Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product that is used to increase, maintain or improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities: tools to promote independence across all areas of living. Students can access assistive technologies by visiting one of our Technology Labs and consulting with an Assistive Technologist.

What does the Assistive Technologist do?

• Carries out equipment assessments based on student needs
• Researches and recommends software for individual student needs
• Provides individualized training and continued support in the use of Assistive Technology
• Provides practical, transferable skills that will carry over into employment
• Refers and works closely with the Learning Strategist

Location of Technology Labs:

• Trafalgar Campus
  B103C - Across from Tim Horton's
  Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  
• Davis Campus
  B227 2nd Door
  Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
  Monday, Friday

The following software/hardware is available in our Labs:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking - Version 8
  Speech to text software program that allows you to turn your voice into text by speaking naturally. Allows user to dictate into virtually all windows based applications. This program is an excellent alternative for persons who articulate better verbally than they do in writing.
  
• Inspiration - Version 7.5
  Visual mind mapping program and organizational tool that helps strengthen critical thinking and organizational skills.
  
• Kurzweil 3000 - Version 8 for Windows, Version 3 for Macintosh
  Text to speech software that allows users to scan in and read text, convert to MP3 format and aid in definitions, spelling and word prediction. Has a study skills tool bar which allows users to highlight main or supporting ideas for studying purposes.
  
• TextHelp Read & Write- Gold
  Software program that will help improve reading & writing skills, with features such as speech feedback, phonetic spell checking, word prediction & homophone support to cover every aspect of the learning spectrum.
  
• Word Q
  Software program used along with standard Windows word processing software to provide spelling, English grammar and reading assistance. It uses advanced word prediction to suggest words for you to use and provides spoken (text-to-speech) feedback.  
  
• Dana AlphaSmart
  The alternative to the laptop, lightweight, durable and affordable, with palm capabilities. Ideal solution for writing papers, taking notes, collecting data or just keeping organized.
  
• Digital Camera
  Alternative for in class notetaking. Allows students to capture notes/pictures from the board into a digital format for later use.
  
• EZ Daisy Portable CD Player
  The lightweight Daisy Player that is compatible with CD's and MP3 CD's. Play your textbooks or your favourite CD.
  
• Franklin Language Master 6000B
  Portable device to improve word recognition, pronunciation and grammar.
  
• Palm Pilot - Tungsten T3
  The easy way to keep track of appointments, to-do-lists, names and numbers. Set alarm reminders, take voice memos and work on your assignments with 'documents to go'.
  
• Sony Digital Recorder
  Compact and lightweight recorder with the capabilities of storing a maximum of 340 folders and 965 voice files. Allows overwrite and recording cue/review, indexing and priority. Includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
  
• Quicktionary Reading Pen
  Portable reading device that allows you to scan in a sentence and have it read back to you.