Stay Up-to-Date: Assistive Technology News

ABLE Tech is a Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC)

Call us to find out about accessibility built into Windows products. 

New features in Windows 8:
• Touch-based interface
• Quick access to accessibility features through ease of Access
• Improved Narrator screen reader built in
• Easier to use Magnifier
• Easier to access features like high contrast mode, full screen magnification, Narrator

We have a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet available for hands-on demonstrations. Call to schedule a demonstration, and look for trainings soon!

Try it before you buy it! To see a list of ergonomic equipment available to you, visit the ABLE Tech Loan Library.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech, in collaboration with OSU Environmental, Health and Safety, is now offering a “TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT” program! Following an OSU EHS assessment, the staff at ABLE Tech can help you choose from an assortment of specially designed ergonomic items from our loan closet. These items are available on a short-term basis, usually four to six weeks, to help you make an informed decision regarding your ergonomic purchases.

Our loan closet features:
 • Chairs
 • Computer Accessories
 • Ergo Mice and Keyboards
 • Wireless Headsets
 • Arm Rest/Foot Rest
 • Specialized Software

For more information, call 405-744-9748 or 800-257-1705.

New! OSU provides educational support software for students, faculty, and staff to help them succeed - Do you have the Read & Write Gold floating toolbar yet for your computer or mobile device? Learn more about this great option to help you study, research, write, and better comprehend course material. Call ABLE Tech at the OSU Department of Wellness for a quick demonstration or to learn how to download for use at home or while on campus. OSU Students can win an iPad mini!

Read & Write Gold software helps students research, study, write papers, read for better comprehension, make audio or mp3 files for on the go reading, brainstorm and map ideas for papers, and more!

Oklahoma ABLE Tech at the OSU Department of Wellness is introducing assistive technology to OSU students in the form of literacy software, and one lucky OSU freshman recently won a new iPad Mini last semester for participating in a training session.The software is Read & Write Gold from TextHELP, with features to improve reading, writing, research and report building.

Chelsea Ross, a pitcher on the Cowgirl Softball team, was chosen at random from the list of OSU students who participated in training sessions on how to use the literacy software that Oklahoma State University recently purchased. The freshman from Kansas City says she was excited to receive the iPad Mini and believes the Read&Write Gold software will help her with school.Ross says she thinks the text-to-speech feature will help her with “staying in the zone.”Ross is also eager to use the dictation feature.“I like how you talk and it types for you.That’s really cool,” Ross says.“If you have a thought in your head, you can get it down on paper.”

Read & Write Gold is available free to all OSU students, faculty and staff from the OSU Software Distribution website. Student Resources http://it.okstate.edu/students/

RWG Training Sessions: ABLE Tech staff are available to provide training sessions. We encourage faculty, staff, advisors, and educational support units on campus to call and set up sessions for students and others that can benefit. OSU students attending training sessions on campus will be entered in the ABLE Tech iPad mini giveaway. The winner will be selected the week of April 14, 2013. Educators and family members of Oklahoma K-12 students can also use the software on a trial basis by borrowing from Oklahoma ABLE Tech. For more information or to request a session, call us at 744-9748. 

Expert: A tech-savvy teacher can grab students' attention
Educators shouldn't fight students' desires to use technology but should instead bring it into the classroom, says Marc Prensky, an author, consultant and designer of learning software games, who was the keynote speaker at a Minnesota discussion panel on learning and technology. "Every turned-off device is a turned-off kid," he said. Students on the panel said they want teachers to find creative ways to incorporate technology into lessons. Duluth News Tribune (Minn.) (6/29)

iPad makes a huge difference to visually impaired schoolgirl’s life, gives her back the cool factor
 

iPad Assistive Technology and Disability Round-Up
 

One-button Skype system helps seniors, disabled improve lives

Read2Go is Ready to Go! Read2Go is Bookshare's (Books without Borders) App built to play DAISY formatted books on iPhones and iPads for individuals with print disabilities. DAISY books are alternative formatted books that are accessible for people with print disabilities. Bookshare books are read aloud.  Navigation is easy.