Adaptive Computer Technology

To be "plugged in" to the pulse of Ball State University, you will want to become familiar with computer technology available on campus. Please refer to the information below, or you may request the brochure concerning adaptive computer technology available through the DSD office.

Adaptive Computer Technology: Located in the Robert Bell building (RB 134G), this lab is specifically designed for users with disabilities. For more information, contact Carlos Taylor at 285-2000. While DSD certainly encourages students to use this lab, we also realize that many students have their own computers. We encourage these students to use the wonderful adaptive technology that is out there for students with disabilities. What follows is a list of various types of adaptive software and who these programs would benefit.

Type of Software: Text-to-Speech
Description: In combination with a scanner, this software allows students to hear the computer read print or any electronic text form of a document.
Who it Helps: A student who has difficulty with reading (decoding & encoding), attention, a racing mind, or proof-reading written work.

Examples:: - Kurzweil 3000
- Arkenstone Wynn & Arkenstone Ruby

Type of Software: Screen Magnification
Description: These programs not only allow material on the screen to be enlarged, they also allow other visual changes to enhance print on the screen.
Who it Helps: A student who has diffuculty with reading (decoding) or attention.

Examples:: - AiSquared Zoomtext; - Dolphin Supernova

Type of Software: Voice Recognition Description: This software allows students to verbally dictate written work directly into the computer. Most also allow voice control of the tool bar and other program functions. Many have voice-out features to allow students to listen to their written work.
Who it Helps: A student who has difficulty with writing organization, a racing mind, proof-reading written work, or the physical act of writing or spelling.

Examples:: - Dragon Naturally Speaking; - IBM ViaVoice

Type of Software: Written Language
Description: Such software is designed to spark ideas and organize thoughts when students are creating essays or reports. By using diagrams and flow charts, these programs help the writer see relationships and expand concepts.
Who it Helps: A student who has difficulty with writing organization or having a sufficient number of ideas.

Example:: - Write: Outloud

Type of Software: Word Prediction
Description: These products predict the word a student is starting to enter and offers the student a list of possibilities from which to select.
Who it Helps: A student who has difficulty with spelling or writing.

Examples:: - TextHelp Read & Write; - Co: Writer

While this obviously does not include all accessible software programs, it does give a good overview of the types of programs that are available to persons with disabilities. We also encourage you to contact GW Micro (located in Fort Wayne). GW Micro produces and distributes various software programs that can also be of assistance.

E-mail Communication is an easy way to communicate with professors and other students. Disabled Student Development sends mail to our students about upcoming events and areas of interest through e-mail.

DSD uses the campus e-mail system as a primary method of communication with students. To access a multitude of information, you will want to get an e-mail account through University Computing Services. There is no charge for an account. Usernames and passwords can be obtained in the Robert Bell building (RB 165). If you desire, your campus account can then be forwarded to another e-mail server you may be using. Computer lab assistants can help you do this upon request.

Phone Numbers: Some key administrative offices on campus have TTY's as do one of the entrances to each residence hall complex on campus. DSD's TTY number is (765) 285-2206. Please follow the link listed here for other campus TTY phone numbers: Campus TTY Numbers

Campus Operators are available to connect you to different departments. Reach them on campus by dialing "0" and off campus by dialing 289-1241. Campus Information can give you the phone numbers of faculty or students on or off campus. This phone number is 285-5000.

Relay Indiana allows those with TTY's to communicate with people without a TTY. A relay operator will repeat exactly what is said to the other party. The number is 1-800-743-3333.