CCTV:

A "closed circuit television" magnifies hard-copy documents like books for people with low vision or who are blind. Available upon request.

Assistive Listening Device:

The "Induction Loop" amplification system can be used during training presentations by people with hearing impairments. The system provides sound amplification from a loop. The trainer wears a microphone that broadcasts a signal to headsets or to hearing aids. Available upon request.

Close-Captioned Job Search Videos:

A full range of career and job search videos are available in a close-captioned format for persons with hearing impairments. They can be viewed at the video station at the Job Seeker Center. Available upon request.

Accessible Computer Workstations:

There are two height-adjustable workstations with keyboard trays available in the resource room. You can request them from the front area staff. The computer access technology listed below is available for use at the workstations with instruction guides which can assist you in getting started using the technology. CONNECT staff is not able to provide training on the technology. Please refer to the community resources section of this handout for information on assistive technology training sites.

Adaptive Keyboards

• Maxim Split Keyboard: This ergonomic keyboard can be adjusted to facilitate correct hand positioning while typing, which may benefit persons who have pain when typing due to a repetitive strain injury.
• Big Keys Keyboard: The enlarged keys on this keyboard may be helpful for persons who have decreased hand coordination.
• Keyguard Keyboard: This keyboard has a hard plastic cover with recessed keys, which may be helpful for persons with decreased hand coordination which causes them to accidentally hit keys.
• Large Print Keyboard: The enlarged letters on this standard-size keyboard may be helpful for persons with decreased vision.

Adaptive Mouse Controllers

• Kensington Trackball may be helpful for individuals who have decreased coordination or individuals who have pain when using a traditional mouse.
• Joystick Plus is a mouse simulator that may be helpful for persons who have difficulty with coordination or cannot effectively use a traditional mouse or trackball.
• HeadTracker is an infrared head-pointing device that enables people with little or no hand movement to perform all mouse functions by moving their head.

Software for Job Seekers with Visual Impairments

• ZoomText: This "screen magnifier" software may be helpful for persons with decreased vision. There is also limited screen reading available with this version of Zoom Text.

Alternative “Typing” Software

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• is a voice-recognition software application which may be helpful for persons who have pain or difficulty using a keyboard to type. It turns a person’s voice into text on the screen and can be used to eliminate the need for a keyboard or mouse.
• OpenBook: This software program converts scanned printed material into enlarged text that can be read aloud with a computer voice for persons who are blind or have a visual impairment.

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CONNECT Services for People with Disabilities

Several CONNECT Partner organizations provide services for individuals with disabilities. If you need help obtaining an accommodation or training on assistive technology, one of these partners can help. If you are looking for a support group, housing referral, or advocacy, check out the list below to see who has these specialized programs.

• California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides employment services to individuals with disabilities who are eligible for their services. Some of the services include assessment, training, transportation, job preparation and placement. Apply online or contact DOR staff at their main office:

California Department of Rehabilitation
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Rm. 324, San Jose, CA
408-277-1355, (408) 277-1043 (TTY)
www.dor.ca.gov

• Project HIRED provides individualized career services and job placement support for any person with a disability looking for competitive employment. In addition they have a Wounded Warriors program which focuses on assisting veterans with disabilities transition to the civilian workforce. Contact them directly for orientation dates and times.

Project Hired
1401 Parkmoor Ave., Suite 125, San Jose, CA
408-557-0880 / 888-520-4572 (toll free)
www.projecthired.org

• TransAccess provides employment preparation and job placement assistance for individuals with disabilities in their Access to Jobs program. Their School-to-Future program provides career planning, computer workshops, mentoring, job shadowing, and networking for students of all ages. Their Workplace Solutions program includes an adaptive technology training center where adults and students can learn access technology such as Kurzweil and Jaws. Call to learn more and to sign-up.

TransAccess
1150 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 7A, San Jose, CA
408-278-2000
www.transaccess.org

• Momentum for Mental Health vocational services program specializes in helping individuals with psychiatric disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Momentum also offers a comprehensive array of treatment, rehabilitation and housing programs and services. To be eligible you must be signed up with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Ask your DOR counselor for more info and to find out when and where the next orientation will be held.

Momentum for Mental Health
86 South 14^th Street, San Jose, CA
408-938-8500
www.momentumforhealth.org

• Services for Brain Injury has a full range of services for individuals with a brain injury from vocational assessment and testing to job development and placement. In addition there are pre-employment services such as computer-aided learning, cognitive retraining and independent living skills training. Call for more information.

Services for Brain Injury
60 Daggett Drive, San Jose, CA
408-434-2277
www.sbicares.org

• Silicon Independent Living Center (SVILC) provides comprehensive services for people with all types of disabilities. They offer classes, workshops, support groups and recreational activities. They have programs for assistive technology, benefits information and referral, counseling, housing referrals and placement, independent living skills, advocacy, personal assistance services, youth leadership and employment services. Call for an appointment.

Silicon Independent Living Center (SVILC)
2202 N. First Street, San Jose, CA
408-894-9041
www.svilc.org