Computer Access Lab (CAL)
The Computer Access Lab (CAL), located in the Library, Room 118, has Assistive Technology (AT), or specialized equipment, available for students registered with the Student Disability Resource Center. The Assistive Technology Specialist is available to provide a personal needs assessment to determine what type(s) of assistive technology will make the computer accessible or help to compensate for a disability. Contact the SDRC office for more information and to schedule an appointment.
- Assistive Technology Specialist
- Location and Hours of Operation
- Function of CAL
- Priorities for Computer Use
- CAL/Computing-Related Policies
- Student Responsibilities
- Environment of the CAL
- Equipment Available
- Disclaimer
Assistive Technology Specialist
Cassandra Tex, MBA
General Information (Location, Hours, etc.)
LOCATION: Library, Room 118
Directions to CAL
HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
SCHEDULE/UPCOMING CLOSURES: CAL Schedule
Function of the CAL
The main function of the Computer Access Lab (CAL) is to provide a place where students can be assessed for, trained in the use of, and utilize appropriate assistive technologies (AT). The CAL also serves as an overflow testing location for students with disabilities who require assistive technologies to complete classroom exams. Student lab assistants use the specialized equipment in the CAL to convert course-related printed materials into alternate formats (e.g., Braille, electronic text, etc.) for students with print disabilities.
Priorities for Computer Use in the CAL
Generally speaking, the priorities for student computer use in the CAL are as follows but are subject to change at any time depending on the priorities of the Student Disability Resource Center, student needs, and computer availability:
- Classroom (both Final and Mid-Term) Exams
- AT Assessments and AT Trainings
- CAL staff computer use for converting materials into alternate format
- Student computer use WITH Assistive Technologies (AT)
CAL/Computing-Related Policies
CAL Policies
No Scent Policy: If you plan to use the Computer Access Lab (CAL), please do not use perfumes or other scented products. Some students may have allergies or other sensitivities to these types of products. Your cooperation is appreciated.
No Food or Drink Allowed in CAL: Food and drinks are not allowed in the Computer Access Lab, or in most parts of the Library. However, there is a food-friendly area on the first floor of the Library. Library Policy on Food and Drink
No Guests Allowed in CAL: Guests are not allowed in the CAL. This includes friends, family and children.
HSU Computing-Related Policies
Appropriate Use Policy (AUP):
Guidelines for Responsible Computing at Humboldt State University, April
2001)
All users of the University's computing, communications, and information resources
are required to abide by the Appropriate Use Policy (AUP). You are encouraged
to consult this document frequently to ensure that you are aware of your responsibilities
as a user of HSU's information technology resources.
HSU's
Appropriate Use Policy
Student Responsibilities in the CAL
- Each student is required to check-in and check-out with the student lab assistant (or AT Specialist if the lab assistant is not available). A log is maintained of the students using the lab, as well as any assistive technologies used. The log serves as a record of how often the lab is used and the type of equipment used. Please notify the lab assistant which assistive technologies you will be using.
- Students are required to have working knowledge of the software they wish to use in the CAL. The AT Specialist and lab assistants are not responsible for tutoring students on the software (excluding assistive technology equipment) available on the computers.
- Students are required to provide their own floppy disks or storage devices. While there is a temporary student storage area on each computer, it is purged/deleted regularly. The CAL will not be responsible for student files stored on either the hard drives of the computers nor on the temporary network storage area provided.
Environment of the CAL
When exams are taking place, signs will be posted, and a noise-free environment
is mandatory. Loud and/or disturbing behavior will not be tolerated.
However, when students are not taking exams, we cannot guarantee a noise-free
environment. Please remember that the lab is a place where assessments and
trainings are conducted and printed materials are produced in alternate formats.
While a noise-free environment cannot be guaranteed in the Computer Access
Lab, we attempt to provide an environment conducive to studying.
Equipment Available in the CAL
Equipment Available for Student Use
- Adjustable-height tables (electrically adjustable)
WorkRite ElectraLift workstations: sit-to-stand (height range = 24 inches to 52 inches) - Visioneer 8100 flatbed scanners
- Gateway Pentium IV Computers running Windows XP
- HP Color LaserJet 5500 duplexing printer
- Assortment of alternative keyboards
- Assortment of alternative-pointing devices
Software Available for Student Use
- WYNN Wizard version 3.5
- OpenBook version 7.0
- TextBridge Pro 8.0
- JAWS 5.0
- ZoomText Xtra! Level 1 version 7.11
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version 6.0
- ReadPlease 2003
- MY-T-Soft AT on-screen keyboard
- Microsoft Office Suite
Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
Additional Equipment/Software Used by CAL Staff for Alternate Formatting
- Tactile Image Enhancer
- Juliet Pro 60 Brailler with ET Speaks
- Epson Perfection 1640SU scanner with auto document feeder (ADF)
- Canon DR-5080C High-Speed Scanner
- CD and DVD Burners
- Nero CD Burning CD Software
- Duxbury Braille Translation Software
- TGD Pro S
- TGD QikTak
- Scientific Notebook
Disclaimer:
"The University is not responsible for loss of information from computing misuse, malfunction of computing hardware, malfunction of computing software, or external contamination of data or programs. The staff in central computing units such as Information Technology Services and all other system administrators must make every effort to ensure the integrity of the University's computer systems and the information stored thereon. However, users must be aware that no security or back-up system is 100.00% foolproof" (HSU Appropriate Use Policy, April 2001).
