Assistive Technology Center

Assistive Technology Center (ATC)

The Assistive Technology Center (ATC) is a specialized computer center that provides and supports a variety of assistive technologies (AT) for students, faculty, and staff.  AT is traditionally used by individuals with disabilities to facilitate alternative means of access to information. However, many AT programs are often so effective that they are adopted into mainstream use. Thus, the ATC lab is open to everyone.

Any member of the CSUSB community may use the lab on a walk-in basis. The ATC lab is accessible 24 hours and staffed for support Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday.

The ATC is located on the south side of the main computer lab in PL-1109.D
 

Adaptive Workstation Locations

Tools / Apps

While the ATC provides a number of services and tools for our users across the campus, there are additional resources users can obtain on their own, or may already have access to. Below is a list of some of these solutions as well as software and programs already used by our ATC computers. One readily available tool is the built-in magnification feature in Windows 10: 

• Speechify

  • Speechify is a Text-To-Speech Program, that is designed to help students with reading difficulties. Users can activate it on any website, upload documents into their Speechify account, and even sync their Canvas account with Speechify, to automatically pull all class materials into the Speechify platform

  • Users who are interested in having a Speechify account created can fill out this interest form.

  • Speechify is funded through the CSUSB VETI program, and is only funded through June 2025.

  • We only have 100 licenses available. Apply soon before they are gone!

• ZoomText

  • A screen magnification program that allows individuals the ability to change how information is presented to them on the screen. Individuals can change the magnification of the screen, mouse size, mouse color, enable visual cues such as highlighting the URL bar, change how cursors are presented, and much more.

• Dragon Naturally Speaking

  • A voice control program that allows one to use our stations with just their voice. Navigate websites, write documents, respond to email, or anything else you may need to do to accomplish your tasks, just with your voice. No keyboard or mouse required!

• OpenBook / WYNN

  • These two programs allow one to take physical documentation and convert it into a digital format. From there, you can do many things to make hard-to-read documents more accessible and enjoyable. Change size, color, type, add your own notes, delete unnecessary information, and even convert your document to an MP3 and listen to it when you’re on a run, on a drive, or walking around campus.

• JAWS / NVDA

  • Both are screen reading programs that allow users with no or low-vision to more efficiently navigate webpages, desktop items, and documents.

• Natural Reader

  • Allows you to convert documents into MP3 speech, allowing users to more readily and easily access difficult to read documents.

• PEARL Cameras / Scanners / CCTVs

  • All of these are physical devices meant to allow individuals the ability to magnify, and enhance documentation to match their needs.

• Adjustable desks:

  • Can be lifted or lowered to meet the needs of the individual. 

• Immersive Reader

  • Immersive reader is an option built into most versions of Microsoft Word that allows users to change how information is presented to them. Allows you to change how information in a document is presented, such as highlighting five lines, three lines, or even a single line at a time. Additionally, users can also have Microsoft word read back sections of the document to them at a speed, inflection, and voice of their choosing.

• Win +

  • While the ATC offers a number of solutions and tools for users, sometimes our stations are not in the building or room a user would like them in. We recommend checking out the built-in solutions available on any PC.  Simply press the Win Key  + U at the same time to access the Usability window. From there, one can see the many usability solutions Microsoft offers, such as screen magnification, screen reading capabilities, color correction, and changing text size.

• Be My Eyes

  • With this fantastic app, blind and low-vision users can request help at any time from sited volunteers. For example, if a user is struggling to find their keys, they can launch the app, which will connect them to a sited volunteer that can see through the camera of the requester’s phone and help to find items they may be searching for. The app is free, and there are over 3 million volunteers signed up to help out at a moment’s notice for Be My Eyes.

Assistive Technology Home License

• Students, faculty, and staff are eligible to download a home-use license of certain ATC supported assistive technologies.  Download JAWS or ZoomText by following this link and entering your campus email address.

ATC Projects

• 3D Printing

  • The ATC is taking its first steps designing and producing 3D printed assistive technology devices that can be used to help accommodate our users. Check back here later on to see our designs and solutions!
     

    <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2iz3jh7lTGk?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0">Watch 3D Printing for Accessibility YouTube Video</a>

      <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jwCWzb4y1h4?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0">Watch 3D Printing for Accessibility YouTube Video</a>
     

  • Xbox Adaptive Controller / Accessible Gaming Program

    • The ATC believes that college should be much more than just going to class and gaining knowledge. It should be a full, well-rounded experience that everyone should be able to participate in. That’s why the ATC is developing an Xbox adaptive controller station that can be used to accommodate users who either wish to relax in between classes in the SMSU Gamer’s Lounge, or participate in the annual SMSU Cross-Up Fighting tournament. We provide access to, and training with, our adaptive gaming station to anyone who may need or may want to try it out. If you or someone you know are interested, be sure to contact our office!

• Hand Held Magnifiers

  • The ATC provides several hand-held magnifiers that can be rented out  to students, faculty, and staff. With these devices, users can magnify hard-to-see documents with small, pocket-sized devices that can perform additional tasks such as changing on-screen color contrast, freezing images, and 32x Zoom levels. These magnifiers are ideal for quick scans of small documents.

• CCTVs

  • With these devices, provided in the ATC, users can magnify hard-to-read documents, change color contrast, and even perform Optical Character Recognition. CCTVs are ideal for reading longer documents, such as books or class handouts.

• All-Access Station

  • With this station, we are creating a prototype computer workstation that will be capable of providing an even wider range of accessibility tools and options for our users. Built from the ground up with accessibility in mind, this station seeks to provide an even wider range of options for our users, such as arm mounted computer monitors that will allow users to position screens to their preferred height and angle, touch screen capabilities to provide extra options for users to work on projects and more!