From Braille embossers, to adjustable workstations, to specialized software programs, Workforce Solutions of the Concho Valley is supporting innovative approaches to increasing competitive, unsubsidized employment to individuals with disabilities.

Examples of the adaptive technology used in our resource room includes screen enlargement software that allows a user with visual impairments to make items presented on the computer screen larger, screen readers that verbalize the information presented on the computer monitor, Braille embossers that translate information and printouts coming from the computer into Braille dots, and computer accessories that can accommodate most any physical disability.

Our bilingual staff can provide you with the translation and ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of our services. Many of our documents are now available in Spanish or large print format.  We also offer alternative workforce orientation classes to our Spanish speaking customers.

Our assistive technology equipment consists of the following:

• CCTV - is designed to help visually impaired customers by electronically enlarging the printed material and displaying it on the 17" high resolution monitor. It allows for easy change and adjustments of colors, magnification and horizontal and vertical document positioning.
   
• TrackBall - replaces the traditional mouse with the pointing device that allows for easy manipulation using your thumb and index finger.
   
• Soft-Type Keyboard - is a software based technology designed to help the person with a mobility disability to type documents by the use of the headmaster device. It is also assists customers that have the use of only one hand – one finger.
   
• Headmaster - replaces the traditional mouse by allowing to control pointer movements. This hardware uses sensors to detect the position of the person's head and a special micro switch to detect air puffs that simulate the click of the mouse button.  Available remote adapter can be installed right on the wheelchair if needed.

   

• Zoom Text - software based technology available for our customers with visions impairments – Just like the CCTV it will enlarge anything on your computer screen with the added feature of reading the document aloud.
   
• TTY - is an amplified telephone device that enables a person with speech or hearing impairments to use the phone by typing their communication through the Telecommunications Relay Services. By dialing 711 our customers can gain rapid access to all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). There is also a volume control on the phone that can be set at three different levels – Min / Medium / Maximum.
   
• JAWS - is a popular software that provides full range of screen reading and screen magnification options.
   
• WYNN - is mainly used for people with learning disabilities in Reading, Writing, Studying and Comprehending. It allow you to open scanned or regular documents and hear it read aloud. Provides the same capability as Zoom text with added features such as Dictionary, Thesaurus and provides easy manipulation of the data to optimize the structure of the document for learning.
   
• Open Book – is a software that turns your computer, scanner, and sound card into a full feature-reading machine with features for low vision users.
   
• Braille Blazer (Embosser) – Portable Braille printer that lets you produce Braille documents, graphics, and labels. (Grade 1 and 2)
  The Braille Blazer can read the document and translate Braille to word and vice versa.
   
• MYCAP – Closed caption data for television use. Allows anyone that has a hearing impairment to access all our Career Resources video tapes.
   
• Audio Cassette Tape Player - can be provided to those that would prefer to listen to available resource materials recorded on the standard audio cassette.

For more information contact Marcie Perlman - Disability Coordinator at Workforce Solutions of the Concho Valley at 325-653-2321 ext. 1247