[nabs-l] Reasonable technology requests from Rehab and some other college questions

[David]

Hi, Jordyn. Here are some things to keep in mind. Definitely try to get a
laptop with a screen reader. I know that some agencies may not purchase
computers, but rather the adaptive devices like screen readers, notetakers,
etc. But there are always exceptions, it seems. You'll want a powerful
computer with quite a bit of ram and processing speed, as well as a decently
sized hard drive. As for OCR, if you're reasonably good with computers, look
in to OmniPage, which is a mainstream OCR solution with excellent OCR
accuracy. I believe that it might be better than Kurzweil and OpenBook, and
you should be able to get it for less than $200. Be aware that OmniPage is
not quite as easy to learn as OpenBook and Kurzweil, but if you are a decent
computer user, you'll have little trouble with it. As for the Braille
display and notetaker, I would personally recommend a notetaker with Braille
output, since it's very portable, and you can just open it and take notes
immediately, rather than waiting for the laptop to boot up. I'd get the
notetaker before the Braille display, since most notetakers can act as
Braille displays. However, I don't think it's as convenient as a dedicated
Braille display. Maybe they'll get you both. A Braille embosser would be
nice, but they can be loud depending on the model, and that may be a problem
in a dorm setting. But if you really like using hard-copy Braille, then do
try getting one. It would be preferable than having to schedule time to use
the university's. Those are my thoughts.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Jordyn Castor
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 7:09 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] Reasonable technology requests from Rehab and some other
college questions

Hi again guys!
I'm going to college in the fall, as I already said yesterday. This is 
why I have so many questions! I just want to be sure I'm doing 
everything right, and what better way to do this then asking other blind 
students? :) So, thanks for all your great advice on everything!
My other question is, what are reasonable things to ask Rehab for in the 
way of technology?
I'm thinking a laptop, 40 cell braille display, Window Eyes, and a 
printer scanner combo thinggy with software like OpenBook or Kurzweil. I 
don't know if I'd get a notetaker though as these are super expensive. 
lol Any suggestions or other things you'd ask for? What are you all 
using as far as technology in college?
My college also has a place where I can, I think, borrow technology like 
an embosser or Braille Display. Should I use that rather than asking 
rehab for some of the things like the display and the printer? I think 
it would be awesome to have a printer in my dorm though lol!
Oh, speaking of dorms, do most of you have a roommate or a single room? 
A lot of my blind friends seem to have single rooms because of the 
expensive technology, but, I want a roommate, I think. lol Thoughts?
Anyway, I'll stop rambling! :)
Thanks again,
Jordyn

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