Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology at the Olathe Public Library is designed to meet the needs of library customers with disabilities. The following equipment has been made available through the efforts of the Disabled Persons Advisory Board, the City of Olathe, and the library. The Community Development Block Grant program provided funds for most of this equipment.

  1. JAWS
    Provides speech technology to access today's popular software applications and the Internet. JAWS uses an integrated voice synthesizer and the computer's sound card to output the content of the computer screen to speakers. This software is available on select public access computers.

  2. TTY phone
    The Olathe Public Library receives TTY calls on (913) 971-6855. A public TTY is located next to the payphone in the lobby of the main library. The unit is ready to use as soon as it is turned on and the payphone hand set is placed on the coupler. There is no additional charge - only the payphone charge. Indian Creek has a TTY for emergencies. Ask at the reference desk.

  3. Zoom Text
    Zoom Text is a screen magnifier designed specifically to meet the needs of the visually impaired. This software is available on select public access computers.

  4. Open Book
    This software assists those with vision or reading difficulties. It reads aloud most text including any text placed on the flatbed scanner. An experienced user can set the voice and speed of the reader, get Open Book to spell the word, look up the definition for an unfamiliar word, and record the play back later.

  5. Videophones
    The City of Olathe has moved two videophones, a communication link for the deaf and hard of hearing community, to the library. City employees and Comcast installed a videophone and internet link in each library location. The videophone unit has a camera and 27" TV to allow deaf or hard of hearing persons to sign directly to another deaf or hard of hearing individual who also has a videophone. They may also use an interpreter through the Video Relay Service who speaks into a conventional phone. Videophones use the internet to connect. The IP address or name is the equivalent of the phone number. A remote control allows the user to call the relay or choose manual dial and use keys on the remote to enter another videophone number. The videophone is available during library operating hours and is used on a first come-first served basis.

  6. Ubiduo
    Ubiduo, a small wireless communication device with a flip top screen, allows a deaf or hard of hearing person to communicate face-to-face in real time by typing messages that will appear on their individual screens simultaneously. Available at both libraries.