Frequently asked questions
- I am having trouble viewing this Web site due to its formatting. How can I personalize its appearance (i.e., font, size, color, etc.)?
If you are using Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Click on the Accessibility button at the bottom of the window. Three options are available -- select any that apply. This Web site is also designed to work with personalized style sheets. When finished, click OK to exit accessibility options. Select OK again to exit Internet Options.
To change font size while viewing the Web site, go to the View menu and select Text Size. You will have to option to choose between five different sizes.
To change font style while viewing the Web site, highlight the text you wish to change. Go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Click on the Fonts button. The Fonts window will appear. In Web Page Font menu (on the left), select the font you prefer.
To change the color of the website, highlight the text you wish to change. Go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Click on the Colors button. The Colors window will appear. Select the colors that you prefer.
- Where is the CAT Lab/Educational Technology Resource Lab (ETRL)?
Both the CAT Lab and the ETRL are located at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut.
The CAT Lab is located in Engleman Hall, room B17.
The ETRL is located in Davis Hall, room 118.
See the SCSU campus map for reference.
- When is the CAT Lab/Educational Technology Resource Lab (ETRL) open?
- Who is eligible to use the CAT Lab?
The CAT Lab is open to SCSU students registered with the Disability Resource Center. Students fill out a brief intake form at the CAT Lab and participate in an evaluation to determine adaptive technology needs.
- I am in a Special Education/Communication Disorders class and I would like to use the CAT Lab. What should I do?
The CAT Lab is only open to SCSU students with disabilities. The ETRL is available to students who wish to gain hands-on experience with adaptive technology. If there is technology that you would like to use that is not available at the ETRL, you can contact us to make special arrangements.
- I am interested in having a student from my school district evaluated by the Center for Adaptive Technology (CAT). What should I do?
To obtain an evaluation, please contact us for scheduling and download our intake form.
- Where do evaluations take place?
All evaluations are conducted at the CAT Lab.
- How much does an evaluation cost? Who pays for it?
An evaluation costs $1000. The party responsible for payment varies. Generally, if a school system requests the evaluation, they are responsible for payment. If an individual makes the request, s/he will be billed directly.
- What if I cannot afford an evaluation?
A fund has been established to assist individuals who require a computer access evaluation but are unable to afford the cost. Please see our Mary Ann Joy Fund page for more information.
- I have a book that I would like scanned for use with a text-to-speech program. What should I do? How much does it cost?
To arrange for scanning, please contact us. The cost for scanning is currently $60 per 400 pages (i.e., books 1-400 pages will be $50, books 401-800 pages will be $100, etc.). This price is subject to change.
PLEASE NOTE: For a book to be scanned, the binding must be chopped and the book needs to be in good condition (i.e., no writing, highlighting, etc.)
- I would like to schedule an in-service training session at my school, center, etc. What is available?
Please see our training page for more information. Contact us for scheduling.
- When is the next CAT open house?
Open houses are regularly scheduled at the ATL. For the next available open house, contact us.
- I am interested in taking classes in adaptive technology. How can I get more information?
There are a variety of classes in adaptive technology offered through the departments of Special Education and Communication Disorders at SCSU. Both departments have a grant for training students in adaptive technology/augmentative and alternative communication. The Special Education department also offers a master of science with a concentration in adaptive technology. For more information contact the departments or see our educational programs page.
- Does the CAT sell adaptive technology devices or software?
The CAT is not a vendor for any adaptive technology products. Following evaluations, the CAT may recommend products that meet the specific needs of an individual. Vendor information may supplied at that time.
