ADA STATION NOTES AND USAGE

We have replaced the simple audio message that used to play when the ADA PC started with a simple audio menu system that is read aloud so blind or visually impaired users can more easily start whatever program they may need.

The menu reads the following choices to users when you start the PC

1. For Jaws screen reading software press the number 1
2. For Zoom text screen magnification software press the number 2
3. To start Kurzweil 1000 directly Press the number 3.
4. Press the number 4 to hear physical description of all ADA equipment in this room.
5. Press the number 5 to exit this message.
6. Press the number 6 to repeat menu.

The Software

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0-Voice recognition
• JAWS 7.10-Screen reader for the blind
• Kurzweil 1000-Reads scanned documents for the blind
• Kurzweil 3000-Read scanned documents and teaches reading
• ZoomText 9.0-Screen magnification software
• Duxbury-Translates text into Braille for our Braille embosser/printer

We also have all the same media file support and the rest of the software that is installed for the public PCs.

USING THE SOFTWARE OVERVIEW

Kurzweil 3000 version 10

Kurzweil 3000 is probably the most commonly used program, it is for both the visually impaired and other learning and perception impairments.

It is mostly used for scanning and reading printed documents but you can also write new documents in Kurzweil 3000.In Kurzweil 3000 any words you have trouble with can be read to you, spelled aloud for you, and definition can be read to you.

For More instructions see the Scanning in the Kurzweil instructions on the ADA station

The best new feature is that you can output read documents to MP3 files that you can take with you like make your own books on tape.

On the file menu is a choice called Audio Files under that choose Create Audio File ? and you can choose the voice and the reading speed you want and the quality.

The files are created in a folder you can access from the Desktop where you can write them to a CD or DVD or you memory stick drive. Remember to bring one of these kinds of file storage with you.

Kurzweil 3000 does not though have a good interface for blind users that is where the Kurzweil 1000 document reading software comes in.

Kurzweil 1000 version 11

Kurzweil 1000 is another document scanning and reading program but it has an interface for the blind based on more voice instructions built into the program and a set of commands built into the number keypad on the right side of the keyboard. The keypad interface is very advanced and can be set to even do PC control and file management tasks. This is for advanced users only who are already familiar with Kurzweil 1000.

A simpler way to control the program is using the keyboard arrow keys to access the menus. Just press the ALT key in any program and you will access the drop down menus. In Kurzweil 1000 when you do that a friendly voice tells you what menu you are in. The left and right arrow keys change menus and the up and down arrow keys move through the menu choices while the Voice reads each choice to you.

Kurzweil 1000 can also output text files to MP3 audio files. On the File Menu under the Utilities submenu choose Create Audio File

Files are processed in the background and when it is done it rings a church bell like tone. It does not give you a choice of voices for MP3s though and its MP3 voice is a little rough.

Jaws for Windows version 7.1

Jaws for windows is a screen reader for the blind that provides an interface for the Windows operating system and programs through a set of keyboard commands and voice feedback.

ZoomText version 9

ZoomText magnifies the screen to any level you specify. It defaults to double the original size and running full screen. It has several high contrast modes including reverse video and black and white and other modes that may be better for specific vision problems.

The new thing in this version of ZoomText is that the magnified fonts now appear perfectly smooth and not pixilated. It is the sharpest version of ZoomText yet.

Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 9.1

Dragon Naturally Speaking provides a voice interface to your computer with both dictation and PC voice command modes. This version claims not to require training but in fact you still have to set up a user account and teach it how to understand your speech. But it does not take long.

Users who will need Dragon frequently will have to make an appointment with us so they can train it to their voice with the PC security off.

We bought a desktop mike especially made for voice recognition because we have had a problem in the past with head set microphones wearing out after only a few users. Position the microphone about 6 inches off to one side of your mouth instead of directly in front of you.

Duxbury Braille Translator

Duxbury Braille translator takes text files that you can open or copy and paste into its window in to Braille so it can be embossed with our Braille embosser, the Juliet Pro Braille embosser.

Getting Help Using the ADA Station

We offer basic assistance here in the library by appointment. Call us to reserve a time and we will get someone started with first time use of the equipment and software.
Call 845-257-3702 ask for Gary Oliver

If you need more in-depth help you would contact:
The Center for Academic Development and Learning phone number 845-257-3593 and speak with their Specialist for Disabilities and Learning Samantha Herrick.

You can also contact the Disability Resource Center to direct you to the assistance you need.
Disability Resource Center
Student Union Building 205
Phone: (845) 257-3020
Fax: (845) 257-3952
TTY: (845) 257-3014
E-mail: drc@newpaltz.edu

Of coarse we try to answer whatever technical questions patrons have as they arise here in the library.