Assistive Technology

This guide highlights resources designed for those who experience physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that may require accommodations for: accessing print and digital materials, performing tasks on a computer, and/or other research activities.

What is assistive technology?

20 USC Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25) defines “assistive technology device” as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” 42 USC Section 12102 defines “disability” as “(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such an impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment (as described in paragraph (3)).”

Recommended Applications

NonVisual Desktop Access (nvaccess.org) is a free screen reader application for use with the Windows operating system that reads on-screen text out loud. Online OCR (onlineocr.net) is a free online application that can convert images to text or .pdf files. Bookshare (bookshare.org/cms/) is a free e-book library with digital materials customized in accessible formats.

Windows features built-in accessibility tools including:

  • Narrator reads on-screen text out loud. The cursor indicator narrates where the cursor is on the screen.

  • Audio Description is available for videos with descriptive text.

  • Magnifier enlarges the desktop window for readability, as well as features controls for Narrator.

Online Resources

  • Assistive Products & Terminology Assistive Technology Glossary: makeitfable.com/glossary/

  • Assistive Technology & Adaptive Products: disabilityresources.org/assistive-technology-articles/.

  • American Library Association (ALA) Guidelines Library Services to Persons with Disabilities LibGuide: libguides.ala.org/libservice-disability/

  • Technology Access and Assistive Technology: ala.org/ advocacy/diversity/accessibility/technology-access/.

  • Universal Design: ala.org/advocacy/diversity/accessibility/ universal-design/.

  • Web Accessibility Resources Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C) Accessibility Principles: w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/.

  • Reference and User Services Association Guide to Virtual Accessibility: ala.org/rusa/virtual-accessibility/.

Assistive Technology at the Law Library

Ask the reference desk about the following assistive technology and equipment available at the Law Library:

The Assistive Technology Laptop features:

  • Dragon Dictation, a speech recognition software that can be used to transcribe speech to on-screen text. Use Dragon to dictate speech to text and to move the cursor hands-free.

  • A KIC Scanner with hands-free scanning

  • A headset with a microphone

  • Workstation accessible for wheelchair users

  • Large type, high-contrast keyboards

  • Trackball easy-use mouse

  • Magnifying glasses

    Patrons wishing to use adaptive technology or equipment at the Law Library are required to submit an ADA accommodation request form at least three days in advance. Please visit the reference desk or contact the Law Library for more information.

Organizations

Contact these organizations to learn more about assistive technology funding, programs, and other aid.

  • National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) - Library of Congress loc.gov/nls/

  • Talking Book Program - Texas State Library and Archives Commission tsl.texas.gov/tbp/

  • Disability Information and Referral Center (DIRC) - Texas State Library and Archives Commission tsl.texas.gov/tbp/dirc.html

  • Southwest ADA Center southwestada.org

  • Independent Living Services Program (Gulf Coast) - Texas HHSC hcil.cc/il-services/

  • Assistive Technology Lab Services - Easter Seals/Bridging Apps (Houston) bridgingapps.org/assistivetechnology-evaluations/