Assistive tech: tools you should know about

Library computers

The University provides a wide range of accessibility software to support students. This exam season, we’ve rounded up the best tools that can help you to study.

If you’ve got an exam or assessment coming up, we want to wish you the best of luck. #TeamLivUni.

Accessible software is available to be installed on any University PC via Install University Applications within the Accessibility category.

Note taking

Audio Notetaker breaks the process of taking notes into manageable stages, enabling you to focus on listening and understanding in lectures, rather than scribbling or typing.

Text to Speech and Braille displays

ClaroRead assists with reading and speaks back text via your computer. It includes many easy ways to make text clearer and more visible, as well as text checking tools to aid in creating accurate documents.

Jaws allows blind and visually impaired users to read screen content either with a text-to-speech output or with an easily refreshed Braille display.

Dictation

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice recognition software package that allows you to dictate documents, search the web, send emails and more using only your voice.

Office 365 also features dictation and read aloud functionality.

Screen magnification and customisation

ZoomText is an advanced screen magnification application tailored for low-vision users that enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, making it easier to see and use.

ColorVeil adds a customisable colour and opacity filter over your desktop screen which can help people with Dyslexia and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and reduce eye strain.

Dyslexie Font ensures that every letter is uniquely shaped, reducing the common reading difficulties associated with dyslexia.

Mind-mapping

MindGenius is a brainstorming tool that improves productivity by providing an efficient way to capture, visualise and manage information.

MindView Is a professional mind-mapping software that allows you to visually brainstorm, organise and present ideas.

Further information and support

As well as accessibility software, specialist hardware items such as hearing loops, laptops and dictaphones are available for loan to students who may require them.

For further help and assistance regarding accessibility, software and hardware please visit our Accessibility webpages or email atsupport@liverpool.ac.uk.