Assistive Technology Center now Open in EPA’s
San Francisco Library

Photo of Wayne Nastri cutting the red ribbon

EPA’s Pacific Southwest regional office opened its Assistive Technology Center on October 27 in the EPA library at 75 Hawthorne Street in downtown San Francisco.

The ATC has the technology to provide equal access to EPA’s vast environmental information resources, regardless of a person’s vision, hearing, dexterity, or mobility impairment. It’s currently the only such EPA facility outside Washington D.C., and it’s available to members of the public, job seekers, and EPA and federal employees. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays.

The ATC’s three work stations help eliminate barriers to equal access to information– barriers that can stand in the way of equal employment opportunity.

“The ATC is an excellent addition for employees in Region 9, providing those of us with disabilities the opportunity to enhance our job performance through technology,” said Kim Driver, Regional Outreach and Training Coordinator for EPA.

ATC resources include:

Blind/Visually Impaired Workstation

Photo of Kim Driver sitting near the Braille printer

Braille Printer – this printer and software converts printed material into Braille printouts.
A software program that reads both printed material and data from CDs. Users either listen to speech output via headphones, or display data on a computer monitor.
A speech output program that reads text aloud. Users listen through speakers or headphones.
Software that magnifies text into larger printer on computer monitors.
Computer with 19” monitor

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workstation

TTY (Text Telephone)
Strobe light to signal incoming calls
Computer with 19” monitor

Dexterity Impairment Workstation

Automatic page turner
On-screen keyboard
Voice recognition software
Special keyboards that are easier to use
Ergonomic arm rests
Computer with 19” monitor
Ergonomic Chair

"Lending Library" Equipment

This equipment may be borrowed by EPA employees, and used anywhere within 75 Hawthorne building.

Two laptop computers with assistive technology for travel and training
One 26” closed-captioned capable TV for training and presentation video viewing
One Closed Circuit TV, which magnifies printed material on a screen. The cart-mounted CCTV can be checked out by an employee and taken to in-house training sessions, to help read printed materials.
Two wheelchair-accommodating tables, which can be lowered or raised as necessary.
One color scanner (fixed location in library). This converts printed text into electronic copy for use with assistive technology software.

Region 9 Topics and Programs | A-Z Index

Assistive Technology Center now Open in EPA’s San Francisco Library