Computer Science Special Services

Irvine Valley College offers a computer science special services course specifically for disabled students:  CISS 320 – Adaptive Computer Assessment.

Course Description

This is an 8 week course offered through the Computer Science Department and under the auspices of Disabled Students Program and Services (DSP&S). 

This course offers disabled students an opportunity to explore and learn the adaptive computer programs that are available on campus.  These programs are designed to assist or enable the student to eventually utilize other programs offered in the regular computer class curriculum and to facilitate learning in other general classes.

Assessment and Goal

The class proposes to assess and determine which assistive software is best suited to the individual student’s needs and capabilities in order to enhance and facilitate the study and use of the computer. 

Once the assessment had been made, the student will focus on learning those particular programs in conjunction with other computer programs.  Each student will be assessed on an individual basis with the goal being to enable and promote the student’s computer skills and hopefully provide a transition into mainstream classes.

Adaptive Computer Programs

Although there is some variance within the curriculum, generally the class offers instruction in the following software programs and hardware equipment:

• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader
• JAWS Screen Reader
• J-Say Pro
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Kurzweil 3000
• Kurzweil 1000
• Read and Write Gold
• ClaroRead Plus 2008
• Zoom Ex Portable Magnifier
• CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) Magnifier
• Scanner 
  

Enrollment Criteria

Students need to enroll in the DSP&S program prior to enrolling in the class.  This assures eligibility and facilitates cooperation between the class and DSP&S thereby enhancing the learning experience.