Adaptive and Assistive Technology

RCPL offers a number of technologies to assist patrons with special needs.

ADA computers:
The first computer offers ZoomText, a screen magnification program. It features a 22 inch NEC MultiSync FE 1250 monitor, which helps to enhance visibility for low-vision patrons. The second computer offers JAWS (Job Access With Speech), which operates by reading aloud text that appears on the computer screen and OpenBook, which allows printed documents or graphic-based text to be converted into an electronic text format using accurate optical character recognition and quality speech. Both computers offer access to Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word); Horizon (RCPL library catalog); Library Databases; and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Kurzweil reader :

The reader is a bi-directional scanner that combines Optical Character Recognition (O.C.R.) technology with a high-quality speech synthesizer. The reader allows persons who are blind, visually impaired, or learning disabled to access printed or typed (NOT handwritten) materials. After a page is scanned, the text is digitized, and “read” in one of nine available reading voices.

Optelec :

The closed circuit television (CCTV) magnifies text and images up to 60 times its original size. The Optelec may be adjusted for different background colors and also has a negative/ positive switch to reverse the black/white image on the screen.

TTY (text telephone):

The Miniprint 425 is a text telephone (sometimes referred to as a TTY or a TDD) for use by persons with hearing impairment. The TTY is easy to use. Simply dial the telephone number for the relay operator and place the telephone handset into the acoustic cups of the Miniprint 425. The relay operator will respond and begin the call. The text of the telephone conversation may be printed out using the Print feature.

Large Print :

In addition, the Richland County Public Library offers both large print books (2nd level) and recorded books (1st level) at the Main Library.

Other Local Special Needs Agencies and Organizations

South Carolina State Library Talking Book Services PO Box 821 Columbia, SC 29202 1-800-922-7817 803-734-4611 TTY: 711-734-4611	South Carolina Assistive Technology Project USC School of Medicine Center for Developmental Disabilities University Affiliated Program Columbia, SC 29208 803-935-5263
South Carolina Commission for the Blind 1430 Confederate Avenue Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-7567	South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs P.O. Box 4706 Columbia, SC 29240 803-737-6477
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina 119 S. Kilbourne Road Columbia, SC 29205 803-254-3777

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Event Calendar

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Upcoming Events

Sit! Stay! Obedience Training 101

Join experts from the Greater Columbia Obedience Club in the Children's Room for a special storytime and demonstration of basic dog training techniques.

2:30 pm, Sunday, March 14

Get Connected Online

Want to learn more about how to use social networking tools? Join us for a special hands-on workshop about Blogging. Call 929-3457 to register.

3:00 pm, Sunday, March 14

Toddler Storytime

Stories and fun for you and your child. Please call 929-3434.

10:30 am, Monday, March 15