Disability Services

This is a dynamic list and not all inclusive. We are constantly working to find new and better solutions to meet the needs of each individual students.

Note-taking and Recording Lecture

• Sonocent Audio Note Taker allows students to record lectures right alongside their instructor's presentation slides, and add their own notes. They are then able to listen to the recorded lecture while watching the slides. This allows students to listen and study their materials as often as needed.
• Evernote is a Note taking software with a simple and easy to use interface. It allows students to record lectures and keep well organized notes. Students can type their notes, or handwrite and upload them into the app. Evernote also syncs across all devices automatically, so students have access to their notes wherever they go. Evernote allows students to clip and save things right from their desktop or browser.
• OneNote operates as the electronic version of a paper notebook. It allows students to gather notes, drawings, screen clippings and audio commentary. Much like Evernote, OneNote allows you to take notes wherever you go.
• Otter Voice Notes allows students to record audio, transcribe, search and share their voice notes. Along with having the audio for notes, students are also provided a full transcription of their lectures from class.
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Whatever device you have, bring it. We'll work to find an effective form of note taking using it.

Text to Speech

• Kurzweil 3000 is a comprehensive reading, writing, and studying program for students with learning disorders and for English-language learners. Kurzweil 3000 will read text aloud while highlighting each spoken word. It offers students tools to increase reading speed and comprehension, as well as features to improve writing skills, such as spell checking, word prediction, help with homophones, and a dictionary, to name a few.
• Read & Write for Google is a reading, writing, and studying program for students with learning disorders and for English-language learners. The program will read text aloud while highlighting each spoken word; it includes a dictionary, audible spell checking, and word prediction as well. Read & Write for Google also offers seamless integration with mainstream programs such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Adobe Reader Adobe Read Out Loud can read aloud the contents of PDF files. Students are limited to the use of voices built into the operating system of their computer.
• Natural Reader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. Natural Reader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
• Edge Read Aloud is a feature in Microsoft Edge that will read aloud the contents of PDF files, eBooks, and webpage content to students.

Speech to Text

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech-recognition program, which is useful for students with motor disorders and/or learning disorders—or for anyone who prefers talking to typing. Dragon converts speech to text in many mainstream programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Web browsers) and allows students to complete assignments; send email; use the Web; and command and control their computers—all by voice.
• Google Voice Typing is available anywhere you can use Google Docs on Chrome.
• Dictation is the built-in speech to text software on a Mac. Dictate in Office 365 Word

Additional Software and tools

• JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a dedicated screen-reading program for students who are blind or visually impaired. JAWS tracks a user's position as they work within different applications, and reads what is taking place on screen. It helps provide students with auditory access to many mainstream programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Web browsers).
• Personal FM Transmitter systems amplify classroom lectures and are available for hard of hearing students to borrow. FM System helps people better understand speech in noisy situations. FM systems commonly work together with a user's hearing aids, although systems are also available for those with otherwise normal hearing (such as people who suffer from ADD, ADHD, etc.)
• Large print copies of difficult-to-see/read tables, detailed images, and graphs from students' textbooks can be processed upon request. (Advanced notice required.)
• Apple Assistive Technology
• Microsoft Assistive Technology
• A low vision magnifier is designed to magnify up to 3x near and 1x to 12x for distance.
• Talking Calculator is a calculator with audio output. Talking calculators are available in DS.
• iPads with a variety of applications include those that have speech-to-text functions and text-to-speech functions.

Community Resources for Technology Supports

• AT4ALL
• Nebraska Commission for deaf and hard of hearing
• Nebraska Commission for the blind and visually impaired