Assistive Technology
JAWS
JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is the world’s most popular screen reader, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC. You will be able to navigate the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations from your office, remote desktop, or from home.
A screen reader is a software program that enables a blind or visually impaired user to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display.
Training and Features of JAWS
ZoomText
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.
JAWS and ZoomText software are available on one of our public computers along with a large-print keyboard. Please ask a staff member for assistance finding the available computer and for help using the software. You will need your library card or a guess pass to sign-up for the computer.
*Headphones are required with the text-to-speech function when sound may be disruptive to other customers. Headphones for use with JAWS and ZoomText are available at no cost, upon request at the Circulation Desk.
Training and Features of ZoomText
Materials
Materials in different formats are available to assist the visually and hearing impaired including:
- Audiobooks on CD
- Books-by-Mail: this service provides large print and audiobooks for homebound patrons. For more information, please visit Allentown Public Library’s website for eligibility and more information
- eAudiobooks and eBooks available for download through Libby and Hoopla
- Large print books: printed in an easy-to-read font
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, is a free national library program that provides braille and recorded materials to people who cannot see regular print or handle print materials
Sensory Items
Sensory items are available to use during children’s programs for anyone who needs help focusing or refocusing. We hope these will help with self-regulation so that they feel more comfortable using the library – whether in a library-sponsored program or just browsing.
Items include:
- Fidgets
- small weighted lap pad
- noise-cancelling headphones
- information cards for breathing exercises
- hanging posters that focus on breathing, emotions, and suggestions for calming
Large Print Keyboard
The large print keyboard is available for anyone who struggles to see the lettering on a keyboard. The large print key and button labels make it is easy to see, even in low light.