Disabled students at the University may not be aware of the technological opportunities resting deep within the recesses of the Knight Library.
The Adaptive Technology Center, which started with one computer and has grown into a sophisticated computer lab, was created with the single purpose of helping University students with disabilities get easy access to computer technology.
Disabled students who qualify can take advantage of the center, which offers adaptive software that can perform functions such as reading text to learning-disabled students or printing Braille documents for blind students. Software supported in the lab includes Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Open Book, ZoomText and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Adaptive Technology Adviser James Bailey, who has been in charge of the lab for the past eight years, said he is proud of the various equipment within the lab that reaches out to students dealing with everything from blindness to learning disabilities.
“You may look at (the technology) and think, ‘Man, this is slow-going,’” Bailey said. “But the students who use this have great learning disabilities. … This is incredibly helpful.
“Any technological barriers that are presented to students are overcome in (the technology center).”
The lab is kept locked at all times, and roughly a dozen students each have their own key. The lab is located in rooms 138 and 139 of the Knight Library.
A Disability Services spokeswoman said the process for a disabled student to receive a key to the center is fairly simple. The student must first meet with a Disability Services counselor. Based on the counselor’s recommendation, a letter of referral may then be sent to Bailey. However, many students choose not to utilize the facilities.
ASUO Multicultural Advocate Maddy Melton works with Disability Services in student outreach. Melton said she felt strongly about the challenges students with disabilities face when it comes to technology.
“This is extremely important,” she said. “This is fundamental to physical access of information.”
Melton added that when a student isn’t able to access technology, it can have an adverse affect on their school work.
The ASUO is currently working on a disabilities awareness week, slated for mid-spring. Melton, who is helping to organize the week, said she is pushing for heightened understanding of disability issues.
Students who are interested in touring the lab can contact Bailey at 346-1076.