ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
Assistive technologies are computer-based adaptations which enable persons with disabilities to fully utilize computer applications and access electronic information.
De Anza is committed to full and equal access to the educational electronic environment, including instruction, web and information resources and laboratories.
In order to accomplish this, the Special Education Division has established a training and instruction lab, the Assistive Technology Training Center, an alternate media production program and on-going consultation with the campus community to ensure technology access across all campus programs.
Assistive Technology Training
Center
Lab courses includes:
• Special Education 140—to learn what
assistive technology will best work, given your
needs and goals. Includes both basic evaluation
of assistive needs and more advanced, individualized,
or specialized training.
• Special Education 145—basic computer
and word processing skills using the assistive technology
you need.
•Special Education 190—Open lab opportunity
to use ATTC computers to complete course assignments,
work on assistive technology skills, and use specialized
assistive technology not available elsewhere on
campus.
The Lab is equipped with up-to-date computer hardware
and software based on the recommendations from the
Chancellor’s Office funded High Technology
Training Center. The assistive technology available
is configured to work well with standard educational
and work station applications, is supported by the
technology team, and is integrated as much as possible
on campus. Students may learn to use these through
individual and group instruction in the lab. There
are access tools for students with learning or cognitive
disabilities, vision impairments, and mobility limitations.
A complete list of current software and hardware
is detailed in Appendix, ATTC Hardware and Software.
Alternate Media Production
The ATTC lab contains specialized computer technology
to convert print materials into alternate media.
An Alternate Media Specialist works with students
and college staff to ensure that alternate media
are made available to eligible students. See the
section on Alternate Media for more information.
Assistive Technology Support
in On-Campus Locations
Special education staff members consult across
campus to improve computer accessibility.
De Anza supports a standard set of assistive technology,
which includes Zoomtext, JAWS,
DragonNaturally Speaking, and Kurzweil 3000. Wherever
possible, these are accessed directly through the
network.
For specific information and assistance with
assistive technology in campus labs, contact the
ATTC staff. They may also support you by providing
technology in other campus locations where computers
are used. Some software can be provided to many
different locations over the network. In other cases,
some programs and hardware need to be installed
locally on one computer.
The assistive technology available at De Anza is the current industry standard and is intended to meet most needs. If you believe your adapted computer needs are not being met, contact your DSS counselor/EDC advisor to discuss the situation.
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