Male in denim jacket holds a pencil poised to write on a paper as female student next to him looks at one of the computer screens in front of them.

High Tech Center

Whom We Serve

To access the High Tech Center, students must first be verified as having a disability. If you think that you have a disability that is affecting your ability to study and learn in your classes, we encourage you to call 661-763-7799 or email dsps@tafcollege.edu to schedule an appointment today!

What We Do

Depending on the students’ preferences and needs, the High Tech Center produces alternate media formats of textbooks and school materials. The formats we may offer students are:

  • DOC
  • DOCX
  • PDF
  • RTF
  • Braille
  • Large-Print
  • KESI (for Kurzweil)
  • Learning Ally daisy book (human recorded audio book with navigation)
  • Bookshare daisy book (synthetic voice recorded audio book with navigation)

NOTE: Students who would like to listen to an MP3 version of books are encouraged to make their own by using one of the free assistive technology programs in the High Tech Center or at home.

Assistive Technology Software and Tools

The High Tech Center offers a wide variety of assistive technology programs and tools that will help students in their coursework at Taft College. Once students qualify for support services, the High Tech Access Specialist will discuss the various programs in the High Tech Center from which students may benefit. Students will then meet individually with the High Tech Access Specialist to receive training on how to use the selected program(s). After individualized training is complete, students are encouraged to come to the High Tech Center during their free time and to use the skills that they have learned. Further assistance and/or training sessions can be requested as necessary.

Technology Programs and Tools We Offer

A variety of programs and tools is available, including:

  • Kurzweil 3000
  • Premier Literacy
  • ZoomText
  • Job Access With Speech (JAWS)
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking
  • Learning Ally
  • Bookshare books
  • E-type Word Prediction Software
  • Flatbed scanner for converting books to electronic text
  • Livescribe Pen and Notepads
  • CCTV for magnification
  • Sorenson video phone for Deaf population
  • Braille embosser
  • Voice recorders
  • iOS apps recommendations for students with disabilities

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Arnar Abbott, High Tech Center Access Specialist, at 661-763-7977, via fax at 661-763-7758, or by email at aabott@taftcollege.edu.

Location

The High Tech Center is located in the Student Support Services wing of the Administration building. When you enter the building, go past the student waiting area, and turn left. The High Tech Center will be at the end of the corridor.

View a Map to the High Tech Center (PDF)

DSPS Links

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