PD-1998-02
April 8, 1998
To: Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Department
Chairs and Administrative Head
From: President Robert L. Caret
Subject: Access To Technology and Computer
Laboratories for Students With Disabilities (Supersedes PD 96-02)
Introduction
San José State University is committed to providing an environment that is responsive and accessible to students with disabilities. To ensure this environment, appropriate accommodations will be provided for students with disabilities so that technology and all computer laboratories are accessible, as guaranteed by law.
Purpose
The purpose of this Presidential Directive is to assure continuing compliance by San José State University with applicable federal and state legislation, and California State University System Policies regarding access to technology, and provision of services to students with disabilities.
The university completed the Self-Evaluation and Transition Report (The Report), on December 15, 1995. The Report indicated that there was a need to provide equal access to information technology for students with disabilities and that a multi-year plan be developed to ensure such access. A Multi-year Plan for Access to Technology (Plan of Action) was completed on September 16, 1996. Under the Plan of Action the university has adopted the following: (1) the creation of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) Advisory Committee on Access, which will be charged with reviewing access issues, (2) phasing in full access to existing Personal Computer (PC) Labs over several years (3) and, ensuring that all new refreshments to technology or purchases in PC Labs meet current standards of access.
Policy
It is the policy of San José State University (SJSU) that students with disabilities shall be given access to technology and computer laboratories, either through adaptive technology (adaptive software and hardware) or through conventional means, readers or assistants. Conventional means of access will only be used to supplement access while steps are undertaken to mitigate barriers to technology, and not as a permanent substitute for adaptive technology.
University departments and programs will respond in a timely manner to student or administrative requests (e.g. Disability Resource Center, DRC) for access to computer laboratories, by acquiring the appropriate hardware and/or software. Departments are encouraged to work with DRC staff to validate student requests.
Guidelines
- The DRC will consult with departments or programs, faculty or staff to verify a student's need(s) and will advise departments or programs regarding the acquisition of appropriate technology to incorporate accessibility.
- Accessible pathways to and from technology and PC stations must be provided.
- Technology (e.g. Kiosks, telecommunications) and PC Labs at SJSU must provide appropriate access to students with disabilities. The CIO will issue guidelines and standards regarding appropriate access to technology and the number of accessible stations that are required, as well as the adaptations that are currently being employed.
- New Purchases or Renovations: Programs and departments are responsible for the inclusion of access in all new purchases or refreshments of technology, including accessible furniture. Once technology or a PC station is equipped with adaptations, it must be identified and remain accessible to students with disabilities. Programs and departments will assign technicians and staff as needed to ensure that adaptive technology is acquired, installed and maintained.
- Existing Facilities: In PC Labs that have not been refreshed or renovated since PD 96-02, adaptive technology will be acquired upon request (by a documented student with a disability or the DRC) and installed in a timely fashion. Programs and departments will assign technicians and staff as needed to ensure that adaptive technology is acquired, installed and maintained, once requested. The DRC will work with departments to identify sources of funding.
- The High Technology Center (HTC), located in Clark Library, has been designated as the PC Lab responsible for training and instruction of students with disabilities. Technical staff in PC Labs need only be responsible for maintaining equipment, not for training students with disabilities. The hardware and software purchased by departments or programs must be consistent with that installed in the HTC.
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to present or identify their disability needs for access to technology or computer laboratories well in advance of their anticipated need (e.g. identify need in advance of registering for a course utilizing computers) to ensure that adaptive technology can be acquired, installed, updated or modified. Students with disabilities must have a confidential file in the Disability Resource Center (DRC) documenting their disabilities, in order to receive training or support. Once students present their needs to the DRC, staff will evaluate their request, provide training, and contact the appropriated department(s).
- For time sensitive academic work, students with disabilities will be provided readers, assistants, or other helpers while adaptive technology is being acquired and installed.
San José State University Accessibility Standards for Personal Computer Laboratories
The standards for accessible workstations outlined below and with the accompanying documents, establish a minimum level of compliance for personal computer laboratories. In addition to the standards for the accessible workstations, the standards are also divided into hardware, software, accessory and furniture sections for both PCs and Macs. Updates and changes will be made periodically to keen pace with technological advancements.
The intent of adaptive workstation(s) is to remove barriers for students with disabilities. To this end, disabled students must be given priority use of adaptive computer stations.
The adaptive workstation(s) need not be isolated or dedicated and can be used by able-bodied students when not occupied by a student with a disability. If a disabled student requests the use of the adaptive workstation occupied by an able-bodied student, the able-bodied student should be allowed ten minutes to finish and save their work before moving on to another computer. Provided all computers are engaged, regulations governing the lab regarding computer use apply. It is the responsibility of lab personnel to ensure the accessibility of adaptive workstations for students with disabilities.
