Assistive technology is a broadly defined term describing innovative tools that can significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities. SDS provides a full range of assistive technology and software for registered students to use.

• CCTV Magnification: Technology that can enlarge the type or graphic on a page from two to 64 times its original size

• Zoomtext: Magnification and reading software for the visually impaired

• JAWS: Screen-reading software for blind and visually impaired individuals. JAWS can read information on the screen using synthesized speech and can also provide Braille output.

• Kurzweil Educational Systems: Kurzweil 3000 supports the concept of Universal Design for Learning; it is a reading, writing, test-taking and learning tool that makes curriculum accessible to students; Kurzweil 1000 makes printed or electronic text readily available to blind or visually impaired individuals.

• ReadPlease: Free, downloadable text-to-speech reading software

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Speech-to-text software allowing students to speak into a microphone and create written documents

• Inspiration: Software that allows for visual mapping, outlining and writing; individuals can brainstorm ideas, structure thoughts and visually communicate concepts to strengthen understanding