Letter to the Editor

I recently read an article about how Austin Community College physics professor Richard Baldwin developed a usable physics computer tutorial program called "Accessible Physics Concepts for Blind Students." In the same interest of helping ACC students who are blind and who have other differences, I want to share information about a program in Library Services with the same goal.

Much like Baldwin, who made a totally blind student become able to be a part of his class, make good grades and restored their confidence within themselves, Accessibility Facilitator for Library Services Melinda Townsel is trying to support student success through Project Enable.

Project Enable is intended for students who have disabilities, such as visual impairments and mobility issues. The purpose of Project Enable is to investigate and assess the usability of selected accessibility devices, software and hardware for use by ACC students. Any student can participate in the study by using any of the accessibility devices and completing a survey. The results of the students' responses will help Melinda and Library Services to choose adaptive and assistive technology for college-wide distribution for use in libraries or classrooms.

The items are available through the online catalog for checkout. For example, students can checkout smart pens that take notes for them, talking calculators, a Braille writer and even a portable CCTV.

Melinda has received many types of equipment that can be used within the library and classrooms.Currently there are three Project Enable computers that are adapted with Jaws and Magic software.

The Jaws software is able to read anything that is on the Internet windows and any kind of PDF files or other documents that are needed for classes. Jaws is very accessible along with being helpful.

Magic is also another software that can be used for reading and for anything that is required in our classes. However, through Project Enable, the Northridge library now has a scanner that reads documents and handouts from classes or newspaper and magazine articles. The scanner is needed in combination with Magic to allow students to read print materials.

I recently started at Northridge two semesters ago, and when I met Melinda in the library we started talking about how to improve library services and accessibility services for students with disabilities of any type.

Even though we have a group of people working together on this project, it could not have happened without Melinda. She put a lot of effort, energy and long hours into Project Enable to make an opportunity for all ACC students to learn.

I have been the proud "guinea pig" in this project and I would like to spread the word around campus to let other students know about it. I want students to tell their friends about Project Enable and how participating in this study could possibly help with their classes for those who would like some kind of assistance.

I, myself, am one of those students because I am visually impaired. I am also trying to get some laptops accessible for us as well. It is very important to me that I receive the same opportunity as regular students and I am sure that other students like me have the same concerns.

Melinda wants to see all students succeed and has a special passion for helping students with physical differences. She really does not like the word disability.

Library Services believes that an adoption and usability pilot study like Project Enable gives students a chance to experiment and use technology they may not know exists or have had a chance to learn more about. Project Enable is a great way for ACC students to find out if certain assistive devices can help them with their academic courses and accomplishments. Studies like Project Enable also help students to stay independent and have more flexibility when it comes taking notes in class and studying.

You can learn more about Project Enable by visiting http:// goo.gl/Mry2y. for questions or more information contact me at patty.temmerman@g.austincc. edu or at 512-785-8138.