Below are some of the assistive technology available to students. DASS offers training sessions on several of these programs. To schedule, see the following link: DASS Technology Training.
Accessibility on Campus
A detailed list of available computer labs on campus, including installed assistive technology, can be found on the ITS Intranet Computer Labs page.
Read & Write
Read and Write for Windows and Read and Write for Mac is a toolbar that interacts with all programs run on your computer. It has many great tools to assist students with and without print-related disabilities. It is currently installed in all computer labs and can be downloaded to your home computer. Here is an overview of the tools available.
Read & Write is available to all UM-Flint students, regardless of disability status, free of charge. Read & Write for iPad is also available.
Note Taking
Many apps exist that change the way students gain access to lecture materials. Traditional note-taking can be effective, but can present a challenge to disabled students. Below are some of the more popular apps that change the way students gain access to information shared in class, eliminating the barriers note-taking presents.
Glean
Glean is a note-taking software that records audio notes so you can capture and learn from information more effectively. It allows the student to mark up certain parts of the recording, extract those parts, and sync them up with presentations. Students approved for note-taking-related accommodations can get access to Glean free of charge. See the below video for a brief overview of Glean.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is available to all students free of charge in the Microsoft Office 365 Suite. It is a digital note-taking program that allows students to organize both written and audio-recorded notes using tools they may already be familiar with from other Microsoft Office products.
Notability
Notability is a popular note-taking app for the iPhone or iPad. It has a simple interface and allows for a wide range of customization. Students can audio record and sync the notes up to the recording.
Speech-to-Text
For many students with physical or writing disabilities, traditional typing methods can create barriers. For these students, voice-to-text software is key to their success.
Microsoft Office 365
The Microsoft Office 365 suite is available to all students free of charge through Microsoft. This version of Office features a “Dictate” button that will allow users to speak instead of type. Microsoft also offers a Dictate in Microsoft 365 guide to assist with getting started and understanding the functionality.
Google Docs Voice Typing
Google Docs also has a Voice Typing feature. UM-Flint students all have a free Google account which includes this option. The voice typing feature is located in the Tools menu. Google has also supplied a Google Docs Voice Typing guide to understand the features of this tool better.
Otter.ai
Aside from typing, sometimes speech-to-text is useful in conversations. Otter.ai is a great app for both in-person and online conversations. The built-in auto caption feature in Zoom is powered by Otter.ai.
CART Live Captioning
While automated tools can be helpful in many situations, they may not be appropriate for class discussions or other events. In these cases, DASS provides live captioning powered by a trained CART service provider. Please submit an accommodation request if you require CART captioning.
Text-to-Speech and Screen Readers
Software designed to read text on the screen typically falls into one of two categories. Text-to-speech software is meant to read text out loud, and will usually require some sort of keyboard and mouse interaction. It is a great tool for students with reading disabilities. Alternatively, screen readers are designed to read everything on the screen without any other user interaction and are great for students with visual impairments that make seeing the computer monitor difficult.
Text-to-Speech
Although Read & Write detailed above is a great tool for text-to-speech, some individuals prefer other tools. There are several available options and new ones are constantly being made available. Here is a list of some of the most popular text-to-speech tools available.
Screen Readers
Screen readers are specially designed for users who are blind to access a computer when a monitor would be useless. However, sometimes students with reading disabilities find them helpful as well. Below is a list of the most popular speech-to-text software available to students.
Video Magnifiers
Video magnifiers enlarge text, handwork, or anything placed under their cameras. Although they often use computer monitors to display the enlarged image, they do not transfer this image to the computer. Users can adjust contrast, brightness, magnification level, and focus. DASS has two video magnifiers that students can use upon request.
