of charge.

For help locating adaptive technology nearest you please call 216-623-2911.

The following is a list of branches, their numbers, and the adaptive technologies they contain:

OLBPD
Phone: 216-623-2911
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Refreshable Braille Display, Sorenson nTouch

Eastman Branch
Phone: 216-623-6955
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch

Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
Phone: 216-623-7018
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Sorenson nTouch

Memorial-Nottingham Branch
Phone: 216-623-7039
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch, Adaptive Input Devices

Rice Branch
Phone: 216-623-7046
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch

Rockport Branch
Phone: 216-623-7053
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch

South Brooklyn Branch
Phone: 216-623-7067
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch

TechCentral at Main Library
Phone: 216-623-2980
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Sorenson nTouch

Union Branch
Phone: 216-623-7088
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch

Walz Branch
Phone: 216-623-7095
JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch