Adaptive Technology Centre: Software and Assistive Devices

Welcome! This guide provides information on accessing and using the adaptive technology available in the Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC), Queen's University Library. The ATC is located on the main level of Stauffer Library, room 120 and contains an Adaptive Technology Lab  with assistive devices, computer hardware, and specialized software that enable students with disabilities to research, write and study more effectively. 

To obtain access to the Adaptive Technology Lab, students must first be registered at the Queen's Student Accessibility Office, Mitchell Hall, Union Street.  The lab is for the exclusive use of students with disabilities and their assistants. 

The Adaptive Technologist is available to assess your adaptive technology (AT) needs, demonstrate how to use AT devices and software programs, advise on the purchase of AT products, and help customize your computer to better meet your needs.

The following is a list of  the specialized software and assistive devices available in the Adaptive Technology Lab:

• Text-to-Speech: Software that allows students to scan their texts into the computer, which converts the text into a digital format and uses a speech synthesizer to read it aloud. (Kurzweil 3000, Read&Write)
• Voice-to-Text: Software that allows users to speak into a microphone while the computer transcribes their voice into a digital format. (Dragon Naturally Speaking)
• Screen Readers: Software that reads the computer screen aloud to students, replacing the graphical user interface with auditory interface. (JAWS)
• Mind-Mapping: Software that assists students in the brain-storming process and thought organization which assists the writing process. (Inspiration)
• Screen Magnifiers: Software that allows students to magnify the size of documents and other software applications that appears on the screen. (ZoomText)
• Digital Math and STEM (Science, Technology, and Mathematics) Numeracy: software enables users to create formulas (including science, math, business and accounting) digitally and accessibly (TextHelp EquatIO)
• CCTV: Closed captioned television systems enlarge print texts using a camera and standard computer monitor. (OPTELEC Clearview)
• Writing Tools: Software that assist students with word prediction, grammar, and spelling errors in documents. (Inspiration, Kurzweil 3000)
• Digital Recorders and Smartpens: Tools to assist with note-taking in lectures. (Livescribe Smartpen)
• Tactile Image Enhancer: This assists persons who are blind or with low vision. Images are printed on special paper and run through a thermal enhancer. This causes the paper to rise in the areas where the ink is located, thus creating a raised form of the image on the paper.
• Braille Printer
• Height Adjustable Tables
• Ergonomic Seating
• Scanners

All computers are networked to the ATC public colour printer. Students can print or copy from any of the ATC Lab workstations using a current Queen’s student card with funds loaded online via the Papercut portal. Note that all workstations have the standard Library computer image.  

You can print or copy at most of our locations using our PrintQ system from your own device or by using our Computers.

If you require assistance with the printer in the ATC Lab ask either the Adaptive Technology staff for assistance, or staff at the Information Services Desk will assist you. For more information about Queen's University Library printing, scanning and copying services, please visit this page.

The Adaptive Technology Centre staff are available to assist you . Please contact us : 

Michele Chittenden, Coordinator of Library Services for Students with Disabilities

Alyssa Lunney, Sr. Assistant to the Coordinator, Alternate Format Services 

Anne Newman, Adaptive Technologist