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High Tech Center

"Computer Access for Students with Disabilities"

COMPUTER ACCESS

Students with physical, visual or learning disabilities may have difficulty accessing computers and often require special assistive computer hardware/software to access these systems. Students may need auditory rather than visual feedback, screen magnification, voice recognition, an adapted writing environment, or a combination of any of these.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the High Tech Center is to determine the assistive computer technology that would best meet the needs of the individual student and then offer instruction in the use of that technology. For an accessible PowerPoint overview of the center, see High Tech Center PowerPoint.

Determination of Appropriate Assistive Computer Technology

Based on the student’s disability and needs, an evaluation is done to determine the appropriate assistive computer hardware/software to allow maximum accessibility to a computer.

Instruction

Students enroll in LS9 which provides needs assessment, if necessary, and individual or small group instruction on computer, word processing basics, and use of the assistive computer hardware/software.

The High Tech Center provides a supported lab environment to ensure that students achieve a level of proficiency with the assistive computer technology.

In addition, High Tech Center staff can provide consultation to faculty and staff regarding assistive computer access for persons with disabilities. 

CLASSES OFFERED

Students new to computers and assistive computer technology enroll in LS9 (a 1 unit credit/no credit course) which focuses on individual needs. Please note that you cannot register for LS9 through My Sac State registration. Before you can be registered for LS9 you must first meet with High Tech Center staff for a needs assessment. To schedule an appointment call 916-278-7915 or e-mail htc@csus.edu. Class sizes and instruction times are limited. Classes include the following:

  • PC and Word Processing Basics
  • Individualized Instruction in assistive computer technology

ASSISTIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE

BLIND The HTC utilizes a screen reading program to provide auditory rather than visual access to the computer screen. A Braille embosser, Braille translation software and scan/read workstations are also available.

LOW VISION The HTC offers software which magnifies the text on screen and CCTV systems to enlarge print material.

MOBILITY IMPAIRED Voice recognition, adjustable workstations, ergonomic keyboards, wrist and arm supports are available at the High Tech Center.

LEARNING DISABLED Students are provided an adapted writing environment utilizing computers, word-processing, spell checkers, on-screen dictionaries and thesaurus, outlining/clustering, organizational and text to speech software.

DEAF/HARD OF HEARING Word-processing, spell checkers, on-screen dictionaries and thesaurus, organizational software, and accessibility options are available at the High Tech Center. Assistive listening devices, captioning services, and other assistive technologies for students who are deaf or hard of hearing are available through the Services to Students with Disabilities Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

EQUIPMENT

  • Computers
    • PC
    • Macintosh
  • Braille Embosser
  • Braille Translation Software
  • Refreshable Braille display
  • Scanners
    • Hewlett-Packard
  • Scan/Read Workstations
  • Screen Reading Software
  • Tactile Graphics
  • Text Enlarging
  • Text to Speech
  • CCTV Video magnification Systems
    • Pico handheld
  • Voice Recognition
  • Digital Talking Book Readers
  • Adjustable Workstations and Chairs
  • Ergonomic Keyboards
  • Trackballs
  • Arm and Wrist Supports

ELIGIBILITY

A Sacramento State student who has provided verification of a disability to Services to Students with Disabilities (SSWD) and demonstrates a need to use assistive computer hardware/software or equipment is eligible for services upon referral from SSWD. For more information about eligibility and usage of the High Tech Center please see the High Tech Center Lab Policy in SSWD Office Policies and Procedures.

ALTERNATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION

The High Tech Center staff can also provide consultation and assistance to faculty regarding provision of course materials in alternative format such as electronic text, Braille, large text, etc. to students whose disabilities affect access to print materials. Please see the Alternative Media Production Unit for more information. 

LOCATION/CONTACT

The HIGH TECH CENTER is now located in the Academic Information Resource Center (AIRC). High Tech Center facilities include the High Tech Center Lab (AIRC 2011) and High Tech Center Training (AIRC 2010). General business hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Occasionally, the High Tech Center will be closed for test administration, demonstrations, HTC tours, etc. but advance notice will be given and signs posted. For more information, please call the High Tech Center at (916) 278-7915 or e-mail htc@csus.edu. Please send High Tech Center related comments, suggestions, and problem reports to Melissa Repa.
For locations of other computing labs with disability access features, please see University Computing Labs.

Mailing Address:

High Tech Center - Services to Students with Disabilities

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95819-6042