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Assistive Software

Our computer lab is now managed by Instructional Technology, which means that they are in charge of how the PC’s work. I won’t go into my feelings on this, but so far it seems to be working O.K. The PCs in our labs have ALL of the software that is available in ANY of the other PC labs on campus. Speaking of Assistive Software, here is a list of software currently available in our lab and study rooms:

JAWS – A screen reader for users who are Blind.
MAGIC – A screen magnifier for users who have low vision.
ZoomText – Another type of screen magnifier for users who have low vision
TextAloud - A text reader which may help users who have difficulty with written materials.
Kurzweil 3000 – Software developed specifically for users who have a Learning Disability. This is a very powerful program designed to assist in reading, writing, and studying for class.  
Eclipse Reader – A program designed to read DAISY books. More on what DAISY books are below.
Dragon Dictate – A program which translates spoken words into typed text. You talk, it types.
WYNN – More software designed specifically for users who have LD or ADHD. This is similar to MS WORD only having MANY more organizational properties. 
Duxbury Braille converter – A program designed to convert text into Braille dots for readers who read Braille.
Talking Typing Tutor – This typing teacher is perfect for everyone, but it is designed to work even with screen readers and persons who are low vision or blind.
ATT Natural Voices – These voices are designed to work with any screen reading or speaking software. It provides a more natural sounding voice than the traditional robot sounding computer voices we have heard.
Read and Write Gold - Software developed specifically for students with Learning Disabilities in reading or writing. This software allows users to organize notes, use fact maps to organize and create writing assignments, and utilizes special dictionairies to check spelling and grammar. This is probably THE best piece of assistive software available for this group.

Any and all of this software is available for all of our Student Support Services students to use. Some (like Talking Typing Tutor) are extremely simple to use. Others take a little bit of training or at least some poking around and figuring out. This brings me to my biggest point. I am available, and would LOVE to work with any student or students who would like to learn how to use ANY of this software. I am especially eager to work with students who would like to learn how to use Readn and Write Gold or KURZWEIL 3000. These two pieces of software are virtually guaranteed to help you if you have difficulties with either writing or organizing your notes. Ask me how, and I'll show you!

Scott armsteads@umsl.edu

One last thought, if you are using a particular type of assistive software elsewhere and would like to see it here, please let me know, we can explore the possibilities of having it added.