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Assistive Software

Where can I gain access to assistive software?

Assistive Technology is installed on all University computers with further specialist software available on Assistive Workstations located in the library on each Campus. The Library is also where you can borrow AT hardware for example, digital voice recorders or handheld magnifiers.

 

​What type of assistive software is available for me to use?

The University provides a variety of assistive software to support Students with specific learning needs and disabilities. The types of software available for your use include:

  • Voice Recognition software
  • Visual display alterations & magnification
  • Mindmapping software
  • Screen readers
  • Audio capture and note taking software

  • All Students have access to the following software on University Computers or Laptops:

    The University provides the following software on all the Student computers and laptops

    The newly purchased software is being installed on all Student computers during the 1st semester of 2017.  

    Software Name

    What does it do?

    Who can it help?

    ​TextHelp Read and Write 11.5

    Text to speech, word prediction, phonetic spell checker, speaking dictionary and scanning facility.

    People who have difficulties with reading or writing and those with Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia.

    ClaroRead Pro

    Text to speech, homophone spellchecker, creates mp3 recordings from documents, isolating screen ruler with magnification and many screen colour adjustments.

    People who have difficulties reading and writing this software also supports the isolation of text by using a screen ruler. The user is also able to change the screen colours to aid those with sight disabilities.

    Claro Ideas

    Mind Mapping software. organize thoughts plan assignments, revise. Add images, references and links to pull resources together in one place.

    Helps to organise your thoughts and to build on ideas in a visual way. Can be very helpful for students with limited short-term memory or those with difficulties in sequencing information.

    Mind View 7

    Mind Mapping software that transfers your map into a sequential word document. This is a very powerful tool for writing assignments as it enables you to get all your ideas down in a fluid way before transferring it into a sequential document. Can also create Gant Charts, plan time, projects and resources

    Mind Mapping software can help anyone to plan the content of an assignment, take notes, revise or plan a project. After all, not all minds work in a linear process of subheadings and bullet points. MindView is helpful for students with poor short-term memory or difficulties in organising and sequencing information.

    Audio Notetaker

    Capture full recordings of lessons and work with the audio taking notes during or after the recording. The software makes recordings of speech a real, tangible thing, by visualizing audio as chunks, phrase-by-phrase.

    Anyone who struggles with notetaking whilst listening to the Lecturer. Also those with limited short-term memory or anxiety regarding their ability to take accurate notes.

    IOS Accessibility tools

    Interact with your device by voice commands only, magnification, screen colour.

    The IOS Accessibility tool includes speech commands and magnification tools for blind or partially sighted users.

    ​Microsoft Ease of Access

    Screen-reader, dictation, magnifier window, screen adjustments.

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  • Students using the Accessibility Workstations in the library also have access to:

    Assistive Workstations are primarily based in the library areas and are equipped with more specialised hardware and software available for your use. 

    Software

    What does it do?

    Who can it help?

    ​Dragon Naturally Speaking v15 Professional speech to text dictation tool which can also transcribe sound to text. You can also control your computer through voice commands rather than using the mouse. Anyone who is slow at typing or has a specific learning difficulty that makes typing difficult.
    Zoomtext / magnification software ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email. Users with low-vision or other sight-related abilities.

     

  • Students studying using their own devices have access to the following software:

    All students studying off Campus are able to download Assistive Technology tools to support their learning.

    The ATbar has been created as an open-source, cross-browser toolbar to help users customise the way they view and interact with web pages. The concept behind the ATbar is simple: One Toolbar to provide all of the functionality you would usually achieve through the use of different products.

    There are three versions of the ATbar:

    • The download version stays available when you move between web pages and is made up of the standard functions.

    • The lite version acts in a similar way to a bookmark or favorite and has to selected each time you visit a new web page – it also has the standard functions.

    • Other software is available on a USB flash drive with an accessible menu system as a Portable Accessibility Toolkit and there is a desktop version of the ATbar on the download page.