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There is a huge variety of software options that can support a wide range of people.
Most commonly used software such as operating systems, office products and web browsers have in-built accessibility functionality, or available extensions and plug-ins. There are also a wide variety of productivity tools available free of charge, which, as well as supporting people with disabilities, can improve the digital experience for all. There are also paid-for software packages which may be available to disabled students or, on a limited basis, within the UL.
This page introduces a few options and points to further sources to help you identify helpful tools.
Did you know that you can adapt text size, colour contrast, mouse pointer and cursor to suit your preference within Windows Ease of Access (Windows 10) or Accessibility (Windows 11) settings? You can also switch on colour filters and access a built-in screen reader (Microsoft Narrator).
Discover Windows accessibility features
You can also try having Word documents read out to you in the Immersive Reader (where you can also change the page colour, text spacing or apply a line focus to help you concentrate) or via Read Aloud.
Other ways to listen to Word documents
It is also possible to give your hands or wrists a rest and dictate documents in Microsoft Word.
Apple products also offer a range of built-in accessibility features under the headings of speech, vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive.
Click here for information about accessibility tools on Apple devices
Calling All Minds maintain a usefully structured database of productivity tools, many of which are available free of charge.
This free resource (note that not all recommended resources are free) is recommended by the University of Cambridge Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre, who often suggest it to students at Cambridge.
Access the Calling All Minds Assistive Technology Guide.
Why not try adding a screen tinting option to your desktop or web browser and save your eyes some stress? Or add a text-to-speech plug-in to check your web content for accessibility?
The University Library (UL) has two PCs running Dolphin Supernova and Dragon Professional Speech-to-Text. They are located in two separate private study rooms. To use the PCs you need to email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk to arrange for your account to be activated. You also need to book one of the study rooms.
The Reading on Screens LibGuide is maintained by the Libraries Accessibility Service and ebooks@cambridge. The guide signposts free productivity tools such as text-to-speech tools, tools for adapting your display and tools for annotating online content.
A number of UK universities have put together useful software finders. You can browse tools by category (such as 'reading', 'writing' and 'time management'). Some of the tools are only available to members of the universities, but there are many free tools listed. The following are helpful:
Imperial College Inclusive Technology
Leeds Beckett University Library Study Support Software Finder
AbilityNet offers useful information about free adjustments you can make to your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to make it easier to use via their My Computer My Way service. My Computer My Way gives practical tips under the headings of Vision, Hearing, Motor and Cognitive and offers a free email and telephone help service.
Some students will be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance and undergo a needs assessment to identify assistive hardware or software to support them (as well as human support). Once approved, students will usually have copies of any software they need on their own devices. They may also be able to access specialist assistive technology training through DSA. International students may have access to other funds.
The above process takes time, and not all students who can benefit from assistive software apply or receive funding. The free or library-managed tools listed on this page can help anyone to benefit from assistive technology.
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