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Assistive Technology (AT): Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology (AT) Guide provides you with information about assistive software and training in the library.

Assistive Technology (AT) Software in the Library

We have a range of assistive software that is available on all library computers and for home use. We also have Assistive Technology PCs installed with a more extensive list of assistive technology software.

Assistive Software installed on AT PCs in the Library or via YourDMULabs.

Audio Notetaker, TextHelp Read & Write Dragon v16, Inspiration, MindGenius, Mind View, Zoom Text (Reader & Magnifier), and EquatIO.  A few of these are available for home use. See the YourDMULabs guide to access AT PCs remotely. The icon on YourDMULabs for Assistive Technology PCs is called "OA - Assistive."

The icon on YourDMULabs for Assistive Technology PCs is called "OA - Assistive."

Assistive Technology Software

The assistive technology software is grouped into categories that reflect its main function. For example, Text-to-Speech software makes the on-screen text accessible by reading it out loud to you. Some software can fall into more than one category. 

We also have a number of home or loan licenses available for some of the AT software. See details on the Software Download FAQ.

 What is it?

 What can it do?

 You can use it for...

 Inspiration

 Mind Mapping

  • Planning an essay or report
  • Get your ideas down quickly
  • Brainstorming
  • Organise references
  • Revision and notes
  • Add your own audio notes
  • Export to Word with headings & outline
  • Export to PDF and picture formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF)

 MindGenius +

 Mind View

 Mind Mapping
 Project Management
 Outline written work

  • Planning an essay or report 
  • Get your ideas down quickly
  • Brainstorming
  • Create Gantt Charts and SWOT analysis
  • Time manage your tasks and assignment
  • Organise references
  • Revision and notes
  • Export to Word and PowerPoint with headings and outline
  • Export to an Excel spreadsheet (as a Gantt chart)
  • Export to PDF and picture formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF)
 

 What is it?

 What can it do?

 You can use it for...

TextHelp 

Read&Write

Text-to-Speech

(See also: Speech-to-Text)

  • Reading out loud on-screen text: Word, PDFs, scanned documents, web pages.
  • Proof-reading written assignments by listening back
  • Researching
 Dragon

Text-to-Speech

(See also: Speech-to-Text)

  • Researching
  • Read out loud on-screen text: Word and Web Pages
  • Proof-reading written assignments by listening back
  • Works with Audio NoteTaker
 
 

 What is it?

 What can it do?

 You can use it for...

 Dragon

Speech-to-Text

(see also: Text-to-Speech)

  • Writing assignments (reports, essays, dissertations)
  • Dictating into Word your essay or report 
  • Transcribing (limited)
  • Voice commands to edit
  • Works with Audio Notetaker

TextHelp 

Read&Write

Speech-to-Text

(see also: Text-to-Speech)

  • Writing assignments (reports, essays, dissertations)
  • Dictating into Word your spoken word

 

TextHelp Read&Write is only available on the Assistive Technology (AT) computers. Dragon is available on AT computers and the Blue Cabinet loan laptops. AT PCs can also be accessed via YourDMULabs (click on an OA computer):
 
You can also book a Dragon loan license if available via Digital Partner.

See Dragon in action:

 

 

 What is it?

 What can it do?

 You can use it for...

Glean (formerly Audio Notetaker)

Note-taking 

  • Taking better notes (accessed via a browser)
  • Recording lecturers and interviews
  • Add notes tags while recording
  • Import PowerPoint presentations and images
  • Organising notes
  • Transcribing audio

 

Audio Notetaker is available on the Assistive Technology (AT) computers in the Library and via YourDMULabs (click on an OA computer): 
You can also request/book a loan license from our AT software booking page.

EquatIO - Digital Maths

EquatIO is an equation editor now available in the Library and across campus to staff and students. You can use it to insert maths and chemistry expressions into Microsoft Word and other applications. Maths and chemistry formulas can be typed, handwritten (via mouse/touchpad), spoken or converted from a photo. 

EquatIO also works with TextHelp Read&Write so equations can be read aloud in the correct order. This feature is only available on the Assistive Technology PCs in as these are installed with Read&Write.

When opening EquatIO from Windows or your CloudPaging account, it should sign you in automatically with your student email account. If it asks you to login, select Microsoft and log in with your DMU email and password. If the toolbar shows that you are running a trial version, click Log Out, and then log back in again.

This is a new addition to our AT software provision. If there are any issues with the application, please log a helpdesk call with ITMS - click here to see their contact details.

Make it accessible

Convert text into an accessible format with Sensus Access.

You can convert PDFs, JEPGs and other types of files into text files, e-books, audio or braille. Click here to go to our Make It Accessible page



Conditions of use

You can make an accessible copy if:

  • You own the copyright (for example, it’s your own work)
  • Have permission from the copyright holder
  • If the copyright has expired
  • Or it’s for someone with a print disability

In making any accessible copy you agree that:

Contact us for copyright advice: copyright@dmu.ac.uk

ZoomText Magnifier and Reader is an advanced screen magnification software that enlarges everything on the computer screen. It also has colour controls to improve screen clarity and include effects such as colour dyes, two-colour modes and replacement of problem colours. 

ZoomText is available on Assistive Technology (AT) computers and the Library Study Rooms. 

Useful External links to assistive software manuals, guides and tips.

Make It Accessible - Online alternative format file conversion service

Assistive Technology Equipment available for loan in the Library