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Equipment | Software | Service Priorities | Hours | Assistance | ATC Policy
Optelec 20/20 (Print Magnifier)
The Optelec reader magnifies any printed material and displays the enlarged image on a screen. Variable magnification levels are available.
Kurzweil Omni 3000
The Kurzweil Omni 3000 consists of a PC and a scanner, with OCR software and voice synthesis. In addition, this system includes Jaws for Windows (which enables any text displayed on the PC to be read through voice synthesis) and Zoomtext Xtra (which allows the text on the PC to be enlarged for easier viewing). Printed English-language material can be scanned and stored on user-supplied floppy disks. Omni 3000 software reads aloud, making it suitable for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It includes special visual cues for users with learning disabilities. By appointment, library staff will scan text into the computer in advance of the user's reading time.
JAWS for Windows
Software assists individuals with low vision or learning disabilities by reading screen text aloud from printed materials. It also executes commands for Windows applications by reading command menus aloud when the mouse is dragged over them.
ZoomText Xtra
Magnifies Web sites or document text on the computer screen and is able to read text aloud. It also allows users to change the contrast of images.
Dragon Naturally Speaking Software
Voice-activated software that recognizes a person's voice and transcribes the spoken words into text, enabling users to dictate papers.
NOTE: Dragon Naturally Speaking, voice-activated dictation software, requires a minimum of two hours of software orientation, voice sampling, and structured reading before its first use to create documents. All interested users are encouraged to schedule this time before research and writing needs become pressing.
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) and web browsers are also available.
First priority:
Southern Methodist students, faculty, and staff who need the technology to complete their learning, teaching, and work.
Second Priority:
Southern Methodist students, faculty, and staff who need to use the equipment because it supports their needs. For example, students who need to use a publicly accessible scanner.
Third Priority:
Members of the community with disabilities who need access to the assistive technology for education or research.
Library staff reserve the right to ask an ATC user to surrender a computer or resource to another user with a higher priority.
During the academic year, the ATC is open and basic help is available
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 10:00pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm
Contact the librarians for information on holiday, summer, or intersession hours or to make an appointment for individual assistance.
Reference staff are available to offer basic assistance and troubleshooting on software and equipment in the Assistive Technology Center. Manuals and user guides are available for software and equipment in the ATC. Users needing additional training or services may want to contact the UCP Assistive Technology Center. UCP Assistive Technology Center services may involve a fee.
Fondren Library Center Reference librarians have advanced training in the use of library resources and basic training in the use of ATC technology. Reference librarians are not trained in services to persons with disabilities. Please be sure to contact SMU's Services for Students with Disabilities at 214-768-4563 for support.
If your needs are not met by the services described here, or for information and assistance regarding the ATC or any other library resources, please visit the Fondren Library Center reference desk or contact the librarians by phone: 214-768-2326 or by email or chat. A staff member will return the message and work out a mutually agreeable time to meet. We may also assist you in identifying sources for other services or resources. Librarians are here to help you with your information needs. Please do not hesitate to ask a librarian for help by visiting, phoning, emailing, or chatting.
Suggestion boxes are located in the lobby of Fondren Library Center and or may be submitted online through Ask A Librarian. Your suggestions are appreciated.
