Adaptive Devices

The following is a list of adaptive devices which may be available to students with disabilities. 

Although the groupings of adaptive technologies are in relation to disabilities with which they are most often associated, adaptive technologies may be appropriate for enhancing a wider array of functions that disabilities impact

For Learning Disorders or Multisensory Impairments

  • Talking Scientific Calculator
    Scientific calculator with synthesized speech output.
  • Digital Recorders
    Digital audio recorders to record lecture can enhance abilities of students with learning, visual, or physical disabilities to focus on lectures while capturing information for later review and processing.

For Blindness or Visual Impairment

  • CCTVs
    Computer-connected, desktop and portable electronic magnifiers allow students to engage in independent reading, homework, test-taking by projecting enlarged images of hardcopy materials onto LCD screens where size, color and contrast of text can be adjusted as needed.
  • Focus 80 Braille Display
    80-cell refreshable braille display students who are blind use in combination with JAWS™ screen reader and WinPrint software as a tactile monitor for navigating, reading and producing information in dynamic braille
  • Brailliant 24
    24 cell refreshable Braille display students who are blind use in combination with JAWS™ screen reader software as a Braille terminal.
  • Zoomtext Keyboards
    Large font keyboards for people with cognitive or visual impairments.

For Hearing Impairments

  • FM system
    Individual wireless FM system that provides auditory assistance to students by overcoming background noise, reverberation, and distance from the sound source.

For Neuromuscular, Neurological, Orthopedic, or Other Disabilities

  • SmartNav
    Hands-free mouse alternative that allows complete control of a computer by naturally moving the head.
  • Joystick Plus
    Mouse substitute joystick that offers students with upper extremity motor impairments control over the mouse cursor and button functions.
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard
    Ergonomic keyboard that eases physical strain and stress while typing for students with upper extremity impairments by offering a split sloped key arrangement, soft tactile key switches, and a wrist leveler that promotes a comfortable and straight wrist position.
  • Big Keys Plus QWERTY Keyboards
    Large button and cursor-control keyboards with auditory feedback that enable students with cognitive, visual, and motor impairments to access computer applications.
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