Assistive Technology

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Assistive Technology

The Forsyth County Public Library offers computers equipped with assistive technology (AT). The services are available at Central, Carver, and Kernersville locations during regular library hours.

Orientation for this new technology is required. To discuss your particular needs and schedule an orientation date at the location most convenient for you, call 703-3079 or email forsythlibrary@gmail.com.

For customers who have been oriented and know how to use the new technologies, a workstation can be scheduled for you, or if you are at an AT location, you may sign up if no one is scheduled for the workstation. Walk-ins are welcome every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. for orientation and use. The Library will make every effort to meet your AT needs but cannot guarantee assistance without an appointment.

All hardware and software have been purchased with Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds through a grant administered by the State Library of North Carolina.

AT Workstations for the Visually Impaired
Where	Central Library (2 workstations) Carver School Road Branch Kernersville Branch
When	During regular library hours
Software	MS Office Pro JAWS 6.0 Pro Kurzweil 1000 v.9 ZoomText 8.1 with ScreenReader
Hardware	Dell Optiplex GX620 computer laser printer scanner large print and Braille keyboard turbo mouse joystick

Scan your documents and have Kurzweil read them to you.
Let JAWS speak the words as you navigate Windows menus, screens, and lists or as you use your favorite Microsoft Office programs.
On the Internet, let JAWS read to you the text of websites as you conduct your business or surf the web.
Use ZoomText to magnify text and pictures on any part of the computer screen.

Video Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired

Video Relay Service (VRS) is a relay that allows a user to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) via video-conference equipment to a sign language interpreter, who voices the signed message to a standard telephone user in spoken English. The interpreter then relays the voice message back to the caller using sign language.

VRS is available on the first floor of the Central Library and Walkertown Branch Library during regular library hours. VRS is free, available on a first come, first serve basis; and it is not limited in the number of calls or how long VRS calls take.