Center for Adaptive Technology (CAT)
The Long Beach Public Library's Center for Adaptive Technology (CAT), located in the Family Learning Center at the Billie Jean King Main Library, is designed to support people in the City of Long Beach who are living with physical, visual, hearing, and developmental disabilities.
We provide adaptive hardware and software, library materials, and library staff to answer reference requests and assist with computers and technologies.
Many of these assistive technologies are also available at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Adaptive Software
JAWS is a computer screen reader program that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen via text-to-speech output.
- Allows all major functions of the Microsoft Windows operating system to be controlled with keyboard shortcuts and spoken feedback.
- Users control the language, reading speed, sounds, volume, and granularity used when reading punctuation and can customize virtually every aspect of JAWS including all keystrokes.
- Includes a distinct mode designed specifically for web browsers.
- Supports individuals whose quality of vision prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
WYNN Wizard is a literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals facing reading challenges, writing difficulties, visual impairment, and learning difficulties.
- Allows users to open a file and hear it read aloud while simultaneously highlighting text as it is spoken.
- Includes color-coded toolbars and specific features to support studying, productivity, and internet browsing in addition to reading and writing.
- Supports individuals with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and aphasia.
- Also a valuable tool for teachers and therapists who support individuals facing reading difficulties including English Language Learners, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD).
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
WordQ and SpeakQ is an assistive software package designed to help individuals who struggle with writing.
- WordQ uses word prediction to suggest words as the user is typing into documents and emails. It also uses text-to-speech to read back text that the user has entered, allowing for proofreading and editing. User can opt to have the words highlighted as they are read.
- SpeakQ combines speech recognition with the features of WordQ to allows users to type by speaking the word (speech-to-text).
- Users can switch between typing and speaking while writing.
- Supports additional languages including Spanish and French.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
ZoomText is a magnification and reading software tool for visually impaired people.
- Allows users to see and hear everything on the computer screen or parts of the screen that they select.
- Capable of magnifying the screen up to 36 times. Text definition is maintained to preserve legibility. Color controls improve screen clarity. Mouse pointers can be resized.
- Also provides enhanced navigation capabilities to help users launch other programs, find documents on the desktop, find hypertext links and controls on webpages, and find words or phrases.
- Supports individuals with early vision loss, computer vision syndrome, and visual impairments such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Dwell Clicker 2 is a Windows application that allows use of a computer mouse without clicking mouse buttons.
- Users rest the mouse over one area of the screen for a specified time. Using Dwell Clicker, people can left-click, right-click, double-click or drag, all without physically pressing a button. It is configurable so the timing can be adjusted to suit individuals needs.
- This can be used with a standard mouse or alternatives, such as joystick or larger mouse for better gripping.
- It is ideal for people with Repetitive Strain Injury, musculoskeletal disorders, and people who use alternative pointing devices such as a headpointer or joystick.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is Speech Recognition Software.
- Speech-To-Text: users speak the words they wish to type on the computer.
- Lets users dictate 3x faster than typing, with 99.9% accuracy.
- This software takes voice command to the next level with enhanced features for greater accuracy and speed when creating documents.
- Useful for those who cannot operate a standard keyboard and those with mobility or dexterity impediments.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Adaptive Hardware and Assistive Devices
Hearing loops, also known as audio induction loops, provide a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by hearing aids when they are set to the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting.
The loop consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word, an amplifier which processes and sends the signal, and a loop cable which is a wire placed around the perimeter of a specific area that acts as an antenna radiating the magnetic signal to compatible hearing aids.
- Can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid.
- Any number of users can use the system at once.
- Cuts out unwanted background noise.
- No need to use a receiver or headset—sound goes directly into the hearing aid.
Available in Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Community Meeting Room and Classroom.
Tracker Pro is a mouse replacement device that enables people with little or no hand movement to perform all mouse functions by moving their head.
- Miniature, lightweight head-operated mouse for easy Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) access.
- High resolution intelligent camera tracks a tiny reflective dot worn on your forehead or glasses.
- When you move your head, Tracker Pro converts that into computer mouse movement and moves your mouse cursor.
- Ideally suited to persons with, but not limited to: quadripelgia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or any difficulty controlling a standard mouse.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Switch Click is a switch and interface in one that allows users to perform computer mouse controls with the press of a switch.
- 2.5 inch diameter switch plugs into any USB port on your computer.
- Press to simulate a left mouse click, while maintaining full access to your keyboard and mouse.
- Simple adjustments allow it to send Left Click, Right Click, Space, Enter, Tab, and Arrow keys: Up, Down, Left, and Right.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Joystick and rollerball mouses provide the functionality of a traditional computer mouse in a device that requires minimal hand movement.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library: Several mouse varieties including an interchangeable option with joystick handles, a straight stem, a T-bar, and large soft ball.
Available at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library: T-bar style joystick mouse.
Choose from a variety of high-contrast, large print, and Braille keyboards to suit your needs.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Interpretype, also known as ITY, is an interactive communication aid for people who have speech disabilities or who are non-verbal, deaf, or hard of hearing. It provides a means of communication without the use of speech.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library.
Optelec Full-Page Magnifier is a reading aid and literacy tool that allows users to view text and photos with magnification. Place the book on the tabletop platform and adjust the magnification, view the text or images on the screen.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library.
Handheld magnifiers are assistive devices useful for enlarging hard to read print.
Available at all LBPL locations.
We offer power-adjustable workstations that can be easily modified with the push of a button to tailor the space to individual preferences.
Available at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.