Published: Feb. 26, 1998

The Office of Disability Services and Information Technology Services at CU-Boulder has created an Assistive Technology Lab to provide computer access and special technology services to students with disabilities.

The Assistive Technology Lab will hold an Open House on Thursday, March, 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lab, located at Willard Hall in room 333. The open house will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the resources in the lab, meet staff and experiment with various adaptive devices. Refreshments will be served.

The computer lab allows students with disabilities to access computer application software, information systems and on-line resources such as the World Wide Web, e-mail and other Internet services. It also provides tools for students who need alternate access to printed material.

Special features of the lab include speech-controlled computers for individuals with mobility impairments and writing difficulties, voice output systems that help students with visual impairments or dyslexia, screen enlargement software and special keyboards designed for one-handed typists and for people with mobility impairments.

Ergonomic keyboards, pointing devices and ergonomic furniture and accessories also are available in the lab. Staff members with expertise in assistive technology are available to provide training and support.

The Assistive Technology Lab was approved for funding in the spring of 1997 by the CU presidentÂ’s office through the Total Learning Environment initiative.

The lab will be open Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those hours may change to accommodate usersÂ’ needs and personnel availability. Call 492-8672, (tdd) 492-8671 to ensure availability of equipment and support staff before visiting.

Disability Services and ITS are working to ensure that popular software packages in other ITS labs will be provided in the assistive technology lab and on the assistive technology Windows station in the Norlin Library lab, room N310.