Temple University is committed to the goal of universal access in computing. Extensive support has been provided by Computer Services Technology Fee Grants, especially the Total Technology Access grants. Software and peripherals offering assistance to students and faculty with disabilities can be found throughout most computer labs on the main campus.   If you have any questions or concerns regarding adaptive or assistive technology, or require assistance in using the technology, please contact Patrick Gordon, Student Services Coordinator (AT), via Email at pgordon@temple.edu or contact the DRS office at 215-204-1280 to schedule an appointment.    

In most of Temple’s PC-based computer labs, a desktop icon opens a menu of specialized screen readers and screen enlargement software programs. The following programs are currently available:

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader program developed to allow persons who are blind to listen to printed text on a screen. It can read documents that can be adjusted for several languages.

Kurzweil 1000 (K-1000) is a screen reader also designed for persons who are blind.

Kurzweil 3000 (K-3000) is a multi-purpose screen reader designed for sighted persons with print reading difficulties, such as dyslexia. In addition to typical screen reading programs, the K3000 can highlight specific words, sentences or paragraphs and has dictionary and thesaurus tools. In combination with voice recognition software, it can also be used to dictate notes.

Window-Eyes is a screen reader program. Its functions are similar to those of JAWS and K1000.

Zoomtext Level 2 is a screen enlargement program, with optimal speech capability. It can adjust font size and color backgrounds according to the preference of the user.

Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) is voice recognition software that enables a person to dictate into a computer program without the use of a keyboard. In laboratories with high noise levels, DNS may not be effective without acoustic masks.

Additional software is available on individual workstations in Temple’s computer labs and can be identified by the screen icon on designated Total Technology Access (TTA) stations. These include:

 Inspiration- a mind-mapping program that some students with learning disabilities have found helpful in organizing ideas for essays and papers.

eClipse- a screen reader program needed to read copyright-protected titles from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic’s CD collection.

Adaptive computer equipment is available for students with disabilities, including:

• Raised, adjustable workstations

• Desktop CCTVs (closed circuit television systems)

• Large screen monitors

• A two-sided Braille printer

• Optical scanners

• Specialized interfaces

The CCTV consists of a camera, monitor, and viewing stand. When a book or document is placed on the viewing stand, a magnified image of the page is displayed on the monitor.  The magnification, brightness, and contrast can be controlled.  Several units, including the Aladdin Gene Pro model, have split-screen capacity.  A viewer can read computer-based text on half of the monitor while using the second section for writing notes or reading print.  These units are available in several larger labs.  Portable units are available through DRS.

The 20” and 21” large screen monitors are especially useful with large print software programs because the size of the text and graphics can be enlarged and displayed on the screen while minimizing the amount of scrolling needed.

High speed and standard, flatbed optical scanners that can convert text from a book or document to a computer file.  Additionally, The Reading Edge, stand-alone computers consisting of a built-in scanner and voice synthesizer, can read aloud pages from a book or document.  Both types of scanners can be used to import text for reading with various screen-reading programs.  The Reading Edge can also be used to listen to the text immediately or saved onto disk for later use.

The Braille printer is connected to a dedicated PC in the Scholars Information Center Lab, Tuttleman Learning Center. This printer allows transfer of word processing files into Braille using Mega Dots translation software.

Specialized interfaces are available at DRS for persons using augmentative communication devices to convert text into various software programs. Trackballs and related devices may be available on a needs-basis, although students who expect the need for specific technology should discuss availability with DRS staff prior to the time of actual use.

Some adaptive equipment is available for short-term loan through DRS. This includes:

• ALPHASMART and DANA

• Victor CD Players

ALPHASMART and DANA are lightweight, portable electronic keyboards. They temporarily store typed text for later upload to PC- or Mac-based documents.

Victor CD players are specialized, programmable CD players that read copyright-protected, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) audio-texts. Students who have received CDs from RFB&D can borrow a unit for a period not to exceed one semester. Students in need of this loan service should contact the DRS Student Services Coordinator directly.

To find out if a lab has a particular piece of equipment, go to: http://www.temple.edu/disability or call DRS at 215-204-1280 (voice) or 215-204-1786 (TTY) or email drs@temple.edu

Students can use the adaptive computer equipment and software programs during regular computer lab hours. To reserve equipment, call the computer lab in advance.  For a listing of Temple’s computer labs, along with their locations and phone numbers, go to: http://www.temple.edu/cs/labs

To receive individual training on using the adaptive computer equipment and software programs at Temple, contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS). Students who require extended direct assistance with computers are encouraged to contact DRS at 215-204-1280 (voice) or 215-204-1786 (TTY) or send e-mail to: drs@temple.edu for a list of specialized resource referrals.

For general computer-related questions, contact the Computer Services Help Desk.  Normal hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Extended hours are available during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. You can also contact the Help Desk at 215-204-8000 or send e-mail to: help@temple.edu