Assistive Technology Support
Being able to keep up with the ever changing assistive technology is a challenge the Florida Division of Blind Services continues to strive to do. This is an overview of some services provided by Blind Services that might help you or your business. You might also want to view our section on assistive technology. The Assistive Technology Section provides information about assistive technology, adaptive technology, and low vision aids that are available to assist an individual who is blind or visually impaired.
Access Technologists - Rehabilitation Engineers
Rehabilitation Engineering involves the use of advanced technology and innovation to help meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The resulting benefits will include expanded vocational opportunities and personal independence.
A statewide network of Access Technologists is available to serve our clients. These technologists will visit job sites in order to determine appropriate job modifications, procedural adaptations and/or the use of assistive technology that will allow a blind employee to meet or exceed an employer's production requirements. Adaptations may involve simple Braille markings, large lettering, optical aids or the installation of screen readers, Braille displays or enlargement adaptations for computer systems.
Assistive Technology Demonstration Lab
An Assistive Technology Demonstration Lab is housed at the
Manderfield Technical Training Laboratory (MTTL) in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The Assistive Technology lab has many varieties of access products for
individuals to observe and compare.
The types of products include:
- Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs)
- Speech and Braille Note Takers
- Screen Readers
- Speech Synthesizers
- Braille Displays
- Optical Scanners (Stand Alone and Computer Based)
- Braille Printers
- Large Computer Monitors
- LCD Flat Panel Displays (Monitors)
- Computer Screen Enlargement Software
- Talking Microwave
- Talking Color Identifier
- Talking GPS (Global Positioning System)
- Preprinted Form Completion Software
Assistive Technology Support Help Line
A toll free help line is available for Division of Blind Services
staff, clients, Access Technologists and employers.
The Help Desk
is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(eastern standard time), Monday through Friday. The Help Desk
can be utilized for Assistive Technology installation and support questions.
To schedule a tour of the Assistive Technology Demonstration Lab or to contact the Assistive Technology Help Line call 386-254-3856 or 800-522-5078 or e-mail the help desk at MTTL_HELP@dbs.doe.state.fl..us.
Assistive Technology Newsletter
A monthly Assistive Technology Newsletter is developed by the Help Desk staff. The newsletter covers new and updated Assistive Technology products and keyboard shortcut tips. Known problems and fixes are listed. Please take some time and view the Assistive Technology Newsletters.