Adaptive & Assistive Technologies

The State Library provides a range of adaptive and assistive technologies to assist users with a disability.

Assistive Technology Room

The Assistive Technology Room is located off the Information Centre, near the entrance to the Genealogy Centre. (The location of this room is identified on the Library floor plan.)

Computers

Available in this room are two computers, each with a large-screen monitor and trackball mouse.

Software

The Assistive Technology Room computers have the following software:

• Jaws for Windows
  This screen-reading software allows the visually impaired computer user full access to the internet, giving spoken prompts at every key press.
• ZoomText
  This screen-magnification program is designed to meet the needs of the low-vision user. It can magnify the image on the screen up to 16 times the original size. It also includes a reader function.
• Duxbury Braille Translation Software for Windows
  This loads a text file from disc, converts the text to Braille and prints to the Braille Blazer Embosser Printer.
• Kurzweil 1000 Software
  This reading tool converts the printed word into speech (text to speech). It is designed to make printed material accessible to people with vision impairment. It works best with clear standard typefaces. It does not recognise handwriting, ornate or script-style fonts.
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
  This is voice-recognition software that can be set up to recognise individual intonations and can be used to dictate spoken word to text. (Available on one computer only.)
• UReader
  Universal Reader is a basic, inexpensive program that will read back selected text. (Available on one computer only.)

Please note
The Library is not a training institution and is not able to provide instruction on the use of adaptive software. This kind of training can be accessed through Vision Australia.

Associated equipment

• Braille Blazer Embosser Printer
  This is able to print documents in Braille after they have been translated into Braille through Duxbury (as above).
• Merlin
  This is a magnifier for reading. It is easy to use, with a colour screen.
• ScanR
  This scans and reads print. It can save files to Braille Note.

Other items

Document holders, keyboard stands, headphones, microphones, perspex keyboard covers and alternate keyboards are also available from the Assistive Technology Room.

Reading Rooms

The following equipment is available in the Library's reading rooms. Please ask at the Information Desks for assistance. (The exact location of the Information Desks is clearly identified on the Library floor plan.)

PC with large monitor

There is one computer with a large screen monitor, tracking ball and keyboard in the Information Centre.

Audio loops

Audio loops are available for clients with a hearing impairment attending Library talks and events. Ask at the Information Desk in the Arts Reading Room.

Reading assistance

Magnifying sheets, illuminated magnifiers and magnifying glasses for readers with low vision are available in all the reading rooms. Ask for these at any Information Desk.

A Smartview black-and-white magnifier for readers with low vision is located in the Redmond Barry Reading Room. This machine magnifies reading material and can be used with most books in the Library. Pictures, photographs, handwritten or typed material can also be magnified. Ask at the Information Desk if you require help using this machine.

Book rests are available on request from any Information Desk.

Telephone typewriter

TTY is used to exchange typed messages via telephone. Readers with speech and/or hearing impairments can telephone the Library's information service on TTY. The Library's TTY number is 03 9639 7006.