I. Checklist For Adaptive Technology Use
Planning and preparation are keys to students benefiting from Adaptive Technology use. Adaptive technologies often require orientation plus practice for students to achieve results they desire. Students with that mind set should consider taking the following actions:
Plan Ahead
If you plan to succeed in college, plan way ahead. Time is of the essence. It takes a significant amount of TIME to research computers and adaptive technologies. It may take quite a bit of TIME to find the finances to purchase the appropriate equipment. TIME will pass while you locate the proper vendor and/or orientation. Learning to use a computer is a process that takes TIME. Learning to use a computer with adaptive technologies is even more TIME-consuming. It will take TIME to learn the unique computing environment on campus and how to utilize whatever adaptive equipment is in place.
Learn to Use a Computer
Even if you plan to study something non-technical you need to know how to use a computer, especially if your disability makes writing and/or reading difficult in some way. With the help of adaptive software and/or devices, computers can help you to do things that are essentially non-computing tasks, such as reading a book, doing math, or engaging in research. If you plan to study something that is even remotely technical, you can count on a computer being an integral part of your college experience. The following are basic computer skills that every Santa Fe College student (especially those with disabilities) should have:
- Keyboarding Skill
These skills are especially important for students who are blind or have visual impairments, as much of the adaptive technology geared for visual impairments is operated via the keyboard. Students with manual and fine-finger dexterity disabilities should at the very least be familiar with the layout of the standard keyboard and how to use sticky keys and/or mouse keys. - Internet and Email Skills
There is an enormous amount of information available via the Internet, and many college courses today use the Internet to some extent. Learn what browsing is and how to do it, how to search and use the Internet for research, and how to use email. Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer both have features which make them more accessible to those with disabilities. - Windows Operating System
Although the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of Windows has revolutionized computers for many people, it has made computers increasingly difficult for many people with disabilities to use, especially those with visual impairments and blindness. Some form of adaptive technology and special training will likely be needed to be able to learn and use Windows. - Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Navigation Skills
SF expects students to use CANVAS for many course functions for lecture, hybrid and online classes. Learn about Canvas at SF's Canvas Help. See also Getting Started with Canvas as a Student, and Canvas on Mobile Devices Information. - eSantaFe Account Navigation Skills
These skills are critical as SF expects students to use eSantaFe, a secure web-based system, to register for or drop courses, pay fees, browse for course availability, access student information over the Internet etc.
Know Appropriate Adaptive Technologies for Disabilities
Make it your business to find out what technology is appropriate to accommodate your disability:
- What are your educational disability-related difficulties?
Taking Class Notes? Reading? Writing? Using a computer? Organization? Using equipment such as microscopes? - What do you need to be able to overcome these difficulties?
This can be an easy question or a hard one to answer. Often the answers don't become clear until you do the next step. - What adaptive technology exists that may help me?
To answer this one, you need to do some research. It is an expensive, but very common mistake, to choose the wrong adaptive technology, either because the need is not clearly identified, or because the functions of the adaptive technology are misunderstood.
Consider Examples of Adaptive Technology for Specific Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
Extra-large monitors, electronic notetaking devices, document reading software that converts text to speech output, typing echo software, spell-checkers, word-prediction software, concept mapping software, scanners and OCR software to convert hard-copy text to computer text, voice-recognition typing programs. - Visual Impairments
Extra-large monitors, screen-enlargement and screen-reading software, typing echo software, CCTV to print material, scanners to convert hard-copy text to computer text for magnification or use with text-reading software, talking calculators, large key labels on keyboards, Braille Notetaking devices, text-to-Braille conversion software, Braille printers, talking calculators. - Physical Impairments
Special keyboards and other input devices, voice-recognition software, word-prediction software, scanners to convert hard-copy text to electronic text.
Identify AT Resources
In moving through this checklist, the number one concern for many students is money. Computers are expensive, and so are adaptive technologies, especially when you figure in the cost of training. As you research your options, keep funding sources in mind. The following are common sources of AT access, information and possibly funding.
- Disabilities Resource Center Adaptive Technology Lab in S-222
The AT Lab staff can advise you as to what adaptive technologies are available and the college supports. AT Lab staff can also help you find resources and provide orientation on adaptive software or devices. - SF Library or Big Open Lab Internet Search
If you do not own a computer, you could use a student computer at the college. Use search engine keywords, such as "visual impairment " and "adaptive technology". - Local Library Internet Search
If you do not own a computer, you might use one at your local library. Use search engine keywords, such as "visual impairment " and "adaptive technology". - Vocational Rehabilitation
This Federal-State agency has an office in Gainesville and regional offices around the state. That agency may be able to help identify sources of adaptive technologies and help with the cost of purchasing such technologies necessary to succeed in college. - Division of Blind Services
This State agency works with individuals who have visual disabilities. DBS has an office in Gainesville and offices around the state. That agency may be able to help identify sources of adaptive technologies and help with the cost of purchasing such technologies to succeed in college.
Acquire and Learn the Adaptive Technology Appropriate to Your Disability
To get to this point, you needed to:
- Gain access to or purchase a computer.
- Learn how to use the computer.
- Find out what adaptive technology you should use.
- Buy the technology, if possible, or find a source for access.
Congratulations! Now you are ready to spend time learning how to use your new tools!
II. Adaptive Technology Orientation
Adaptive Technology Orientation through DRC Adaptive Technologies Lab in S-222. M,T,H,F from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.