New computing equipment supports disabled students needs

Published on 11 November 2010

Disabled students are benefiting from new computing equipment and software to better support their needs and enhance the student experience.

As a result of collaboration between Computing Services, the Disability Support Team and the Library, 20 new height-adjustable desks are available in the two main libraries, each with a new computer and the latest accessibility software pre-installed.

All 12 desks in the Harold Cohen Learn Higher room are powered, as are four of the desks in the Sydney Jones Library Group Study rooms, with the remainder being manually adjustable. All include instructions for use.

Each desk has a new Managed Windows Service PC with a 20-inch widescreen monitor and a range of accessibility software pre-installed, including JAWS 11, ZoomText Magnifier, MindGenius. They also include a set of keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) to support easier navigation, with the Sydney Jones PCs having additional shortcuts for speech recognition.

JAWS Video Interceptor and Supernova Video Interceptor are now preinstalled in all PC Teaching Centres, for JAWS and Supernova USB pens. Each of these Interceptors is installed on alternate computers in every centre.

The full range of accessibility software is available to all staff and students on any MWS PC by going to Install University Applications and choosing the Accessibility category.

Find out more about accessibility resources in Teaching Centres.