Information for IT Professionals

MS Windows Assistive Technology

The following software should be available on windows computers for students. These should be able to be accessed from shortcuts keys in the start menu so students do not need to search around to locate items.

Software:

  • JAWS Screen Reader
  • Kurzweil 3000
  • ZoomText
  • Dolphin Easy Reader
  • Open Book (Library)
  • Sticky Keys
  • Mouse Keys

Software Installation Information

JAWS Screen Reader

ZoomText Screen Magnifier

  • Download latest Version of ZoomText
  • Install ZoomText from the downloaded file.
  • Set environment variable: LSHOST set to jaws.dres.illinois.edu (If you have done this for JAWS no need to again)
  • Start ZoomText, and check in the About dialog box to verify it is using the license server.
  • For library and instrucational computer labs, you will want to change the preferences for ZoomText to not start automatically.

Kurzweil 3000

OpenBook

  • Download the lastest version of OpenBook.
  • Install OpenBook form the downloaded installation file.
  • Set environment variable: LSHOST set to: jaws.dres.illinois.edu
  • Start OpenBook and check to make sure it is using the license server.

Dolphin EasyReader

  • Download Dolphin Easy Reader
  • Select the BASIC FREE TRIAL (the one on the right)
  • Contact Angie Anderson or Christy Blew at DRES for the unlock code and license code
  • Install Easyreader CD and agree to EULA
  • When you first start the program you will be prompted with a Registration screen. Select UNLOCK NOW.
  • Enter the Unlock Code you received from Angie or Christy (this is a 25 digit code with hyphens after every 5 digits)
  • Select OK to accept the code
  • Select ACTIVATE NOW then select MULTI-USER LICENSE
  • Enter the Multi-User License Code you received from Angie or Christy

Enabling Ease of Access

Check your set up to make sure that Ease of Access options are enabled for use. Create a shortcut in your accessibility group folder to the location to turn these features on and off.

  1. Start button
  2. Control Panel
  3. Select Ease of Access
  4. Select Ease of Access Center
  5. Select Make the keyboard easier to use
  6. Check Sticky Keys and/or Mouse Keys

OS X Assistive Technologies

The following software should be available on OS X computers for students. These should be able to be accessed from shortcuts keys in the start menu so students do not need to search around to locate items.

Software:

  • VoiceOver
  • Zoom
  • Sticky Keys
  • Mouse Keys
  • Keyboard Shortcuts

Enabling Universal Access

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
  2. Click Universal Access to displays its preferences.
  3. ENABLING VOICE OVER
    1. Click the Seeing tab, then select the On radio button below VoiceOver to enable it.
    2. Click the Open VoiceOver Utility button to customize VoiceOver
  4. ENABLING ZOOM
    1. Click the Seeing tab, then select the On radio button below Zoom to enable it.
  5. ENABLING STICKY KEYS and MOUSE KEYS
    1. For Sticky Keys, select Keyboard and select the “Press the Shift key five times to turn Sticky Keys on or off” checkbox.
    2. For Mouse Keys, select Mouse (Mouse & Trackpad on some computers) and select the “Press the Option key five times to turn Mouse Keys on or off” checkbox.

Enabling Keyboard shortcuts

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
  2. Click Keyboard to displays its preferences.
  3. Click Keyboard Shortcuts.
  4. Select the action in the Description list that you want to change.
  5. Double-click the characters in the Shortcut column, and press the new key combination that you want to use.
  6. You cannot use each type of key (for example, a letter key) more than once in a key combination.
  7. Quit and restart any applications you’re using for the new keyboard shortcut to take effect.