Campus-Wide Assistive Technology Access Now Available

As of August 28, three assistive technology programs are available from any public Windows computer using the Sites loadset. This includes most departmental computer labs, ResComp sites, and of course the Knox Center Assistive Technology Computing Site at 1128 Shapiro Library.

The programs are:

• JAWS, which reads onscreen information aloud to blind individuals
• MAGic, which has several options for magnifying the screen, enlarging the mouse pointer, changing screen colors, etc.
• Kurzweil 3000, which helps with reading, writing, and notetaking

To access these programs, go to the Start menu (keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Esc) and type the program name.  JAWS and Kurzweil users should then be able to press Enter to activate their program. MAGic users should press the down arrow twice and then press Enter.

Individuals who wish to use the audio capabilities of JAWS and Kurzweil will need to bring their own headsets. Earbuds will work fine.

All three programs are on concurrent licenses, which means that JAWS can be used by up to five individuals at a time, and MAGic or Kurzweil can be used by up to ten individuals at a time. Any time that you find you are unable to access one of these programs because all copies are in use, please contact Jane Vincent, Assistive Technology Lead (936-3794 or jbvincen@umich.edu) and let her know; this information will be tracked and used to determine whether we need additional licenses. Please also contact Jane if you would like a demonstration or training on any of these programs.