Disabled students welcome  center

By Lyndsey Shinoda
Daily Forty-Niner

Shiny new computers and sounds of robotic computer voices dominated the Disabled Student Services' newly renovated high tech center at its open house Wednesday.

Located in LA-5 Room173, the center features 10 computers configured with a variety of adaptive technology access devices. Each workstation can also be raised from 28 inches to 42 inches to provide maximum clearance for wheelchair access.

Jennie Benson, a psychology graduate student, sat at a computer and listened to the JAWS screen reader, a program that allows blind students to hear the on-screen text as they work on a document or surf the Internet. Benson said the center is an invaluable resource.

"I honestly don't think I'd have been able to get through my program without it," Benson said. "I'm able to do all of my work here. Since day one, it's been very helpful."

Benson said the center also has machines that will take handouts and print them in Braille.

"The atmosphere here is truly wonderful, everyone is so supportive," Benson said.

Penny Peterson, coordinator of the high tech center, was pleased with the turnout at the new lab, which she said is her brainchild.

"We still need to get our server up and get printers," Peterson said. "All the access devices are up, and students can get on the web for research. Because of the funding that came in recently, it's all come together."

Other new features of the center include the Dragon Naturally Speaking program, which can be used by students who need a voice recognition application for input. Another computer has the HeadMaster, which can be used by students who have limited upper body mobility.

CSULB President Robert Maxson was also on hand to see the new center. He offered his congratulations as someone interpreted in sign language.

"I'm not surprised at yet another innovation from this center," Maxson said. "It's no accident that this university helps and looks after and values disabled students more than any other university in the nation. They just want a level playing field, and that's what the center gives them."