Assistive Technology
What is assistive technology (AT)?
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities (Assistive Technology Act of 1999).
How can I learn more about assistive technology?
The Learning Assistance Program can help evaluate technology needs and provide assistive technology, equipment, device consultation, training, and resources in the areas of text-to-speech, speech-to-text, screen reader, note-taking, magnification, etc. After meeting with your LAP Learning Disability Specialist or LAP Counselor to determine your accommodation eligibility, there are a couple of ways to learn more about assistive technology:
Make an appointment with the High Technology Instructor by calling 805-922-6966 ext. 3274.
Check out Popular Assistive Technology for College Students.
Feel free to peruse this site .
What AT is available on campus?
The following assistive technology is available or is available upon request in the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) Testing/Adaptive Technology Computer Labs and most mainstream computer labs:
Kurzweil 3000 (text-to-speech software)
Balabolka (free text-to-speech)
Dragon NaturallySpeaking (speech recognition software)
Windows Speech (built-in speech recognition)
JAWS (screen-reading software)
NVDA (free screen-reading software)
VoiceOver (built-in screen reader for Apple products)
Kurzweil 1000 (text-to-speech software)
CARS (free text-to-speech for math)
ZoomText (screen-magnifying with speech software)
Video magnifier with Speech (print enlarger)
Electric height and/or crank adjustable workstations
Scanners for use with Kurzweil
For more specific AT location information, please review Assistive Technology, Equipment, and Furniture Locations on Campus.
How do I make a campus assistive technology request or report an issue with assistive technology?
Please email your assistive technology campus request or concern to the LAP at lap@hancockcollege.edu or make an appointment with the High Technology Instructor by calling 805-922-6966 ext. 3274.
What equipment is available for loan?
A limited inventory of the following equipment is available on a first-come first-serve basis for one-time loans to eligible students for demo purposes. Equipment that is necessary for an ongoing accommodation must be acquired by the student. For more information, please review our equipment loan procedures and policies.
Livescribe Echo Smartpens (note-taking)
iPods (primarily for recording lectures)
iPads (Text-to-speech, voice recognition, time management, note-taking, etc.)
Laptops and Surface Pros (Text-to-speech, voice recognition, note-taking, writing papers, etc.)
Assistive Listening Devices (amplifiers)
VictorReader Streams (audiobook reader-Model 303-VRC)
Digital Recorders (recording lectures)
Large Print Calculators
Large Print Scientific Calculators
Talking Scientific Calculators
What other assistive/academic software, apps, and devices are recommended?
To learn more, please visit our Assistive and Academic Apps and Devices page which offers a list of software, apps, and devices that can help students improve their reading, writing, math, time-management, note-taking, test-taking, and study skills in general.