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A small celebration was held Thursday in the Assistive Technologies Center to thank the faculty and staff for their efforts in the redevelopment of the computer lab.The Assistive Technology Center is a computer lab in D208, fully equipped to accommodate students with disabilities. The center is run by Disabled Students Programs and Services.

“What we’re doing today is hosting a ‘thank you’ to the many people who were involved in the redevelopment and redesign of the ATC,” said Kent Yamauchi, assistant dean of the Special Services Office.

The redevelopment was made possible by a contribution from the Pasadena Community Foundation, a resource organization for philanthropy in the greater Pasadena area.

From the contribution the DSPS was able to purchase new computers with moveable screens to assist any students with movement limitations. The computers are also filled with assistive technology such as programs that convert text to speech, for students with vision impairments or reading disabilities.

There is also software that converts speech to text.

In addition, the center was equipped with computer desks that can be raised or lowered electronically with the push of a button, to help students with different physical needs.

The center was also outfitted with hard flooring to make it easier on students in wheelchairs.

The lights were outfitted with filters to reduce glare and the windows tinted to help students that are sensitive to light.

“What we are hoping to do is to have students utilize the things that they are learning here with this equipment to access information out into the college community and eventually into the workforce. Employers are now recognizing the need to have technology in place to help workers with disabilities get their jobs done,” said Yamauchi.

Facilities Services worked on the renovations.

“Facilities Services do our best to accommodate our client with the best job we can, for the least cost to them,” said Raymond Mitchell, a carpenter from Facilities Services.

Facilities Services used recycled materials from other jobs around campus.

“We recycled the carpet,” said Mitchell. “It was carpet that was left from another job and we brought it over and patched it. The ceiling parts came from another job and we put them here. So instead of spending the money to totally take it out and reset it, we combined the two rooms together.”

The members of Facilities Services that were in attendance were very happy with the finished product.

Alex Marositz , an assistive technology specialist in the office consults with the DSPS in order to help them understand how assistive technology can be used to help all students with disabilities.

“I train the students to use the technology in here, all the different software and hardware devices we have,” said Marositz.

“It’s better than I expected,” he said. “The room really came out well. I’m happy to see more students using the lab, our capacity has grown and they are taking advantage of it and that’s good.

Nancy Roberts is a grant specialist from the office of External Relations.

“We have a long history of support from this organization for the college’s Disabled Student Programs and Services, because they have a particular interest in projects that assist people with special needs,” said Roberts.

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