The Office of Disability Services (ODS) has specialized equipment for providing access to classes and labs, such as specialized software that enables the computer screen to become "audible" for the student who has a visual impairment. The AT Lab is located within the Library. Closed circuit televisions are available, allowing students to view anything under magnification and to control the level of magnification and the contrast. Students may check out numerous magnification devices for the semester. Software is available to enable the student to navigate the computer screen in large print.

The AT Lab recognizes that not all students with vision impairments have had previous access to assistive technology. The ODS is available by appointment to train students how to use assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation.

The AT Lab also converts standard print into alternative formats, such as large print and electronic text. Faculty members provide print or disk copies of class materials and the ODS staff converts these materials to the format needed by the individual student.

Technology for Students Who Are Blind

• Optical Character Recognition scans standard print materials, displays it on the computer screen, and provides voice output to "read" the print material.
• Braille Production translates standard print into Grade Two Braille and Nemeth Code Braille for students who are Braille users.
• Taped or Electronic Texts provide audible access to printed text and textbooks for students with vision disabilities.
• Voice Output provides audible access to the computer screen for students with vision disabilities.
• Refreshable Braille Display provides access via Braille to the computer screen through a refreshable Braille display.
• Braille Notetakers enable students who are Braille users to independently take notes and write papers in class.
• Tacticle Graphics enable students with vision disabilities to "read" graphs, maps, and other visual material tactilely.
• Tape Recorders offer an additional method of note taking.

Technology For Students With Visual Impairments

• Computer Screen Magnification/Navigation enables students with low vision to navigate the computer screen. It allows the student to control the magnification and polarity of the computer screen and text.
• Closed Circuit Television consists of a camera and television screen. The student put whatever (s)he wants to magnify under the camera. It is displayed on the television screen. The student can control the magnification level and polarity of the screen.
• Magnification Devices are available in a variety of forms, ranging from handheld magnifiers to halogen lights with magnification.
• Large Print Production offers a means for many students with vision impairments to function independently in class.
• Low Vision Aides may be prescribed through a Low Vision Clinic. Aides such as binocular or monocular glasses or hand-held devices offer access to standard print for many students with low vision.
• In addition, many students with visual impairments also use the same technology as students who are blind, such as Optical Character Recognition, Taped or Electronic Texts, Voice Output, Tacticle Graphics, and Tape Recorders.

For additional information, contact:

Contact Information
Office of Disability Services
Eileen Cross, Coordinator
Building A, Room 130
Phone: 281.756.3533
TDD: 281.756.3845
Fax: 281.756.5760
Email: ecross@alvincollege.edu
Hours:   Monday - Friday  8:00 am - 5:00 pm