Physical Barriers
Minimum standards for adapted workstations:
- Work surface at least 30" from the floor
- Clearance of 29" beneath the top to a depth of at least 20"
- Minimum width of 36" to allow leg space for seated individual
- Utility and equipment controls located within easy reach
- Clear aisle width sufficient to maneuver a wheelchair, recommended 5' diameter
Assistive Technology
Minimum Number of Accessible Computer Stations
The number of accessible computer workstations is based on the total number of stations per lab. The following are minimum requirements:
Less than 25 stations -- 1 accessible station
- 25 - 50 stations -- 3 accessible stations
- 50 - 75 stations -- 4 accessible stations
- More than 75 stations -- 5% of total number of stations should be accessible
Below is an overview of the adaptive hardware and software required for a minimum standard and enhanced standard workstation. These stations must be available to students with disabilities and maintained by the department that operates the lab. One enhanced standard workstation must be installed in labs with more than 25 stations. The accompanying documents detail the software and hardware required for PC's and Macs.
Minimum Standard Workstation
- Screen reader software: for the PC use JAWS (www.hj.com); for the Mac use Outspoken (www.aagi.com)
- Screen magnification software: for the PC use MAGic (www.hj.com); for the Mac use InLarge (www.aagi.com)
- Sound Card: use any Windows compatible Sound Card for the PC along with Jaws software; Mac is sound ready
- Accessible furniture
- 17" or larger monitor for each adapted workstation
Enhanced Standard Workstation
All minimum standards with the addition of:
- CCTV, Closed Circuit Television - Magnification System: (www.optelec.com) Scanner
- Braille Printer (only required in labs of 50 or more stations)
- Voice Recognition software
- Visual outlining software
Example of the configuration of a lab with 56 Stations:
- 3 minimum standard workstations and 1 enhanced
Contacts
Questions regarding the standards: Dr. Maurice Mitchell, Associate Vice President, Instruction/Research Services (4-7405) and Martin B. Schulter, Director, DRC (4-6007). Questions regarding the adaptive technology: Neveen Radwan, Information Technology Coordinator, DRC (4-6004).
March 24, 1998
SJSU Minimum Requirements for Accessible Computer Work Stations PC's
| Item | Vendor | ProductName | Specifications | Price Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bed scanner | No recmmended vendor | Hewlett-Packard flatbed scanner with reading software (DecTalk internal speech synthesizer optional) | $500 | Used with computer to scan text; computer provides speech output through speech synthesizer and screen reading software | |
| OCR (software) | No recommended vendor | Omni Page Pro | $400 w/ purchase of scanner | Used with computer to scan text; computer provides speech output through speech synthesizer and screen reading software | |
| Reading Machine |
SensAbility Inc. 283 Peterson Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Fax: (847) 367-4003 Contact: Ed Vitu |
Galileo Reading System |
Free standing scanner with built-in floppy and hard drive. Speech guided user interface |
$5000 | 10% Educational Discount |
| Braille Printer | No recommended vendor | Index Basic-D Braille Printer | Double sided printer with tractor-fed paper. Also has a speech guided user interface. | $3500 | 78 characters per second; can print multiple copies. |
| CCTV |
TeleSensory 455 N. Bernardo Ave. P.O. Box 7455 Mountain View, CA 94039-455 (800) 227-8418 / Optelec 6 Lyberty Way P.O. Box 729 Westford, MA 01886 (www.optelec.com) |
Black and white video magnifier with at least a 14” viewing screen | $2700-$3000 | Offers up to 60x magnification of any printed material | |
| Standard Software/Operating system | No recommended vendor | Windows | Most recent version | Comes with computer | |
| Text Enlarger |
Henter-Joyce, Inc. 2100 62 nd Ave., North St. Petersburg, FL 33702 |
MAGic | Smooth scrolling, easy to read text. Versions available for both Windows 95 and NT |
$350 Win 95 $800 Win NT Multiple license discount available |
Magnification from 2x to 16x. Smooth edged fonts. User configuration through menu or command line switches |
| Screen Reader |
Henter-Joyce, Inc. 2100 62 nd Ave., North St. Petersburg, FL 33702 |
JAWS | Configurable voice output: tone, pitch, etc. Highlight words as it reads. For use with students with learning disabilities |
$800 NT version and multiple copy discount available |
Compatibility with major word processing and other programs. User configurable through menu. |
| Speech Input/Dictation System |
Any software retailer Dragon Systems 320 Nevada St. Newton, MA 02160 (617) 965-5200 |
Dragon Dictate Dragon Naturally Speaking |
Atleast 30,000 word vocabulary |
30,000 word $200 60,000 word $700 |
Contains active vocabulary with word recognition. Input through microphone. Built-in commands for popular word processing and spreadsheet programs. |
| Keyboard Filter |
HumanWare, Inc. 6245 King Road Loomis, CA 95650 |
TextHelp | Works with DOS/Windows | $250 | Allows user to look down the shift, alt, and control keys to provide one Ðhanded access; allows the user to program in a delay to permit typing by people who have limited muscular control |
| Keyboard Filter |
Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052-6399 |
Access Pack for Windows | Works with Windows | $0 | Allows user to look down the shift, alt, and control keys to provide one Ðhanded access; allows the user to program in a delay to permit typing by people who have limited muscular control |
| Braille Translator |
TeleSensory 455 N. Bernardo Ave. P.O. Box 7455 Mountain View, CA 94039-7455 (800) 227-8418 |
Duxbury/PC Version | $500 | Translate ASCII text files. | |
| Braille Translator |
GW Micro 310 Racquet Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825 |
Braille Talk | $200 | Translate ASCII text files. | |
| Glare Screem | No recommended vendor | $25 | Reduce eye strain | ||
| Headphones | No recommended vendor | $25 | Used with speech synthesizer and screen reading software | ||
| Wrist Rest & Ergonomic mouse pad | No recommended vendor | $9-$25 | |||
| Table |
Contract Interiors 9365 Waples St. Suite D San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 452-2600 / San Diego Office Interiors7946 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.San Diego, CA 92111 (619) 495-7364 |
Hayworth Table Systems | Adjustable continuous height table (hand crank) 45”w x 27”d | $900 | |
| Ergonomic Chair |
Prison Industry, Authority506 East Natoma St. Folsom, CA 95630 |
Ultra chair with arms | Adjustable back and height | $265 | Reduces stree on back and neck |
| Item | Vendor | Product Name | Specifications | Price Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | No recommended vendor | Maintosh PowerMac series | Apple Power Macintosh 6500/250, 32/3.0GB/CD, MiniTower w. 132 MHz power PC 604 Processor. 32 MB RAM, 3.0 GB hard drive, 1.4 MB Apple Super Drive, Eight Speed CD Rom Drive, 16 bit stereo input/output, 64 bit graphics accelerator with 2 MB VRAM | $2000 | |
| Monitor | No recommended vendor | 17" color, .28 dot pitch, non-interlaced | $500 | ||
| Keyboard | No recommended vendor | Extended keyboard | |||
| Track Ball | No recommended vendor | Kensington TurboMouse | $100 | ||
| Printer | No recommended vendor | Hewlett-Packard 620 series (inkjet); II series (laser | Front-loading inkjet or laser | $300-$500 | Paper loading tray is easily accessible |
| Modem | No recommended vendor | Any major brand (e.g. external U.S. Robotics 28.8 or faster baud rate) | External 28.8 BPS with software | $150-$200 | For dial-up access to campus computer and internet. If network connection is available, modem is not necessary |
| Flat bed scanner | No recommended vendor | Hewlett-Packard flatbed scanner with reading software (DecTalk internal speech synthesizer optional) | $500 | Used with computer to scan text; computer provides speech output through speech synthesizer and screen reading software | |
| OCR(software) | No recommended vendor | Omni Page Pro | $400 w/ purchase of scanner | Used with computer to scan text; computer provides speech output through speech synthesizer and screen reading software | |
| Reading Machine |
SensAbility Inc. 283 Peterson Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Fax: (847) 367-4003 Contact: Ed Vitu |
Galileo Reading System |
Free standing scanner with built-in floppy and hard drive. Speech guided user interface |
$5000 | 10% Educational discount |
| Braille Printer | No recommended vendor | Index Basic-D Braille Pritner | Double sided printer with tractor-fed paper. Also has a speech guided user interface | $3500 | 78 characters per second; can print multiple copies. |
| CCTV |
TeleSensory 455 N. Bernardo Ave. P.O. Box 7455 Mountain View, CA 94039-7455 (800) 227-8418 / Optelec 6 Lyberty Way P.O. Box 729 Westford, MA 01886 |
Black and white video magnifier with at least a 14” viewing screen | $2700-$3000 | Offers up to 60x magnification of any printed material | |
| Standard Software/Operating system | No recommended vendor | Mac Operating System | Standard, System 7.5 or later | Comes with computer | |
| Text Enlarger |
ALVA Access Group 5801 Christie Ave Suite 475 Emeryville, CA 94608 Voice: 510-923-6280 |
InLarge | Smooth scrolling, easy to read text | $300 | Speaks text through Mac's internal speaker. |
| Screen Reader |
ALVA Access Group5801 Christie Ave Suite 475 Emeryville, CA 94608 Voice: 510-923-6280 |
OutSpoken | $500 | Scrolls faster and more smoothly than CloseView | |
| Keyboard Filter | No recommended vendor | Easy Access | $0 | Allows user to lock down the shift, alt, and control keys to provide one-handed access; allows the user to program in a delay to permit typing by people who have limited muscular control; included with Mac utilities. | |
| Glass Screen | No recommended vendor | $25 | Reduce eye strain | ||
| Wrist Rest & Ergonomic mouse pad | No recommended vendor | $9-$25 | Reduces stress on hand/wrist | ||
| Headphones | No recommended vendor | $7 | Used with screen reading software | ||
| Table |
Contract Interiors 9365 Waples St. Suite D San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 452-2600 / San Diego OfficeInteriors, 7946 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.San Diego, CA 92111 (619) 495-7364 |
Hayworth Table System | Adjustable continuous height table (hand crank) 45”w x 27”d | $900 | |
| Ergonomic Chair |
Prison Industry Authority, 506 East Natoma St. Folsom, CA 95630 |
Ultra II Chair with arms | Adjustable back and height | $265 | Reduce stress on back and neck |