Adaptive technology is any piece of equipment that eliminates or diminishes barriers to information, and maximizes independence.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE?
The following adaptive technology (both computer-based and non-computer-based) is available to the
public:
- Assistive Listening Devices: Customers attending programs in the John Dutton theatre (2d floor, Central Library) can request an assistive listening device to amplify sound.
- Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs): A CCTV
permits readers to enlarge and enhance printed text or photos. It can be
found in the Central Library, 5th floor. see
photo
- Hand-held magnifiers: Magnifying glasses for in-library are available in most library branches and departments.
- Reading Machine: A Kurzweil Reader scans print and reads it
aloud. Available at the Central Library,
5th floor.
- Text Telephones (TTYs): TTYs allow persons who have hearing or speech impairments to communicate by telephone. TTYs are available at the Central Library,
3rd and 5th floors), Fish Creek Library and Nose Hill Library.
ALEX (ACCESSIBLE LIBRARY EXPERIENCE) COMPUTER
WORKSTATION
Combines computer hardware and software features into a fully integrated workstation that
allows anyone to explore the Internet, use e-mail, prepare business
presentations or write term papers. Priority in using the ALEX workstation
equipment is given to people who require the specialized technology. The
scanner may not be used in tasks which violate copyright.
- Located at These Libraries: Country
Hills, Crowfoot, Fish Creek, Forest Lawn, Nose Hill, Shawnessy, Village Square, W.R. Castell Central.
- 90 Minute Introduction Available: Library customers
can call 260-2648 or contact their local Library to book a 90 minute orientation
to the ALEX computer workstation.
- Motorized Furniture: so the customers can adjust
the workstation to their specific physical needs. It is wide enough to
accommodate wheelchairs of any size and the 19 inch screen monitor can be
pulled forward on a sliding platform.
- Different Keyboards: with adjustable
touch-sensitivity and size of characters make it possible for anyone to use a
computer.
- Head Mouse and Switch : make it possible
for people who have controlled head movement and a lightweight tapping
touch to use a computer with visual onscreen keyboard.
- Screen Magnification Software: increases
the size of text on the computer screen.
- Screen Reader Software: reads aloud the
content of the computer screen.
- Braille Display: presents computer
screen content by touch using movable columns in Braille patterns.
Available only at Village Square Library, Shawnessy Library, W.R. Castell
Central Library.
- Braille Printer : changes computer screen
content into a paper document embossed in Braille. Available only
at Village Square Library , Shawnessy Library and W.R. Castell
Central Library.
- Optical Character Recognition Scanner:
information only available in print can be scanned into the computer,
displayed and spoken aloud by the screen reader software so that text becomes
accessible to people with print disabilities.
- Word Prediction Software: assists in
preparing written documents by signaling spelling problems and
then giving complete word suggestions with audio support to make
reading, writing and editing of documents easier for people with learning
disabilities, literacy challenges or with English as a Second Language..
- Computer Operation by Voice: using a
microphone and headset people can instruct the computer to create
documents, send and receive e-mail and explore the Internet.
