Adaptive Technology Specialist: Don Winkie
Phone: (816) 271-4280 or (816) 390-2595

What is Adaptive Technology?
Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Technology-Related Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act of 1988).

Voice Activated Computer
The voice activated computer uses Dragon Dictate or Dragon Point & Speak, which has an active vocabulary of 30,000 words and can recognize many different voices. Students can dictate homework, research papers and answers to essay exams, and tape or put the document on a computer disk. Location: LRC, Rooms 305B & 305C.

Kurzweil Reader
The Kurzweil Reader scanning device reads printed material in nine different voices at a rate of 40 to 550 words per minute. Students can also tape or put the document on a computer disk. It aids visually impaired students and those with a learning disability, e.g., dyslexia or reading comprehension. Location: LRC, Rooms 305B & 305C.

Zoom Text
Students with a visual impairment can be trained to use a program called, Zoom Text. Zoom Text is a computer program that enlarges all images on the computer screen up to 16x the original. Two copies of Zoom Text, Version 2 are also available. This version reads the text on the screen with the use of the multimedia features and head sets. Different locations in computer labs on campus as needed.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Students with a visual impairment can also be trained to use the CCTV. The CCTV is a magnifier that will enlarge text and other objects in color. With the combination of a special camera, TV monitor, zoom lens and a high-intensity illumination, it increases the contrast and readability of just about anything. The CCTV magnifier is in the LRC, Room 305D.

Braille Capability
Brailling equipment is now available for students with visual impairments.