Adaptive/Assistive Software on Library Machines

[Stacey E. Kimmel-Smith]

Hi,

Here at Lehigh University we just "downgraded" our Kurzweil 3K license to a
single-user license due to a dramatic decline in use over the past few
years. The primary Kurzweil user in 2013/14 (a single person who appeared
to use it daily) turned out to be using the dedicated room as a study
space, not the software. Students seem to be opting to use other software
on their mobile devices.

We have one copy of JAWS which we load on either the student machine or a
dedicated machine, whichever is needed. It has been more than adequate so
far, and it seems to be the preferred software for the students we work
with.

We work closely with Disability Services to provide a rapid and
personalized response. The staff in that area are extremely hands-on with
their students and we have not been caught off-guard so far.

Hope this helps.

Stacey Kimmel-Smith
Lehigh University

On Tue, Sep 23, 2014 at 9:49 AM, Jack Drost <drostj at uah.edu> wrote:

> We had a computer with JAWS for years. It got very little use and most
> students and their parents said they did not like JAWS. The main complaint
> was that they found it awkward to use. The last copy we had was a version
> from 2008. By the time students get to us, they have found software that
> works well for them and that is what they continue using. Whatever package
> they use, it usually allows installation on several machines so we install
> it for them on a classroom pc or on one of the pcs in the public area when
> they ask.
>
> The administration here has decided it needs to do more to comply with
> assistive technology regulations, so they are buying a network license for
> JAWS and we will install a copy or two here in the library. I told them
> about our previous experience with JAWS, but it seems to be the go-to
> package and I think the intent is to have something we can point to and say
> we are complying with regulations, whether students use it or not. Of
> course it is impossible to have a copy of every available package
> installed, and the newer version has undoubtedly improved and may be more
> popular.
>
> Before you purchase anything you might try to find out what your students
> use. I have found the students and their parents are very knowledgeable
> about the different products available and what works best for them.
>
> Jack
>
> On Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 8:45 PM, Brian Rogers <brian-rogers at utc.edu>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi -
>>
>> Does anyone provide adaptive/assistive software (JAWS, Kurzweil, Zoom
>> Text, etc) on their library machines, in conjunction with imaging or
>> deployment solutions?
>>
>> Have some general questions about the experience.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> - Brian Rogers
>>
>> ============================
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>> 2014-09-22
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jack Drost
>
> Director of Library Systems
> 256-824-7407
> drostj at uah.edu
>
>
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> 2014-09-23
>

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