Assistive Computer Technology (ACT) Lab

Instructor: Norma Letinsky
Instructional Assistant: Shannon Bowen
Location: AA-132
Phone: (805) 378-1547
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Friday: CLOSED

ABOUT THE ACT LAB

The ACT (Assistive Computer Technology) Lab is part of the ACCESS program at Moorpark College. This specialized computer lab uses the latest assistive technology both to teach and provide students with access to the personal computer. Speech recognition dictation, screen enlargement, screen readers, and print magnification are available for students. The ACT Lab has an automatic sliding door for easy entry and exit for students with mobility impairments.

Special hardware and software provide computer opportunities for physically disabled, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired students. Special skills development software is available for students who need to improve their academic skills in order to successfully take mainstream classes. Computer classes and access are provided for students having a full range of special needs.

The ACT Lab provides scheduled classes providing computer instruction in keyboarding, word processing, general computing (Windows), reading, vocabulary development, and writing skills. Individualized instruction is also provided for students with physical disabilities requiring the use assistive technology such as JAWS for Windows (screen reader), Dragon Naturally Speaking (speech recognition), Kurzweil Scan/Read system, ZoomText (screen magnification).

Assistive Computer Technology Available in the ACT Lab:

For students with physical limitations:
· Dragon Naturally Speaking for hands-free computer operation
· Specialized keyboards and trackball mouse
· Headmaster for mouse emulation
· Word prediction for faster keyboard input

For visually impaired students:
· Screen enlargement and extra-large monitor
· Closed circuit TV for print magnification
· Screen reader to read printed text aloud
· Scanner with optical character recognition, text reader

For students with learning disabilities:
· Text Help Read & Write (text reader)
· Proofing tools
· Inspiration (visual organizer)
· Kurzweil 3000 Scan/Read