Assistive Technology

One aspect of support available to disabled students is specialist assistive technology. There are many different options in terms of software or equipment, covering support for conditions such as visual impairment, dexterity issues, and specific learning differences such as ADHD or dyslexia.

Please contact DLSS to discuss what technology might be supportive for you and your individual needs. There may be funding available towards the costs of any software and technology that you are assessed as requiring due to your disability. 

Assistive technology on University PCs

All University open access PC’s have some assistive technology installed. Users can access MindGenius (mind mapping software) as well as TextHelp Read and Write from any open access PC.

To access these programmes on Windows click Start>All Programmes>Accessibility.

If you like MindGenius there are home licenses available to all students and staff. Information Services have an Online Request form for MindGenius if you would like to install on your own device.

 

Several of the assistive software tools that may be recommended for disabled students include AI-powered features. Please be aware that the University has issued guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence, which outlines how to ensure your work maintains academic integrity. This applies to all uses of AI including when embedded within assistive software.

It is your responsibility to ensure that any use of AI complies with the University's guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence and any specific School-level guidance.


Grammarly is a very popular piece of software that many students use. You need to be aware that some of Grammarly's features use generative artificial intelligence (AI). As with any generative AI tool you must acknowledge if you are using this in any way within your work, even if the reason you are using the software is to support your disability. As per University policy, failure to acknowledge any use of generative AI may be considered academic misconduct.

How to identify the AI features in Grammarly
  • Icons: pencil or lightbulb
  • Instruction: "rewrite with Grammarly"
  • Instruction: "Improve it"
  • Via the Grammarly website: "Generative AI" button.
To turn off Grammarly's generative AI features:

If you are concerned that you may use the generative AI features accidentally, Grammarly allows you to turn off/disable these features.

  1. In Grammarly, select "Account" from the menu
  2. From the Account menu, go to "Settings" and then select "Feature Customisation" from the menu
  3. Toggle the generative AI functions to off. The tick symbol ("check mark") will not show when the features are turned off.
Data Protection

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA): Grammarly use for disabled students.


Accessible study rooms

There are a small number of specialist accessible study rooms across the University Library spaces. These study rooms have more specialist software available and some of them have height adjustable desks.

You can see the details of what is available in each room via this webpage.

Access to these rooms is via discussion with a Disability Advisor who can update your Schedule of Adjustments to give you access. Please note these are shared rooms and booking is required. Neither DLSS or the Library Team can guarantee you access at specific times.

Loan laptops and equipment

DLSS maintains a limited stock of laptops, ergonomic and assistive technology-related equipment which can be issued as a short-term loan to you to trial, or bridge a short gap if you are waiting for your own DSA-funded equipment. In some cases such equipment including laptops can be on long-term loan. For further information, please contact DLSS.

You can utilise inbuilt features of software and operating systems to have your computer read to you and to input text using your voice:

Speech-to-Text (transcribe as you speak)

Text-to-Speech (read aloud / listen to text)


You can download ColorVeil to produce a coloured filter on your computer screen and this can help you read if you are dyslexic or have visual stress

SensusAccess can help you quickly convert document formats.


Useful Apps for Phones and Tablets.

There are several apps related to study skills that may be helpful. Please note the list below is not exhaustive and DLSS are not affiliated with any of these products.

  • MindMeister (iOS & Android) - Allows you to create, edit, and share mind maps.

  • Mendeley (iOS & Android) - Reference manager and academic social network that can help manage research papers, read & annotate PDFs.

  • Quizlet (iOS & Android) - Facilitates learning with flashcards and various games and tests.

  • Forest (iOS & Android) - Helps you stay focused by planting a virtual tree which grows as you work and can be killed by using your phone.
  • Toggl Track (iOS & Android) - Tracks time spent on different activities with detailed reports and insights.
  • Google Calendar (iOS & Android) - Helps manage your schedule and reminders effectively.
  • Goblin Tools (iOS & Android) – A variety of tools to help you manage your time and your studies.

  • Evernote (iOS & Android) - Allows for organizing notes, documents, photos, and voice memos in one place.
  • Microsoft OneNote (iOS & Android) - Offers a digital notebook functionality to capture, store, and share notes, images, web pages, and audio.
  • Notion (iOS & Android) - Great for managing notes, tasks, projects, and databases in a highly customizable way.

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