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Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term for any device or system that enables an individual to perform a task they would otherwise be unable to do, or that increases the ease and safety with which the task is performed. Assistive technologies are applications within an innovative technological environment designed to help students with disabilities live their lives independently, either with no reliance on others or with significantly reduced dependency.

Assistive technologies enable almost any person with a disability to use a computer, including those with sensory impairments (such as blindness, visual impairment, deafness, or hearing impairment), motor impairments, and cognitive impairments.

These technologies allow for the enhancement of capabilities and provide ways to bypass or compensate for the barriers individuals with disabilities encounter during the learning process. Moreover, these technologies can benefit everyone; for example, a spell-checker - which is an essential tool for people with learning disabilities - can indeed be helpful to any learner.

- Alma Reader (Hebrew/English): Reads Word documents, emails, and more (note: does not support PDFs or images). Users can control the voice and reading speed. The software highlights the text as it is read and allows for easy navigation within the document. It also features MP3 recording and saving options, and assists with writing through word prediction and auditory feedback for self-correction.
  
  TextAloud: A text-to-speech software for Windows that converts text from documents, webpages, PDF files, and more into natural-sounding speech.
  
  Magnification & Document Conversion
  
  ABBYY FineReader (OCR): Optical character recognition software that converts scanned text or images into editable Word files, making them accessible for screen readers.
  
  ZoomText Magnifier: A combined magnification and reading program. that enlarges and enhances everything on the computer screen, echoes typing, and provides document- reading capabilities.
  
  Many applications are available for remote use from your personal computer via the “RUNI Apps” icon in the MyReichman portal.
  
  For detailed instructions on remote access, log in to the MyReichman portal, click the “Service and Support” icon, select the “Students” tab, and choose “RUNI Apps.”
  
  You are also welcome to visit one of the campus labs to try out the software and receive a brief orientation from the lab staff. The labs are available during hours when no classes are scheduled (for example,: Arison-Lauder Building, rooms A107, A319, or L202).
  
  You may also coordinate directly with Eric Rubin, the Lab Team Manager, at: Rubin.Eric@runi.ac.il
- The library is equipped with a desktop CCTV (closed-circuit television) magnifier, located at the accessibility station and available for use by students and faculty.
  
  A CCTV magnifier consists of a video camera, an electronic magnification system, and a monitor. The camera captures printed materials (like letters, newspapers, or books) in real -time. The electronic system enlarges the text to the desired size and allows the user to adjust text and background colors, brightness, and contrast. The monitor displays the material in a format adapted to the user’s visual acuity — enlarged and with the colors and contrast settings that suit them best. The interface is simple and intuitive, and requires no prior technical skills.
  
  The device also includes specialized software that can read texts aloud in six languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Dutch, with a choice of male or female voice. Users requiring Hebrew audio can convert printed materials into electronic files using the ABBYY FineReader (OCR) software and then listen to them using the Alma Reader text-to-speech program.
- Hearing assistance apps are installed in several classrooms across the campus. These apps can be downloaded free of charge to your mobile phone, allowing audio to be streamed directly to your personal headphones.
  
  For instructions on how to access and use the apps, as well as a detailed list of equipped classrooms, click here >>
- Many applications are available for remote use via the “RUNI Apps” icon in the MyReichman portal.
  
  For a complete guide to using applications and assistive technologies remotely, log in to the MyReichman portal, click the “Service and Support” icon, select the “Students” tab, and choose “RUNI Apps.”
- Noise-canceling headphones, laptops equipped with assistive software, and FM systems are available for loan. A security deposit check is required, to be returned upon the equipment's return.
  
  To request an equipment loan, please contact us by email at: negishut@runi.ac.il
- The Contego FM System is a wireless assistive listening device that allows students to hear the lecturer’s voice directly and clearly, without ambient noise or background interference from the audience.
  
  The system is fully compatible with cochlear implants and all types of hearing aids.