Assistive Technology

Quick Links

• Overview
• Assistive Technology Consultation and Training
• Tech Exploration Lab
• Technology Checkout
• Getting Good Grades with Gadgets
• Funding for Assistive Technology
• Contact

Overview

Students needing assistive technology should: Complete the DRC application process Discuss referral for Assistive Technology (AT) consultation/training with your access specialist during your intake appointment. Meet with DRC Assistive Technology Specialist John Lee who will assess your needs, recommend assistive technologies, and provide training in a one-on-one or small-group setting. (top)

Assistive Technology Consultation and Training

The DRC Assistive Technology Specialist offers consultation and training on the following technologies. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list as there may be other technologies identified during a consultation that would best serve a student's needs:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Mac OS Dictation (speech recognition software)
• Read & Write (text-to-speech reading software)
• JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver (screen-readers)
• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader (screen-magnification software)
• MathType (math word processor)
• Livescribe Smartpen (digital pen for audio notetaking)
• Glean and Sonocent Audio Notetaker (audio notetaking software/app)
• OneNote (audio notetaking software/app)
• Otter.ai (live transcription notetaking)
• iPhone/iPad apps (e.g., Office Lens, Voice Dream Reader, Capti-Voice, Notability)
• Assistive Listening Devices (e.g., Comtek and Williams Sound Personal FM systems)

Visit Notetaking Technology Comparison for a detailed look at the three notetaking technologies (Livescribe Smartpen, Glean, OneNote) that are typically recommended for students who need them. 

AT consultation and training appointments can be made from 10:00 am--6:30 pm Monday through Friday. To request a consultation or training, please talk with your access specialist.

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Tech Exploration Lab

The following assistive technology is available at the DRC for exploration and training, or for use during alternative testing by eligible students:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Mac OS Dictation (speech recognition software)
• JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver (screen-reading software)
• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader (screen-magnification software)
• Read & Write (text-to-speech reading software)
• MathType (math word processor)
• ZoomText Large Print Keyboard (includes hotkey buttons to control ZoomText)
• Merlin Plus 24" LCD CCTV (desktop video magnifier with adjustable magnification and color contrast options)
• Alternative keyboards (e.g. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000)
• Trackballs (Kensington Expert Mouse and Orbit)
• USB microphone headsets and Buddy Desktop Mic (for use with Dragon or Mac OS Dictation)
• iPads/iPods with assistive apps (e.g., spell-checker, white noise, talking/large button calculator)
• Franklin Collins Pocket Spellers (electronic spell-checker)
• C-Pen Exam Reader (portable pen scanner that reads printed text aloud)
• Motorized adjustable workstations

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Technology Checkout

The DRC can loan certain devices and software licenses to DRC students to use while they are enrolled at Cal Poly. The following technology is available for loan to eligible students:

• Livescribe Echo 2 and Symphony Smartpens (*Visit Smartpen Loaner Program for details)
• Glean software 
• Read & Write software
• Otter.ai
• Comtek and Williams Sound Personal FM systems (* Visit Assistive Listening Devices for details)

Students can also borrow AT devices for free on short-term loan (30 days) from the NATADS Device Loan Library, California's statewide AT device lending library. The Central Coast Assistive Technology Center (CCATC) in San Luis Obispo is the local branch of this device lending library and has a large and diverse inventory of assistive technology that students can check out. 

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Getting Good Grades with Gadgets

AT Specialist John Lee conducts Getting Good Grades with Gadgets workshops throughout the academic year (e.g., for ResLife, TRIO Achievers, Mustang Success Center). Information shared during these workshops can be referenced at Getting Good Grades with Gadgets.

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Funding for Assistive Technology

The DRC does not purchase assistive technology for students to own; however, there are several funding sources that can assist students in acquiring the assistive technology they need. Listed below are a few of those funding sources:

• CA Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) - Contact Maria Flores-Jimenez (Maria.Flores-Jimenez@dor.ca.gov), our campus liaison for DOR, to setup an appointment to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Wolverton Fund - Provides funding for technology needed by students with visual impairments. Contact Jen Donaldson (jdonal01@calpoly.edu) for information on how to apply.
• Orion Fund - Awards grants (up to $3,000) to California college students under the age of 30 who have a serious illness or injury affecting their ability to stay in school. 

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