(Classes will not be offered in Fall 2011,
please check back in Spring 2012 for updates)
Disability Services offers students two classes:
IIS 13 and IIS 16
There are two main Difference between the two classes:
It is easy to remember!
- IIS16 incorporates the use of TECHNOLOGY based software and hardware. (refer learning disabled, mobility impaired, and visually impaired).
- IIS 13 is for students with learning and memory problems ONLY (cognitive deficiencies and need for improving learning).
IIS 16 is Assistive Technology for Learning Disabled, Visually Impaired & Mobility Impaired
Dragon Naturally Speaking 
• (DNS) is speech recognition software that is designed for students who have a difficult time getting spoken language on to text. For example, a student with carpel tunnel, spinal injury, difficulty sitting for long periods, dyslexia, and other reading disorders (can speak very well but cannot put words on paper well), the use can go on and on. It needs to be noted Dragon is a skill to learn, but is worth the time for the student who needs it.
Job Access With Speech (JAWS)
• JAWS for Windows is a powerful accessibility solution for visually impaired students that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech. JAWS provides many useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read Web pages. An array of versatile features and customizable options lets you tailor JAWS for your individual needs and preferences. This is a must for any student who is progressively losing their vision!
Kurzweil 3000
• This a scaffolded reading, writing, and study skills solution for struggling learners, including ESL students and students with special needs. It enables educators to provide differentiated instruction without having to differentiate the curriculum. This is a valuable program taught in IIS 16 which includes a comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. This is a wonderful tool for students with learning disabilities and should be a requirement for all students enrolled in remedial English and/or reading classes.
- Access to Any Curriculum - The software can access virtually any information, whether it is printed, electronic, or on the Web.
- Increased Reading Fluency - Educators and independent research have demonstrated that Kurzweil 3000 helps with increasing reading fluency.
- Study Skills - With the aid of visual and auditory feedback, the software helps students keep up with assigned reading, learn critical study skills and successfully complete writing projects and tests.
Inspiration
• Inspiration® is the essential tool students rely on to plan, research and complete projects successfully. It is a mind mapping program that gets students to think in a nonlinear fashion. With the integrated Diagram and Outline Views, they create graphic organizers and expand topics into writing. This powerful combination encourages learning in multiple modes. As a result, students gain and retain a better understanding of concepts and demonstrate knowledge, improving their performance across the curriculum. This is a wonderful tool for students with learning disabilities and should be a requirement for all students enrolled in remedial English and/or reading classes.
MAGic
• Now computer users who need low vision aids due to macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or other causes of low vision can take control of Web and software application pages. In IIS 16 a software program titled MAGic helps with the student who is struggle with small type and indecipherable details. MAGic screen magnification software not only increases the size of what you see on a monitor, but MAGic with Speech also speaks aloud screen contents. It smooths the way for school projects that involve report writing, spreadsheets, and working with common Microsoft Office-related software. MAGic even makes leisure Web browsing, letter writing, blogging, chatting, and other everyday activities that involve the computer more fun. Students with partial vision are recommended to the IIS 13 class for MAGic.
IIS 13 is designed to Improve Learning Potential and focuses around these major areas.
Cognitive and communication problems.
These may be problems that result from traumatic brain injury and varies from person to person. These problems depend on many factors which include an individual's personality, preinjury abilities, and the severity of the brain damage. Brain injury rehabilitation must be designed taking into account a broad range of neuro-functional strengths and weaknesses. Basic skills must be strengthened before more complex skills are added. In the IIS 13 class this will be done with a Cognitive Rehabilitation Program and through comprehensive computer analysis where the many possible effects of brain injury can be sorted out. This pattern of functional strengths and weaknesses becomes the foundation for designing a computer program of brain rehabilitation. The IIS 13 Cognitive Rehabilitation Program will center on attention, focus, and perceptual skills.
In theory all students with disabilities should be taking our classes. Any students could benefit from learning to utilize technology. Whether the technology is the lab component using Keyboarding or Microsoft Word, the scan and read component using Kurzweil or Dragon to assist in typing their papers, our students could use this technology.
Keyboarding
Keyboarding software is used, quite simply, for teaching keyboarding. Students follow a software program and textbook 
while learning the fundamentals of basic keyboarding skills. This is the same program used in mainstream keyboarding classes on campus, but the pace is not as fast and there is no penalty for not typing fast enough. The software encourages speed and the student is rewarded for accuracy and speed, the rest is up to the student. This program receives enthusiastic remarks by students and is used by a variety of college campuses to teach typing.
