Illinois workNet Centers have Assistive Technology

The Illinois workNet Centers in Elgin, DeKalb and North Aurora provide the following Assistive Technology equipment to assist job seekers with disabilities the ability to access the Internet, information and computer systems.

Sorenson Video Relay Service Phone – Benefits individual with hearing and speech impairment.   

Expert MouseTrackball – The Trackball is a simpler mouse for individuals with limited dexterity. 

Adjustable Keyboard Tray – This is a height adjustable tray for individuals using a wheelchair or has ergonomic concerns.

IntelliKeys Keyboard – This is an enlarged, programmable keyboard for individuals with impaired motor involvement and vision impairment. 

Large Monitor – This is a 21-inch computer screen for individuals with mild vision impairment.

Closed Circuit Television - An electronic magnification device for viewing printed materials.

Large Print Keyboard Labels – Adhesive labels that make the keyboard keys easier to read.

ZoomText – Is for individuals who require large print to read, certain colors to enhance reading, and speech output to assist in reading text. 

Open Book – This gives blind or visually impaired individuals the tool to read, edit, scan, and manage printed text as well as text that is imbedded in graphics. 

JAWS – Is a screen reading software that works with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet for those individuals who are blind or visually impaired and have high reading and word processing skills.

Home Page Reader – Software that reads most web pages aloud for visually impaired or blind individuals.

Talking Books Tape Player – Plays and records both standard and “talking book” audio cassette tapes for individuals who are blind. 

Duxbury Braille Translator – Is a complete Braille translator/word processor for those individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 

Juliet Braille Embosser – Is a Braille output printer for individuals who are blind and use Braille.

Pocketalker – Is a simple sound amplifier for individuals who have a hearing impairment.

For more details about any of these items visit our webpage at www.kcdee.org/assistiveTechnology.html

Donka, Inc

Donka is a partner of the Illinois workNet Center in North Aurora that is a non-profit organization providing computer training and job readiness services to persons with physical and visual disabilities.  Through computers and Assistive Technology, our clients become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.  Our primary goals are:

1. Provide a credible computer training program to people with disabilities
2. Provide adequate training and experience to enable students to pursue further education or see employment
3. Provide a way for people who are disabled to utilize their intellectual abilities, increase their self-esteem and become more self-sufficient, independent members of the community.

Our computer instruction focuses on the common business applications.  Our training is intensive and individualized, with a goal of student driven success.  Donka believes that strengthened personal confidence combined with marketable computer skills yields a more productive person.

Our curriculum prepares students for work.  Students learn while working through realistic business scenarios.  They work at their own pace and ability level.  Students learn through a variety of instructional formats.  We use easy to follow textbook with CD ROM tutorials for review.  Besides following textbook instruction, students are given independent projects.  Students work on these projects with step by step assistance from the textbook.  These exercises reinforce learning while helping students identify performance gaps.  Students are tested as instruction for each computer program is completed
Assistive Technology assessment and training services are now available at your office, classroom, front door, or at the Illinois workNet Center.  Students from Kane County must have a fee for service contract with the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS).