Adaptive Equipment Available on Campus
Locations of each type of equipment are noted in parentheses.
| Type of Technology/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cassette/Tape Recorders | Compatible with Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Tapes (Library, LD) |
| TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) | Enables an individual who is deaf or has a hearing-impairment to communicate by telephone if the other party being called also has a TDD. (DSP&S) |
| CCTV (Closed-Caption TV) | Enables an individual who is deaf or has a hearing-impairment to read real-time captioning on TV (Library, Proctoring Room, LV 13) |
| Real-time Captioning Service | (DSPS, Sign Language Interpreter) |
| Assistive Listening Devices | (DSPS, Science) |
| Portable Word Processor | For note-taking (Check out at High Tech Training Center) |
| Scan-Read Equipment | Scans printed material into the computer, which reads it out loud.(HTTC, Library) |
| Copier | Makes large-print single copies of syllabi, tests, brief readings, and handouts. (DSPS) |
| NCR/Carbonless note paper | For note-taking by a classmate. (DSPS) |
The High Tech Training Center (HTTC) is a computer lab which provides access to students with disabilities. A student must be enrolled in academic classes at SMC and registered with the DSS in order to be eligible to use this facility.
Computer/Adaptive Devices in the High Tech Center
| Type of Technology/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Screenreading software | Provides speech output of documents for students with visual impairment and/or learning disabilities |
| Magnification software | for students with visual impairments |
| Voice recognition software | allows input into computer by talking rather than typing |
| Scan and read technology | Scans printed material into the computer, which reads it out loud |
| Braille translation software | translates computer documents into braille |
| Braille printer | prints out the documents above in braille |
| On-screen keyboard | for those who can use a mouse rather than type on a keyboard |
| Alternative input devices (e.g., trackballs, glide pads, joy stick) | provides computer access for students who cannot use a keyboard or voice input |
| Ergonomic Aids | adjustable chairs, footstools, etc. |
In addition to providing the computer equipment, Center staff teach students how they can use technology to compensate for any educational limitations caused by their disabilities.
Mainstream labs
All of the technology and ergonomic aids available in the High Tech Training Center (with the exception of Braille translation software and a Braille printer) are either currently available, soon to be available, or are available upon request (by students with documented disabilities) in campus mainstream computer labs.
Recommended technology and equipment for Santa Monica College Computer Labs include:
| Type of Technology/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 19-20 inch monitor capable of multiple resolutions including the lower resolutions (i.e., 640x480, 800x600) available on station with magnification software | With resolution held constant, the larger the monitor, the larger the screen images
appear. These enlarged images are extremely helpful for many people who are partially
sighted and/or have visual perception deficits. |
| Magnification software, including SoundBlaster compatible sound card for speech component (A networked installation is preferred to ensure availability from any station in addition to the station with the large monitor) | Enlarges screen images and provides integration of magnification with voice output |
| Large print keytop labels for stations with large monitor | Provides enlarged key labels for partially sighted people who benefit from magnification |
| Software specifically designed to the mouse pointer and insertion point | Provides clear, visible point to people who are partially sighted or have visual perception deficits |
| Screen reading software, including SoundBlaster compatible sound card | Provides speech output of screen for visually impaired and severely dyslexic students |
| Strategically placed locator dots | Provide tactile references |
| Voice recognition software, including SoundBlaster-compatible sound card | Enables verbal input for individuals who have difficulty using the keyboard and/or pointing devices |
| Trackball | Provides pointing alternative for people with physical disabilities |
| Scan/Read station -Components include a scanner and software for scanning and reading | Scans and reads printed material for people with learning disabilities who are auditory learners and for people who are visually impaired |
| Height adjustable tilting footrest | Provides appropriate table height for wheel chair users. Although more expensive, an adjustable table would meet the needs of a wider range of users |
| Ergonomic chair (adjustable height, back, and tilt) | Provides appropriate chair height, back position, and seat position for all users |
| Specialized keyboard, wrist rest, desk extension, arm supports, joy stick, scanning software with switches | Can be ordered on an as-needed basis to accommodate the needs of specific users |
| Aisle width to allow a 5- foot, wheel chair turning radius | Mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act |
| CCTV | Magnifies printed material |