Assistive Technology
"Special Technology”
There are over two dozen "Special Technology" hardware and software adaptations available at the Center. Persons wishing to explore the assistive technology options listed below shoul call the STAR Center PRIOR to their first visit to schedule an exploration interview so that we can help you find the technology which may best fit your needs.
Advisory Board President, Tom Ross
Below is a description of some of our assistive technology hardware and software:
1) Matias Corporation's Half-QWERTY Keyboard http://matias.ca/halfkeyboard/
This keyboards allows for fast, one-handed touch typing with either hand, as well as standard two-handed typing. To type with Half-QWERTY you place your hand on the keyboard, where it would normally be if you were touch typing. For letters of the other hand, simply hold down the space bar and do the finger movement the other hand would have done. Tapping the space bar still types a space.
2) Tracker One http://www.madentec.com/intro/
Tracker One is an advanced head pointing device. It helps make computer access even easier as it operates from the USB port of your computer or compatible AAC device, giving people the freedom to be completely mobile without the need of battery packs or power adapters. Tracker One was developed to give mouse control to people with Quadriplegia, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and any other disability where the user has little or no control of their hands to use a standard mouse.
3) IntelliTools http://www.infogrip.com/?RecordNumber=886
IntelliKeys isa keyboard that’s flexible enough to meet a wide variety of access and learning needs. Unlike the standard keyboard normally attached to the computer, the IntelliKeys look and functionality is changeable by sliding in different overlays. The keyboard comes with six standard overlays plus a setup overlay, which are ready to use with any word processing program or software that has keyboard input. Also current IntelliTools configurations include more interconnectivity with the Internet.
4) ZoomText https://www.zoomtext.com/
ZoomText enlarges, enhances and reads aloud everything on the screen, with unmatched quality and performance. Access to documents, email and the Internet has never been easier or more accurate. The new ZoomText comes in two great products; ZoomText Magnifier - a standalone screen magnifier, and ZoomText Magnifier/ Screen Reader - a fully integrated magnifier and screen reader.
5) "Dragon NaturallySpeaking" http://www.nuance.com
Use your Voice to type! NaturallySpeaking is a dictation program that allows the user to generate text by speaking into a microphone attached to the computer. It allows users with limited hand use, or poor typing ability, to rapidly generate text by speaking. While Dragon NaturallySpeaking is useful for persons with physical issues involved with dictation, is not intended as a replacement for language arts training.
6) JAWS, screen reader http://www.freedomscientific.com
JAWS is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display. JAWS is produced by the Blind and Low Vision Group of Freedom Scientific.