Who is assistive technology for?

Assistive technology is specifically aimed at these groups:

• Visually impaired
• Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD)
• Mobility impaired
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Restricted ability or inability to use keyboard or standard mouse

Computers and software on campus

The university has a suite of assistive technology systems to enable disabled students to carry out their studies and achieve their academic goals. All PCs available to students on campus have a range of assistive technology software, most of which is available to all students.

The following assistive technology software is available in the computer clusters to students registered with the Disability and Learning Support Service:

This includes:

• Jaws for Windows screen reader
• Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader
• Inspiration and Mind Genius, mind mapping software
• TextHelp Read/Write, for dyslexic students.

Students registered with the Disability and Learning Support Service may also be registered to use our three assistive technology booths in the Main Library.  The booths have the following software:

• Kurzweil 1000 document scanning and conversion to readable text
• Dragon Naturally Speaking speech input software
• Duxbury Braille translation software

Support from the Disability and Learning Support Service

The Disability and Learning Support Service can offer the following:

• Advice on appropriate choice of which technology product would suit a disabled student’s particular needs
• Coordination with the Disabled Student Allowance assessment centre in changing the choice of assistive technology
• Top up training in assistive technology applications
• Advice to academic and support staff regarding the impact of assistive technology on a disabled student’s studies
• An equipment loan pool for short term loan of computer or software or other devices

Further help

For advice on assistive technology or to find out more, contact the Disability and Learning Support Service.