Are You Eligible For Academic Support Services?
The High Tech Center is a computer training center designed to train individuals with disabilities to use adaptive technologies. These technologies enable the students to gain access to standard college coursework. With diligent application of the skills gained in the High Tech Center, students are better prepared for success in their college course endeavors and future employment. Please follow the links listed below to find information on the different hardware and software that is made available to students in the High Tech Center and what the requirements are for obtaining access to the lab.
All students with a disability that are accepted into the DSPS program are eligible to use the High Tech Center. Prior to using the equipment in the High Tech Center an Intake Evaluation must be completed. This evaluation will result in an Individual Adaptive Technologies Plan (IATP). This plan will specify the best approach for each student so that the time spent in the High Tech Center will be as productive as possible. The Intake evaluation will assess the student's current computer knowledge and disability issues that need to be addressed. The following three steps are required to gain access to use of the High Tech Center.
- Acceptance of Application for Services by DSPS office.
- Intake Evaluation by High Tech Center. (This evaluation is by appointment only, Please plan ahead. No last minute evaluations will be done). To set appointments call 222-8187, 222-8060 or 222-8061 TDD
- All students must be registered in a Practicum in Computers , Writing Center Practicum or an English course with an 18 hour lab requirement. Students hours are logged by signing in on the appropriate terminal located in the High Tech Center.
- The computer lab is a classroom, a place to learn and complete homework assignments. If you wish to socialize, please go outside.
- The person in charge of the lab is the High Tech Specialist or Lab assistant. This person or an Instructional Aide will answer your questions when you are in the lab.
- At the present time computers are available on a first come, first served basis. Computer time will be limited to one and one half-hour. If no other person is waiting for the computer then you may continue for one-hour increments until another student needs the computer.
- Before beginning your work, remember to sign in at the terminal by typing your Student ID number or Social Security Number. A screen will appear that shows your lab classes. Type an "X" next to the lab course you wish to log onto.
- At the end of your computer session, remember to sign out at the terminal by typing your Student ID number or Social Security Number.
- If you will be using a computer for an examination, you must reserve that station in advance with the High Tech Center. In addition, proper arrangements must have been made with the Accommodation Specialist for the exam.
- If you will be absent, please call the High Tech Center so we can give your time slot to another student (951/222-8060 voice or 951/222-8061 TDD.
- You may drop into the High Tech Center at any time to see if a computer is available. First check with the High Tech Specialist or Lab Assistant to assure that the machine you want is available and not reserved for another student.
- If you are more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled lab time and you have not called in, your machine may be given to another student for that session.
- No software may be brought into or removed from the High Tech Center at any time unless the High Tech Center Specialist has approved it.
- You are not allowed to make copies of any software.
- You are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in the High Tech Center at any time
- You are to remain in the Center only when you are working on a computer assignment.
- The Center will remain open only when supervision is present. The General Hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
- You need to treat the software and equipment gently. It is very expensive. We want to keep it in working order for many years.
- If you require assistance with your course work, you must arrange for a tutor with tutorial services. The High Tech Center staff is available to assist you with computing and assistive software/hardware issues only.
- Internet Access is only available for information and research. Those students who cannot access the information via the Library or other means, without assistance, will have priority e.g. Blind/Visually Impaired, severe mobility issues.
Software Available:
- Voice Recognition with Dragon Naturally Speaking
- Screenreading with JAWS
- Screen magnification with ZoomText
- Mind mapping with Inspiration
- Open Book Scan and Read technology for users who are blind
- WYNN Scan and Read technology for users with learning disabilities
Hardware Available:
- High speed computers with 19" flat-panel monitors for students with low vision.
- Flatbed scanners at each station
- Headphones available for private listening
- Andrea Antinoise USB NC-7100 microphones for use with Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- Logitech Ergonomic keyboards w/ touchpads and other alternative keyboards
- Kensington Expert Mouse Trackballs and other ergonomic mice
- Portable four-track recorders for training tutorials or Books on Tape. (Available upon request)
