Adaptive technologies help people with disabilities and seniors to live independently. Many of the devices are based on computer technology, and they let you read books, mail, letters, recipes, and other small print materials, use email and the Internet.
Use of these technologies is free, as is the training needed to operate them. For more information or to schedule training, please call 216-623-2911.
JAWS
for Windows by Freedom Scientific, is a screen reading program that runs on a computer. If you have low vision or are blind, JAWS provides voice output for the contents of your computer screen.
ZoomText Xtra
by A-I Squared is designed for the low vision user, combining a screen magnifier and screen reader all in one. It can effectively magnify the contents of your screen 16x larger than normal.
Closed-circuit televisions
are available, that employ a video camera lens to enlarge text from 3-30x normal text size. CCTV's allow seniors to change background and font colors, or look at photographs with ease.
Open Book
is a reading software that offers people with low vision or no vision the capacity to scan printed text and then have it read back to them in synthetic speech.
Braille
If you read Braille, or need to type Braille documents, Duxbury Braille Translator is a Braille typing program that translates typed text into Braille. Plus CPL owns three Braille printers to emboss Braille documents.
Talking Typer
from American Printing House is a program that teaches typing to new users through voice instruction.
Hewlett-Packard/ASCLA Accessible Computer Workstations
have been installed at the Memorial-Nottingham Branch, 17109 Lakeshore Boulevard. Each adaptive workstation has been set up on an accessible, motorized desktop, where the table height and monitor position can be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of special needs. One workstation was developed for people whose range of motion may be limited and for those with learning disabilities. This workstation features a variety of augmented keyboards, such as enlarged keys and a micro-keyboard, as well as a joystick, switches, and touch pad for alternative means of communicating with a computer. These workstations were awarded through a grant from Hewlett-Packard and the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies.
Software Installed on Accessible Computer Workstations
Madentec Tracker 2000 - Tracker 2000 allows users to smoothly move the cursor on the computer simply by moving their head via a camera that sits on top of the computer which tracks a tiny reflective 'dot' worn on the forehead or glasses.
Softype - A software utility that replaces the functionality of a standard keyboard with a full featured on-screen keyboard.
Kurzweil 3000 and WYNN Wizard - The Kurzweil 3000 and WYNN Wizard programs helps people with reading or learning difficulties increase their reading speed and comprehension. By using simultaneous highlighting of the text as it is spoken, they transform printed text into understandable information.
Read & Write Gold - Software that reads aloud text on screen, provides enhanced spell checking, word prediction and homonyms checker for those with writing composition difficulties.
The second workstation has been outfitted with adaptive technology for people who are blind or have low vision, including software such as JAWS for Windows, ZoomText Xtra, Open Book Ruby, and is also equipped with an Aladdin Closed-Circuit Television Magnifier and large print keyboard.
Adaptive Technology Locations
Cleveland Public Library is pleased to announce that CCTV's are now available for use within any Library Branch, at the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (OLBPD), and at Main Library, free of charge.
For help locating adaptive technology nearest you please call 216-623-2911.
The following is a list of branches, their numbers, and the adaptive technologies they contain.
Eastman Branch
216-623-6955
JAWS, ZoomText, Kurzweil 3000, Talking Typer
OLBPD
216-623-2911
JAWS, ZoomText, Open Book, Duxbury, Braille Printer, WYNN, Talking Typer
Youth Services Department at Main Library
216-623-2834
JAWS, ZoomText, Open Book, Duxbury, Braille Printer
Computer Learning Center
216-623-2980
ZoomText
Memorial-Nottingham Branch
216-623-7039
HP Accessible Workstations
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
216-623-7018
JAWS, ZoomText, Open Book, Kurzweil 3000, Duxbury, Braille Printer
South Brooklyn Branch
216-623-7067
JAWS, ZoomText, Talking Typer
Union Branch
216-623-7088
JAWS, ZoomText
Walz Branch
216-623-7095
JAWS, ZoomText, Open Book
East 131st Street Branch
216-623-6941
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Hough Branch
216-623-6997
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Langston-Hughes Branch
216-623-6975
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Fleet Branch
216-623-6962
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Collinwood Branch
216-623-6934
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Lorain Branch
216-623-7011
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Mount Pleasant Branch
216-623-7032
ZoomText, Big Keys Keyboard
Carnegie West Branch
216-623-6927
ZoomText, Talking Typer
Rockport Branch
216-623-7053
JAWS, ZoomText, Open Book
History Department At Main Library
216-623-2864
JAWS, ZoomText, Openbook, Talking Typer, Big Keys Keyboard