Computer Lab Accessibility Tools

Overview

Temple University is committed to the goal of universal access in computing. This site will describe the adaptive software and hardware equipment available at Temple’s computer labs and at Disability Resources and Services (DRS) with the aim of providing a comfortable and productive working environment for all students.

You can use the adaptive computer equipment and software programs during regular computer lab hours. To reserve equipment, call the computer lab in advance.

Accessible Software

In most of Temple's PC-based computer labs, a desktop icon opens a menu of specialized software programs to assist persons who use screen readers and screen enlargement software programs. The following programs are currently available in a number of computer labs on campus.  The software can be found on the desktop of the computers in a folder titled Accessibility Tools with the following icon:

  • JAWS
    JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a screen reader program for Windows computers developed to allow persons who are blind to listen to printed text on a screen. It can read documents, websites, it is compatible with many software programs that can be adjusted for several languages. See the instructions section below to log in to a computer with a screen reader.
  • Kurzweil 1000
    Kurzweil 1000 (K-1000) is scanning software for Windows computers where students can scan in materials and then have the materials read back to them. The software is designed for students who are blind. This software and Kurzweil 3000 is only available at Disability Resources and Services (DRS).
  • ZoomText Level 2
    ZoomText is a screen enlargement program for Windows computers with optional speech. It can adjust font size and color backgrounds according to the preference of the user. See the instructions section below to log in to a computer with a screen magnifier.
  • Read & Write
    Read & Write is a multi-purpose text to speech program for Macintosh and Windows computers designed for persons with print reading difficulties, such as dyslexia. In addition to typical screen reading functions, the Read & Write can highlight specific words, sentences or paragraphs and can be used as a dictionary and thesaurus. In combination with voice recognition software, it can also be used to create study guides.

Accessible Hardware

  • Raised Workstations
    Raised workstations are available for persons who use wheelchairs in most computer lab locations.
  • Alternative Keyboards and Mice
    Alternative keyboards and mice can be used by anyone who experiences difficulties with using the standard keyboard and mice and are available for loan from the TECH Center consultant desk.

Instructions

Log in to a Computer With a Screen Reader

 

Please note that you will need headphones to use a screen reader in the labs.

Windows 8

  1. Plug your headphones into the jack on the front of the computer.
  2. Hold down the windows ( ) key, and press U. This will bring up the Ease of Access window.
  3. Press the Tab key to move to Narrator . The press the Enter. You will hear "starting narrator."
  4. If you hear a message about Windows sign in or Windows lock screen , press Enter .
  5. At the login screen, type your AccessNet username and press the Tab key.
  6. Then type your password and press Enter . After a couple of minutes, the desktop will load.
  7. To launch JAWS, hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and press the letter J .

Windows 7

  1. Plug your headphones into the jack on the front of the computer.
  2. Hold down the windows ( ) key, and press U. This will bring up the Ease of Access window.
  3. Press the Tab key to move to Hear Text on Screen aloud (Narrator) . The press the spacebar to select it.
  4. Continue to press the Tab key until you are notified that you are on the OK button. Then press Enter . After a few moments, you will hear "initializing narrator."
  5. Press the Tab key until you hear username . Then type your AccessNet username.
    Note: If you do not hear username , first press Enter .
  6. Press the Tab key until you hear password field . They type your password and press Enter . After a couple of minutes, the desktop will load.
  7. To launch JAWS, hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and press the letter J .

Mac

  1. Plug your headphones into the headphone jack on the back of the computer.
  2. Hold down the Command key and press F5 to start VoiceOver.
  3. Type your AccessNet username and press the tab key.
  4. Type your password and press Enter.

 

Log into a Computer with a Screen Magnifier

 

Windows 8

  1. Hold down the windows ( ) key, and press U.
  2. Press the Tab key to move to Magnifier. The press the spacebar to select it.
  3. Log in using your AccessNet username and password.

Windows 7

  1. Hold down the windows ( ) key, and press U. This will bring up the Ease of Access window.
  2. Press the Tab key to move to Make items on the screen larger (Magnifier). The press the spacebar to select it.
  3. Continue to press the Tab key until you hear OK . Then press Enter .
  4. Using the Magnifier utility to magnify areas of the screen, log in using your AccessNet username and password.
    Note : You may have to first press Enter before the login screen appears.
  5. To launch ZoomText, click the TTA software icon on the desktop. Then select ZoomText 10 .

 

Use a Pay to Print Station with a Screen Reader

 

  1. Plug your headphones into the jack on the front of the computer. The NVDA screen reader runs automatically.
  2. Swipe your OWLcard.
  3. Using the Tab key, select the job you want to print and press Enter.

 

Support

Please contact the Technology Support Center at tuhelp.temple.edu (click Chat or Request Help) or call 215-204-8000 .

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