Adaptive Technology

Binghamton University has a variety of adaptive equipment and software programs available for use by students with disabilities. We’re excited about our current technology and are always researching new innovations. Please speak with a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) regarding your individual information access needs and the resources available on campus. The following overview provides an introduction to campus adaptive and assistive technologies.

Bartle Library Adaptive Technology Room

SSD and the Glenn G. Bartle Library maintain a small computer lab in the Adaptive Technology Room (ATR) on the third floor of the main library. Students interested in accessing this lab must meet with the SSD Director or Learning Disabilities Specialist to obtain key borrowing authorization. The computers located in the lab support the following assistive software programs:

Kurzweil Professional 3000

• Allows students to hear text read aloud to facilitate comprehension.
• Students are able to choose from a variety of voices to hear the text read, as well as convert the audio to an MP3 format.
• Reads documents in PDF, MS Word, and KESI formats.

Adobe Reader

• Reads aloud documents that are in PDF format.
• Students may choose from a variety of voices to hear the text read.
• This software is available on every Binghamton University computer.

Premier

• Text-to-speech software that reads aloud documents in MS Word format.
• Includes a talking dictionary.

Inspiration

• Graphics software that makes it easier to visually organize ideas for essays and studying.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

• This speech-to-text software types text as an individual is speaking.

ZoomText

• Software that pairs a screen magnifier with a screen reader to assist students with low vision.

Jaws

• Screen-reading software designed for use with blind or visually impaired students.
• Jaws is compatible with external Braille hardware components such as Braille Note.

CCTV magnifier

• Device that allows for magnification of reading materials.
• Includes color contrast feature for individuals who are light sensitive.

Additional Adaptive Computing Resources on Campus

Several of the adaptive software programs listed above are available at other campus locations such as selected public computers in the Glenn G. Bartle Library PODS area, the Science Library, Academic A Building, and the Downtown Center library.  Each computer is marked by signage stating "Priority Access for Persons with Disabilities."  Questions related to priority access or technical use of the programs may be directed to the librarians in those areas or to the Services for Students with Disabilities office.

Assistive Devices

The Services for Students with Disabilities office has assistive devices available for students to borrow including:

Phonic Ear Portable Assistive Listening Device

• A professor's voice can be amplified for a student wtih a hearing impairment through the use of a lapel microphone, transmitter, and receiver.

Victor Vibe and Victor Wave portable players

• These machines play audio book CD-Roms that are in DAISY format such as those from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D)