Assistive Technology Student Support Services

The Access and Disability Resource Center provides assistive technology support to students via specialized computers, loaner equipment and more. We want every Oakton student to have the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment that allows them to study effectively and comfortably. You can make arrangements for assistive technology to be available in specific areas of campus with the help of our Assistive Technology Specialist. 

Assistive technology helps students with disabilities by changing the functionality of learning materials. This technology can range from something mechanical like a specialized camera to a digital product such as a computer app. Oakton offers both mechanical–hardware– and digital–software–assistive technology products to students, listed below.

Questions About Assistive Technology?

To start getting assistance, contact Laura Pristera, our Assistive Technology Specialist. You can also learn more about how to request disability services and read some common questions-and-answers regarding Oakton's assistive technology support services.

Request Assistive Services

Laura Pristera
Assistive Technology Specialist
847.635.2656
lprister@oakton.edu

Des Plaines
Room 1820

Skokie
Learning Commons
Room A224

Literacy Software
Helps students complete reading, writing, research assignments, and tests.

  • Kurzweil 3000
    Reads text aloud to students from digital and print formats. Scans documents in color and black/white.
Accessibility Software
Magnifies computer window and reads digital text aloud.
  • JAWS Screenreader
    Allows students who are blind or have low vision to read the computer screen by converting text to speech.
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking
    Turns talk into text, so that students can create documents and complete and email forms using voice recognition. 
Duxbury Braille Translator/Braille Conversion
Converts digital text to braille for printing and enables blind and visually impaired to read and write.

Service - CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation)
Provides students who are deaf or hard of hearing the instant translation of what is being said into a visual display to be read.

CCTV 
Projects a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen.

  • SmartView 360
    Provides a camera to see across a room and enlarge/magnify any text through a monitor or a television screen.
  • SmartView Synergy SI Magnifier
    Offers a wider field of vision to display a document’s full width easily.

Scanner/Book Reader
Scans, converts images to PDF, and reads text.

  • Plustek Bookreader
    Integrates high-speed scanning and accurate text-to-speech capabilities.

Note-Taking Tools

  • Livescribe Smartpen
    Records and plays back everything written and heard.
  • Kurzweil 3000 Software
    Reads text aloud to students from digital and print formats. Scans documents in color and black and white.

Auditory Aid

  • Motiva Personal FM System for classroom amplification and recording.

Who has access to Oakton’s services?

Though primarily intended for students with disabilities, all students have access to A.T. resources.

Where do I find these services at Oakton?

Resources are available throughout the semester in the ARDC Office at both campuses.
  • Des Plaines (Room 1820)
  • Skokie (Learning Commons Room A224)

When can I receive services?

Resources are available throughout the semester in the ARDC. Interested students must first speak with an ADRC staff member who will determine the appropriate services to provide.

Can students borrow equipment to use outside of the college?

Yes, there is a loan program. You can request assistive technology in your classrooms or other campus areas where you study.

Where can I learn more about Oakton’s A.T. services?

The ADRC offers workshops throughout the semester. These sessions introduce you to available resources, technologies and services.

For additional support, you can schedule a one-on-one appointment with Assistive Technology Specialist Laura Pristera at 847.635.2656.