Assistive Technology

If you have a disability, accessing course content or completing assingments and exams may be challenging, so you may find assistive technology helpful. Assistive technology can be a combination of equipment, software, or products which can be used to help a student maintain or improve their functional capabilities in order to overcome certain accessibility barriers or learning challenges.

Here are some assistive technology recommendations:

  • U of R Recommended Organizational and Notetaking AppsFile

  • PC Users
    Ease of Access (Windows 10) or Accessibility (Windows 11) is full of useful assistive technology built right into your computer such as Narrator, Magnifier, Closed Captions, Speech Recognition, Contrast Settings, and more.
  • Apple/Mac Users
    The Accessibility options panel in System Preferences offers common accessibility features such as Zoom, VoiceOver, Dictation, and Sticky Keys.

  • Audio Recording Products
    • Smartpen by Livescribe enables the user to audio record lectures with the built-in microphone and take written notes on Smartpaper. The user can then listen to audio recordings and any section of written notes by touching the pen to corresponding handwriting or diagrams.
    • Otter (App) - Records audio and transcribes it into text in real-time. Allows the user to replay recordings.
  • Screen Reader and Magnification Software
    • ZoomText enlarges text and allows documents to be read out loud.
    • Jaws or NVDA reads information on web applications, Microsoft Office documents, and other information on a computer screen out loud.
    • CCTV or Video Magnifier projects a magnified image of textbooks and written documents.
  • Text-to-Speech Software and Devices
    • Read & Write is a literacy support tool to help with reading text out loud and more.
    • Natural Readers is software to read textbooks and other materials. It can be accessed from any web browser and is easy to use.
    • C-Pen is a small portable scanning tool that students can use to read printed text or obtain definitions of words.
    • Speechify (App) – Software to read textbooks and other materials.
  • Speech-to-Text Software
    • Read & Write 
    • Google Docs or Microsoft Word both have a built-in voice-typing function.
    • Keyboard shortcuts offer an easier way to access the accessibility functions on your computer. For speech-to- text, try pressing the Windows Key + H (for Windows) or double tap Fn on Mac.
    • &Ava breaks down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing worlds. It allows a user to read a real-time transcript of the conversation with people around them.
    • Dragon Naturally Speaking converts your spoken words to text and can be set up to navigate your computer 100% hands-free by using voice commands.

For more recommendations and for further information on assistive technology, please book an appointment with an Accessibility Officer.