The newly-renovated Adaptive Technology Training Center opened its doors last month to provide the latest in computer software technology to Ohio State students with disabilities.
The Office for Disability Services serves more than 1,200 students with hearing, visual and learning disabilities. The addition of screen enlargement, text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology is an important step in the development of distance learning at OSU, said ODS Director Ann Yurcisin.
Text-to-speech technology enables the computer to scan and read printed material, such as textbooks and handouts, aloud.
Speech-to-text software specifically suits students struggling with upper-body immobility or a writing disability. Through voice recognition, words appear on the monitor, and the user can get thoughts down without worrying about things like grammar and organization, Yurcisin said.
Distance learning is a growing trend among universities worldwide that involves online classes, class chat rooms, online lecture notes and video lectures.
“This is so empowering. More and more classes use distance learning,” Yurcisin said. “This allows a student with a disability to keep up with the rest of the class.”
Screen enlargement is also a possibility with the software.
“A low-vision student might use a program that magnifies the screen,” said Sean O’Briant, adaptive technology specialist. “These computers teach them how to accommodate themselves.”
Blind students may benefit from a computer that reads Braille across a keypad, where pegs emerge as the user moves the cursor around the screen.
She said the availability of equipment like this is “very unique” on a college campus.
“We’re one of just a few schools in the Big Ten that have services like this,” O’Briant said.
He said the goal of the lab is to establish a place for disabled students to work with their peers.
“We try to make a friendly atmosphere here, but we also try to make an inclusive atmosphere around campus with this technology,” O’Briant said.
One advantage of the software is that it can be applied to the Internet. The lab also has access to e-mail and word-processing programs available at other OSU computing sites.
Perhaps the best quality of the technology is its portability. It can be used at home, in residence halls and on the job.
“It can easily be transferred to the workplace,” O’Briant said.
Since the lab opened in mid-March, the small space it previously occupied in the ODS can strictly be used for employee work.
“Its really expanded our services and our office space,” Yurcisin said.
Funds for the renovation came from the university and the Office of Student Affairs, while a technology grant from the Ohio Board of Regents paid for the new equipment. Among those computing sites equipped with adaptive technology are labs in Denney Hall, Baker Systems and the Main Library.
