Assistive Technology
JAWS Reader
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader software for visually impaired readers. It provides the user access to what's written on the computer screen by using the "text-to-speech" audio option, as well as providing a Braille display via the Focus 40 Keyboard. Along with JAWS is the MAGic magnifier software, which can enlarge the size of what's on the screen. First floor.
MAGNIFIER GLASSES
Magnifier glasses can be
picked up at the reference desks on each floor.
OPTELEC SPECTRUM MAGNIFIER
The Optelec Spectrum Magnifier is a closed circuit television apparatus that uses a camera to
magnify/reduce print on books and documents that a patron needs to read. Located on the second floor by the Audiobook section. A similar device, the
VideoEye Millennium, is located on the first floor Periodicals section. In
addition to size, the two devices also allow viewers to control brightness and
color of the televised image of the item.
OPTELEC TRAVELLER
The Optelec Traveler is a
portable electronic device that can be used to magnify the print from a book or
document. You can pick it up at the Main Reference Desk on the first floor. Call (203) 622-7911 for reservations.
RUBY HANDHELD VIDEO MAGNIFIER
The Ruby is a portable handheld video magnifier where text on books, DVD & CD covers and other items is displayed on a brightly lit 4.3 inch screen and can be magnified without any distortion of traditional magnifying glasses. The Ruby also has a contrast mode option which reverses the color of the background and the text to make reading easier. The Ruby will be available to all patrons with valid identification at the second floor reference desk outside the Flinn Gallery.
SARA
The SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance) scanner enables the reading of a wide variety of printed material including books, documents, mail, newspapers, magazines, and so much more, for those with low vision, blind or deaf-blind. Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, the SARA works like a computer scanner that recognizes text, translates it into speech, then reads the text aloud. Also, the Focus 40 Braille display can be used with it to "translate" text into Braille on the F40. First floor Reference Desk.
TTY TeleTYpewriter
TTY TeleTYpewriter phone
service allows patrons with hearing and speech impairments to conduct various
transactions, such as asking general reference questions on any subject and
reserving/renewing items in our catalog without any inconvenience.
The TTY is located on the 2nd Floor Fine Arts desk, and its phone number is (203) 625-6573.
WHEELCHAIR
A wheelchair is available
for use by physically impaired patrons at the Lending Department's Returns Desk
on the first floor. Call (203) 625-6524 for reservations.