Assistive Technology
At John Jay, we’re committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to learning. Assistive technology plays a key role in helping students with disabilities overcome barriers and reach their academic goals. Whether you need support with reading, writing, note-taking, or visual access, we offer a range of software and hardware tools tailored to your individual needs. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used assistive technologies available through our office.
Kurzweil 3000 is text-to-speech software that reads and highlights text as the text is read. It helps to increase comprehension and memory retention for those who have learning and cognitive disabilities.
JAWS is a screen reader software designed to run on the Windows platform and is commonly used by blind and low vison students. Students can access the computer and many of its applications using a variety of keyboard commands. JAWS is also used to navigate websites and other web-based applications.
This is an online platform where the user can request for textbooks to be sent in a certain format that is compatible with screen readers.
This is an online, browser-based note taking platform that allows the user to record audio from course lectures and synchronize the notes taken with the audio recorded. It also allows the user to import slides and images. Audio transcription is po sible on this platform.
ZoomText is a screen magnification software that can magnify the computer screen at different levels to accommodate many degrees of vision loss. It can be used with many applications, including popular internet browsers. Magnified text may be read aloud as well. The mouse pointer color and the screen contrast can be adjusted to meet different users’ needs.
This hardware technology allows users to record class lectures and listen to them after class. They have four (4) separate folders users can can store the recordings in, which allows for organization. The recorders can store around 200 hours total of voice recordings.
This includes tables and workstations that can be raised or lowered to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs or have other mobility-related needs. The adjustable height ensures comfortable and accessible seating for all students, allowing them to fully participate in classroom or testing environments.
The Sign Glasses allow students to have access to a sign language interpreter, CART, or transcriber remotely. These practitioners will be interpreting or transcribing the lecture in real time for the student. Through the Sign Glasses website, you can also request transcription or interpretation services for remote lectures.
The Irie BrailleTrac is a braille embosser that can generate high-resolution tactile graphs using 8 different distinctive dot heights. The dot heights can be used to depict the different colors of an image or to add details such as depth.
The Livescribe pen is a smart pen that uses unique micro dot paper to record lecture audio that is synced with the student’s handwritten notes. It allows the student to go back and review the recording of incomplete or missed notes by simply tapping on the notes with the pen.
- The device on the right is a ClearReader+, a text-to-speech reader designed for individuals with learning or cognitive disabilities. It scans printed text and reads it aloud from beginning to end. Users can adjust settings such as reading speed, volume, and specific sections of the text.
- The device on the left is a ClearView+ speech, a desktop video magnifier used by individuals with visual impairments. It enlarges printed material and displays it on a screen to make reading easier. The magnification level and display settings can be customized based on the user's needs.
This transmitter/receiver system is used by individuals who are hard of hearing to enhance the lecturer’s voice (volume). A typical setup includes the professor and a student in the classroom. The professor wears the transmitter and the student wears the receiver.
This device is a pair of screens with an integrated keyboard belonging to each half. It is used by deaf & hard of hearing individuals and those with speech impairments to communicate. The UbiDuo can be used to communicate on a one-to-one basis and in group study sessions. Think of “texting,” but where each user is able to see what the other is typing in real-time.
For a list of Assistive Technology Resources: Please click here
To go to the CUNY Assistive Technology Services website: Please click here
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Coordinator of Assistive Technology Jonathan Zou at jzou@jjay.cuny.edu.