Special Equipment Area (Level 2, Library)

General Introduction

The Library has a range of equipment permanently located in the Special Equipment Area, Level 2 of the Library, for use by students with disabilities. Macquarie University Library cardholders with disabilities may obtain their own access card. A precondition of issue of this card is an instruction session with the ISSS staff member (Geoff Evenden). Loss of the card will incur a minimum replacement charge of $20.

A hands-free internal telephone (ext 7909) and TTY unit (ext 6556) have been provided in the Special Equipment Area. For assistance with equipment contact the ISSS ext 6557.

The Special Equipment Area has been planned and equipped in consultation with users solely for the benefit of students with disabilities. Other Library users are not entitled to be in this area unless assisting with a specific project and then only by arrangement with the ISSS staff.

Eligibility For Services

Resources and facilities are provided primarily for Macquarie students with disabilities. However, they are also available to tertiary students with disabilities from other institutions when this does not interfere with study or research by Macquarie students. Non-Macquarie University students should speak to the ISSS staff member (Geoff Evenden, ph. 9850-6557). Such students may be entitled to a Special Borrower card which gives them access to services provided for Macquarie students.


Software and Equipment Housed in the Special Equipment Area:

Dragon Naturally Speaking (Preferred) Ver 7

Voice recognition command of P.C. once trained to users speech pattern.

textHelp Software Ver 6

Spellcheck/Word Predication system for students with learning disabilities.

JAWS Ver 5

Windows compatible screen reader.  

TextBridge Pro Ver 11.01

Scanning software used to: scan material to voice output scan material onto disk scan material and convert to Braille

Kurzwiel 3000 Ver 7.07

OCR scanning software used to: scan material to voice output scan material onto disk scan material and convert to Braille

Omnipage Pro Ver 12

OCR scanning software used to: scan material to voice output scan material onto disk scan material and convert to Braille

TextAloud Ver 1.479

          Convert text files to speech output MP3.

ZoomText Ver 8.12

          Text enhancement and speech output.

Duxbury Braille Translator Ver 10.4

          Translates text files to Braille for embossing

Window Eyes Ver 4.211

          Screen reader

 

 

Multimedia PCs

These PCs run a number specialised hardware and software packages and provide network access. Each PC has an individual laserprinter attached. Three scanners.

TTY

Contact No: 9850 6556.

Talking Book Machine

A 4-track cassette player/recorder with pulse indexing button and variable speed control.

Vantage Print Enhancer

CCTV unit (green screen), used to magnify print.

Magnifying Glass

A large illuminated magnifying glass is available for print enlargement.

Perkins Brailler

Braille typewriter.

Automatic Page Turner

For students with muscular disabilities

Adjustable Slanted Desk

Designed to aid students with mobility impairments.

Ergomonic Kneeling Chairs

Adjustable Foot Rests

Dictaphone Equipment

With foot controls for notetaking and lecture tape replay.


On Campus Loan of Equipment

Loan periods are only for the duration of an individual lecture and it is essential, in the interests of fellow students, that they be strictly adhered to.

From Library

All loan equipment is issued from the Level 3 Reference counter.

Student ID must be produced in order to borrow.

It is emphasised that equipment located in the Special Equipment Area must be used in that room only.

At present we have for loan:

One Perkins Brailler

Two Portable Dictaphone Units - for note taking

For enquiries regarding any equipment issues please email Geoff Evenden gevenden@library.mq.edu.au or phone: 9850 6557.

From UHCS

UHCS have a limited number of laptop PCs available for short-term loan to students with disabilities.

Suggestions For Equipment Purchases

Suggestions for the purchase of specialised equipment for use by students with disabilities are welcomed. Acquisition of that equipment then depends on the success of the Equipment Subcommittee in obtaining funds. A representative from the Library is on that subcommittee and will be pleased to pass on specific requests from students. Requests should describe the function of the equipment, and if possible, give details of make, model and supplier.

 

Last Updated 4 August 2005