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Assistive Technology

Home/Current Students/Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology 2023-05-09T08:17:29+00:00

Assistive Technology on Highline Campus

A variety of resources are available on campus. These technologies are available to all students.

Photo of Highline College classroom with assistive technology

Types of Assistive Technology

Screen Readers

A screen reader is software that reads the contents of a screen, including windows, navigation elements, dialog boxes, and the contents of documents. By describing what is on screen and is being interacted with, blind and low-vision users are able to effectively use their devices. Screen readers are designed for specific operating systems and generally work with most applications. With practice, screen readers are very powerful tools for users with vision disabilities.

Windows

Narrator

Narrator is a screen-reading feature built into Microsoft Windows. For more information, see Microsoft’s Complete guide to Narrator.

JAWS

JAWS is a commercial screen reader application for Windows 10 and later. JAWS is installed on certain workstations marked as “accessible” in the library and in the computer labs across the Highline campus.

NVDA

NVDA is a free screen reader application for Windows 7 SP 1 and later. Highline does not provide or support NVDA, but it can be installed on personal computers.

macOS/iOS

VoiceOver

VoiceOver is a screen-reading feature built into macOS and iOS. For more information, see Apple’s VoiceOver User Guide.

Chrome (for Chromebooks)

ChromeVox

ChromeVox is a screen-reading feature built into Chrome. For more information, see Google’s ChromeVox support page.

Magnifiers / CCTV Devices

Microsoft Accessibility Tools

Computers that use the Windows operating system have accessibility tools like Magnifier built in. Magnifier enlarges different parts of the screen and is part of the Ease of Access Center. To open it quickly, click the Windows menu and then type “Magnifier”. You can also pin it to your Start Menu or Taskbar. Go to the Microsoft website to learn more.

ZoomText

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email. ZoomText is installed on selected workstations across campus marked as “accessible”.

Acrobat Electronic Magnifier
DaVinci Video Magnifier

The Acrobat Magnifier and the DaVinci Magnifier are camera-equipped displays that magnify any text or item placed under the camera. Multiple viewing modes are available to adjust the displayed colors and contrast to improve legibility for low-vision users.

The Acrobat is publicly available on the second (entry-level) floor of the Highline Library (building 25).
The DaVinci magnifier is available by request in the Accessible Technology lab space in room 514 of building 25.

Acrobat HD Mini – Portable Battery Operated Electronic Magnifier

See near, far and everything in between with Acrobat HD-mini. High definition allows you to experience vivid colors and contrast, giving you a beautiful crystal clear picture and vibrant display. Its small footprint and lightweight design provides true portability from the classroom to home and work. A generous 13.3” display offers a large field of view, allowing you to see more on the screen. Easy to set up and ready to use, just take it out of its optional rolling case and you’re ready to magnify in seconds.

The Acrobat Mini may be checked out to students for on-campus classroom use. Please contact Access Services for more information.

Text-to-Speech Software

Read & Write

Read & Write is a browser extension that assists with reading, writing, studying, and research. It is available to all Highline College students, faculty, and staff. It is available for Microsoft Edge on Windows or Google Chrome on Windows and macOS and can be installed on home machines.

Speech-to-Text Software

Speech-to-text (dictation) capabilities are built in to Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android. If you would like any assistance in setting up this feature on your system, please contact Access Services.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon NaturallySpeaking gives the power to create documents, reports, e-mails and more—all by speaking! Fast, easy and amazingly accurate, it’s over three times faster than typing. Just use your voice to dictate and edit in Microsoft® Word and Excel®, Corel® WordPerfect®, and virtually all Windows®-based applications.

Please contact Access Services if you are interested in using Dragon Naturally Speaking.

Equipment

Adaptive/assistive equipment is available based on individual need. Please talk with Access Services.

There are many assistive technologies in the Library. Please visit the library website for information on where they are located.

Additional Technology Resources

Here is a list of freeware that is available for download on the internet.

Text-to-Speech software

Balabolka

Balabolka is a Text-To-Speech (TTS) program. All computer voices installed on your system are available to Balabolka. The on-screen text can be saved as a WAV, MP3, MP4, OGG or WMA file. The program can read the clipboard content, view the text from AZW, AZW3, CHM, DjVu, DOC, EPUB, FB2, HTML, LIT, MOBI, ODT, PRC, PDF and RTF files, customize font and background color, control reading from the system tray or by the global hotkeys.

To learn more or download go to the Balabolka website.

NaturalReader 11

NaturalReader is a text-to-speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy-to-use software can read to you any text such as Microsoft Word files, webpages, PDF files, and E-mails. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV. NaturalReader has many other functions, such as audio editor and OCR. With audio editor, you can be your own sound editor by recording, merging and editing audio files. OCR function works with your scanner to convert printed characters into digital text and it is up to 99% accurate. This allows you to listen to your printed file or edit it in a word-processing program.

For a free download go to the NaturalReader website.

If you need assistance in identifying where these resources are located, please contact Access Services.