Assistive Technology
Goal
Our purpose is to create and increase independence for individuals with learning disabilities. We seek to do this by finding ways for persons with learning disabilities to use their strongest modes of communication.
Services
The Technology Resource Center for Learning Disabilities is a demonstration site for the state of Nebraska. We are pleased to be able to display a wide variety of products. Our aim is to provide information on technology available for demonstration.
Hardware
"Hear It" - a microphone that allows the user to focus in on the speaker with minimal interruption from background noise.
Quicktionary Reading Pen - a battery-operated pen that scans and reads aloud single-word text through the built in speaker or earphones. Also has a dictionary.
AlphaSmart - a portable keyboard that runs on two AA batteries and allows the user to type up to 64 pages of text, then transfers files to a desktop computer for formatting and printing.
Ergo Pens - specially shaped pens designed to alleviate writing fatigue for students with dysgraphia and fine motor skill difficulties.
Casio Calculator/Wristwatch - a digital recorder, memo pad, calculator and alarm clock that has a built-in speaker and microphone that lets the user record 30 seconds of voice messages.
Speaking Language Master - a portable electronic book which provides instant access to a dictionary, thesaurus, spelling correction and a number of word games.
Intel Reader - a device that captures printed text, converts it to digital form, and allows magnification and/or audio playback.
Additional equipment includes two laser printers and the use of TLC computers for homework and/or testing.
Software
Dragon Naturally Speaking - a large vocabulary, speech recognition system. Allows the user to enter commands and dictate text by speaking into a microphone.
Kurzweil 3000 - text to speech software program that uses a bimodal approach by presenting material simultaneously in auditory and visual modes to increase concentration and retention. Utilizes traditional study aids such as highlighting, bookmarks, text and voice notes.
Read & Write TextHelp - It reads aloud as you type or reads any document. It also provides full screen reading of text, menus and icons.
Inspiration - a visual idea development tool. Inspiration makes it easy and fast to create mind maps, cluster diagrams and idea maps as part of the brainstorming and planning process.
JAWS - a screenreader that reads information aloud providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education, and job related applications.
Personalized Demonstration
If you would like a personalized demonstration for an individual or a group, please call 402.486.2506 to make an appointment.
The Technology Resource Center for Learning Disabilities is located in the Teaching Learning Center and is accessible to handicapped persons through the east entrance. Please call 402.486.2506 for further information on accessibility.
Hours
The Technology Resource Center for Learning Disabilities is open during the following times:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Appointments can be made for evening, holiday and summer times. Please call 402.486.2506.
Contact
For more information on the Technology Resource Center for Learning Disabilities, please contact:
Teaching Learning Center
Union College
3800 South 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
For more information on Assistive Technology sites throughout the state of Nebraska, please contact:
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
Nebraska Department of Education
5143 South 48th Street, Suite C
Lincoln, NE 68516
402.471.0734
888.806.6287
Email: atp [at] atp [dot] state [dot] ne [dot] us
Web: http://www.atp.ne.gov
AT 4 All
1313 Farnam on the Mall
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: 402.595.1923
Email: AT4All [at] AT4All [dot] com
Web: http://www.at4all.com
The Technology Resource Center for Learning Disabilities is funded by a grant from the Woods Charitable Fund and is open to the public.