READ-Ability Assistive Technology
Surrey Libraries READ-Ability offers the following assistive technology to the public:
Enhanced Vision Station: Makes reading easier for those with vision impairment. Magnifies print up to 70 times. Available at City Centre and Semiahmoo branches.
Hand–held Magnifiers: Magnifying glasses for in-library use are available in most library branches.
Large Print Public Catalogue & Internet Stations with Zoom Text (screen magnifying software).
Daisy Players and Califone Cassette Players can be borrowed from READ-Ability Services by those with print disabilities, such as visual impairment, or with a reading, learning, or physical disability.
Assistive Technology Computer Stations
Assistive Technology Computer Stations have special applications which help those with visual impairment or with learning, reading or physical disabilities. There are applications for reading and listening to books, documents or web pages, and for writing with word processing.
Each station is equipped with adjustable desk to accommodate wheelchairs.
Call City Centre, Guildford or Semiahmoo to book a station.
- City Centre Library call 604-598-7399
- Guildford Library call 604-598-7366
- Semiahmoo Library call 604-592-6908
The Library offers an introductory orientation to these stations, please call to book an appointment.
Assistive Technology Computer Stations have the following applications:
Touch Screen Monitor available at City Centre branch!
Big Keys Keyboard
For those with low-vision, or anyone who needs large keys in order to operate a keyboard. The QWERTY key layout accommodates those who are accustomed to standard keyboards. Some users with visual impairments prefer these white-on-black keys.
DRAGON Naturally Speaking
This software allows you to dictate to the computer, which then translates your words to written text. Useful in letter-writing, school reports, etc.
JAWS – Screen Reading Software
Reads aloud what is written on the screen. Useful for reading website text, articles from magazines or newspapers, letters or other Microsoft Word documents.
Kensington Expert Mouse
This special mouse uses a trackball to navigate the computer more easily.
Kurzweil 3000 – Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software
Print materials can be scanned, displayed, and read aloud. For people with print disabilities.
MAGic – Screen Magnification Software
Enlarges what is displayed on the computer screen to make it more readable.
Read and Write
Literacy support software to help with reading and writing skills. Converts text to speech, spell checks, assists with sentence construction and vocabulary.
Surrey Libraries acknowledges support for this project from the Hamber Foundation and the Province of British Columbia, Public Library Services Branch.