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Assistive Technology
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EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY:
Effective and appropriate use of technology can produce major benefits for all learners, particularly those with disabilities. A wide range of equipment and assistive
technology is available at Belfast Metropolitan College. Below are some examples of equipment and technology that have been provided for students studying at BMC.
HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Conversor
The conversor is an FM personal assistive listening solution for use with your existing hearing aid. It requires no direct connection to the hearing aid. This
equipment can also be used by people with a hearing impairment who do not wear a hearing aid. Sound is input directly to the ears using headphones.
Loop System
Portable one-to-one amplifier system for use with T-setting hearing aids and induction receivers.
Smartlink
The SmartLink is a versatile, wireless, digital listener, suitable for hearing aid wearers on the T/loop setting. The MyLink receiver has an additional feature - when
headphones are connected, it becomes a wireless headset for people without a hearing loss. It offers integrated Bluetooth technology, giving a digital link between
hearing aid wearers and their Bluetooth mobile phones. It also includes three microphone options, as well as connecting remotely to your hearing aid(s). The SmartLink
offers the standard transmitter features, but gives you added flexibility:
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
The college can provide course materials and any other information relating to your studies in alternative formats such as large print, braille or audio.
Screenreader Software
Zoomtext
Fully integrated magnification and screen reading program that can enlarge, enhance and read out all on-screen information. This software enables large print users to
magnify the contents of their computer screen, and listen to it read out in synthetic speech at the same time.
Jaws
A powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech. It provides many useful commands that make it easier to use
programs, edit documents, and read Web pages. With a refreshable braille display, JAWS can also provide braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech.
Supernova
Supernova is truly unique in its ability to provide independence to visually impaired people, irrespective of whether you are totally blind or have mild low vision.
It includes a full (no compromise) screen reader, specifically engineered to provide access to everyone and boasts a fully featured screen magnifier complete with a
flexible colour changer and a host of magnification styles and modes.
DAISY Reader
EasyReader is an accessible software digital talking book player, allowing users to read and listen to content through a combination of text, speech and images.
EasyReader can be used by absolutely anyone who enjoys reading books with highlighted text and speech. EasyReader is particularly useful for readers with blindness,
low vision, dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities
Magnification Hardware
A CCTV or video magnifier is a simple way of producing large text, images and maps for people with some useful vision. Printed material and objects can be placed under
a camera and the magnified image is displayed on a screen. There are several different types of system to choose from and they vary widely in the features offered.
The following are all desktop magnifiers:
We also have a range of handheld or portable magnifiers including:
- Quicklook Magnifier
- Senseview
T3 Talking Tactile Technology
The T3 is a touch sensitive, multi-sensory device which provides instant audio feedback from tactile images. This combination of sound and touch transforms the way in
which people can access graphical information.
Task Lights
Whether you are studying, working at a computer, sewing or completing other tasks these lamps provide the user with an additional light source that can be focused on
the immediate work area for reading or working with equipment.
PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT
If you have a physical disability or a medical conditon which requires specialist furniture/equipment we can provide ergonomic furniture & equipment:
- Chairs
- Height Adjustable tables
- Foot rests
- Writing slopes
- Non-slip mats
- Supportive portable backrests
Computers
If you find using a computer difficult, uncomfortable or impossible then we have a range of solutions that may be of use. A few simple adjustments to your computer or
some additional devices can make all the difference:
- Adapted keyboards
- Trackerball mouse
- Wrist supports
DYSLEXIA SUPPORT
We have a range of assistive technology designed to assist students with dyslexia.
Texthelp
Software designed to assist students and individuals of all ages who require extra assistance when reading or composing text. The software allows students to develop
their literacy skills and enjoy greater independence.
Reading Pen
The Reading Pen features the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, containing over 240,000 words and definitions, hundreds of new words and phrases. The Pen has a British
digital voice which can turn any text into speech. Scan over a typed word & instantly hear it aloud with built-in speaker.
Livescribe
The Pulse smartpen is an advanced paper-based computer, providing both audio and visual feedback, powerful processing capabilities, and substantial built-in storage.
The smartpen captures and stores the notes you write. To capture your writing, the smartpen uses its built-in infrared camera to take digital snapshots of a special
dot pattern on the paper as the tip moves over the paper while you write
Digimemo
The Digimemo is a stand-alone device with memory that digitally captures and stores everything you write or draw with ink on ordinary paper. You can easily view,
edit organize and share your handwritten notes in Windows.
Coloured Overlays
Coloured overlays are clear coloured plastic sheets that can be placed over a page in a book. They work by reducing the perceptual distortions of text (some dyslexic
students say the words go fuzzy or move around). The appropriate colour for reducing distortion varies from person to person. To obtain the best effect, the colour has
to be chosen with care and precision. Sometimes the colour gives an improvement in reading fluency and helps a person to read longer without eye strain.
TRANSPORT
If you are under 18 years of age you may be entitled to a travel pass. You should check with your local Education and Library Board to see if you meet criteria for
this. If you have been approved for a Disabled Student’s Allowance through your local Education and Library Board, you can apply for support with additional transport
costs, for example, a taxi to and from college. BMC does not cover travel costs.
PERSONAL CARE
BMC does not provide personal care for students and individual students are required to contact their local Health and Social Services Trust regarding the
funding and provision of personal care throughout their studies.
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For Enquiries about our Disability Services contact the centre for Inclusive Learning
T. 028 90 265 097
Email Us
CILD@
belfastmet.ac.uk
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