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.

Locations

• Eastman – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch
• OLBPD – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Refreshable Braille Display, Sorenson nTouch
• Main Library – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Sorenson nTouch
• MLK – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Braille Embosser, Sorenson nTouch
• Memorial-Nottingham – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch, Adaptive Input Devices
• Rice – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch
• Rockport – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch
• South Brooklyn – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouch
• Union – JAWS, ZoomText, Duxbury, Open Book, Sorenson nTouchc