Alternative Media

Alternative Media Program

Assistive technology, or adaptive technology, promotes greater independence by enabling people with disabilities to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish or had great difficulty accomplishing by providing enhancements to or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks.  

Students, to arrange an assistive technology training or support appointment, email amp@sfsu.edu or contact your disability specialist for a referral.    

Assistive Software 

Supported Assistive Software at SFSU 
Name Type License Type Operating System(s) 
JAWS Screen Reader Concurrent Site License PC 
NVDA Screen Reader Open Source (Free) PC 
ZoomText Screen Magnifier and Screen Reader Concurrent Site License PC 
Kurzweil 3000 Literacy Software Web License PC, Mac 
Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Command Limited Seat License PC 
Duxbury Braille Translator Braille Translation Limited Site License PC 

Adaptive Hardware 

  • Braille Devices: Braille embossers, refreshable braille displays and note-taking devices (BrailleNote) 
  • Video Magnifiers: CCTVs, portable magnifiers  
  • SmartPens: For use as a note-taking device (more information below)
  • Other equipment: Digital audio recorders, Victor Readers 

Locations on Campus 

The DPRC collaborates with campus IT providers to install or place assistive technology at widely available computer labs and classrooms across campus. Here are some of the locations: 

  • Assistive Technology available in the Library (more information below)

Training 

Training on assistive technology is available through the DPRC to students and employees with disabilities. Students and employees should first meet with a DPRC staff member in order to be referred for the training. The type and amount of training provided is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Assistive Technology Resources

Below are Assistive Technology resources and support that you might find helpful.

Kurzweil 3000 is a literacy software that is available to eligible students for the duration of their attendance at SFSU. 

Installation Instructions – Windows 

  1. Make sure you have already uninstalled previous versions of Kurzweil 
  2. Download the installation file of Kurzweil for Windows 
  3. Run the file you downloaded  
  4. At the installation screen, choose “Install Web Licensing Software” 
  5. Click “Next” and choose “I accept the terms in the license agreement” 
  6. Click “Next,” fill in your information at the customer information prompt and select “Next” 
  7. Choose “Complete installation,” then choose “Next” 
  8. After the installation is complete, click the “Finish” button 
  9. Restart your computer when prompted 
  10. The installation is now complete. Locate and open the “Kurzweil 3000” shortcut on your desktop 
  11. At the prompt, type your username and password, and then select the “OK” button 

Installation Instructions – Mac OS 

  1. Download the latest version of Kurzweil for Mac 
  2. When the window opens, drag the “Kurzweil 3000 Web License” folder to the Applications folder 
  3. After the installation is complete, open the “Kurzweil 3000 Web License” folder under the Applications folder 
  4. Click on “Kurzweil 3000” 
  5. If you receive an error message "Kurzweil 3000 can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" you will need to go to System Preferences then Security and Privacy and find the Open Anyway button on the bottom (ensure the unlock icon is showing on the bottom left) 
  6. Once Kurzweil opens, type in your username and password, and then select the “Login” button 

Training videos 

DPRC has created training videos for Kurzweil  

A Smart Pen is a pen device that can record audio from your lectures, in addition to recording the handwritten notes that you take in class. The pen is designed to allow students to be strategic with their time and only review selected portions of the recorded lecture after class to fill in any gaps of the written notes. This and other functionality can be learned about at a training to be provided on using the Smart Pens as needed. 

Many computers and devices have built-in assistive software that helps people with disabilities use them more effectively. Some of the most common are listed below 

Assistive Technology in the Library

The DPRC collaborates with the J. Paul Leonard Library to ensure Assistive Technology is widely available to the campus community at all computer labs in the building.

Workstations  

Kurzweil, ZoomText, Fusion and JAWS are currently available on all PCs in the Collaboration Studio, Quiet Study and the Digital Media Studio/MakerSpace. The Mac OS computers in these locations have built-in Assistive Software and you can learn more on Apple's Mac accessibility page. You may log in to these computers using your SFSU ID and password. For assistance, please visit the corresponding Help Desks in each lab.  

Enhanced Accessible Workstations 

In addition to the general lab workstations, there are three enhanced accessible workstations at both the Research and Study Commons. These computers are marked with signage and priority is given to students with disabilities. In addition to the assistive software listed below, these workstations have accessible furniture, headsets and scanners. 

Collaboration Studio (2 PCs, 1 Mac) 

  • Dragon Naturally Speaking (PC only) 
  • Kurzweil 3000 (both PC and Mac) 
  • ZoomText (PC only) 
  • Fusion (PC only) 
  • JAWS (PC only) 
  • VoiceOver (Mac only) 
  • Zoom (Mac only) 
  • Voice Control (Mac only) 

Quiet Study (3 PCs) 

  • Dragon Naturally Speaking 
  • Kurzweil 3000  
  • ZoomText 
  • Fusion 
  • JAWS 

Laptops with Assistive software  

The library has assistive software PC laptops available for short-term checkout (four hour limit). Please make sure you ask for a laptop with assistive software when checking them out at the Research Commons desk. The following assistive software is installed on these laptops: 

  • Dragon Naturally Speaking 
  • Kurzweil 3000 
  • ZoomText 
  • Fusion 
  • JAWS 

For more information on laptop checkout, visit the AT Laptop Checkout page 

Noise-canceling Headphones 

Noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout in limited quantities in both the Research Commons and Study Commons at the corresponding Help Desks in each lab.  

Refreshable Braille Display 

Please visit the DPRC to inquire about access to a refreshable braille display.