Assistive Technologies (AT)
Useful AT for University
Whether you are studying or working at University, there is AT that can provide support in your day to day work and life.
The University has identified below a range of software and tools might be beneficial for your needs. The University will not be offering any of the software itself nor does it recommend any particular software, unless otherwise indicated as 'University licensed and supported'. Should you decide to purchase any of this software, this will be at your own cost and risk. You are strongly encouraged to read the Terms of Use for any software that you decide to purchase or use. The University disclaims all liability for any loss or damage incurred by you, howsoever caused, relating to your purchase or use of such software.
Note Taking
Are you someone who has difficulty writing and/or typing notes during lectures, labs or meetings while you are also trying to listen and engage with the information being provided at the same time? Can't find the part of the note you wrote that you really need? Note taking technologies can help with the process of creating notes in lots of different environments, and keeping them organised. Find software that suits your needs and see the difference it can make.
Glean Note Taker - University licensed and supported
Available from 13 January 2022, Glean Note Taking is an easy-to-use tool designed to help you take notes independently and effectively. Glean is a web app available to use on your laptop or mobile device and can be used for both face-to-face and online learning. You can use the Glean features to create a complete audio record of what was said, tag key moments by using text or labels rather than writing everything down, so you can revisit after class when you have more time, Import slides or take screenshots to enhance your notes. Once the recording is complete, you can revisit your notes to edit and enhance them. When complete, review them in reading view, print them to paper or copy/paste them into you preferred writing application.
Platforms: Glean is a web application which can be accessed on any laptop or desktop computer through the Chrome web browser. It works on any operating system: Windows, Mac, Chromebooks and Linux.
Access: If you are registered with the Disability Service and recording classes is part of your Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan you can complete the Glean Software Access Request form. Access is granted for 12 months and reviewed at the end of each year.
Sonocent Audio Notetaker - University licensed and supported
Sonocent Audio Notetaker is both a software program and an app which records audio and breaks it into 'chunks' that can be colour-coded by the user. At the end of the recording, users can pull out the audio relating to particular colours (ie. important parts) and create their own study notes. You can also import slides or other images, type in areas alongside the audio recording or make use of the features to prepare for a presentation.
The free companion app allows for mobile recording which can be shared with the software on your computer at a later stage.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices
Access: Visit the Sonocent website for more information and to register for a free 30-day trial today. Ongoing access can be discussed with a Disability Advisor or an Assistive Technology Specialist.
- Sonocent website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Sonocent (opens in a new window)
- Western's Sonocent training and support page
AudioNote
AudioNote allows you to write, type or take photos to create notes while it records audio, giving you further context to your notes. You can annotate directly onto PDF's, customise fonts, colours, shapes and more. Playback of audio automatically highlights and scrolls to display what was being written as the audio was happening so you don't have to double guess.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices
Access: Visit the website for more information and to start a 1 month free trial. This app is available at the user's expense.
- AudioNote website (opens in a new window)
GoodNotes
GoodNotes allows you to handwrite or type your notes, with both formats being searchable. Annotate images, PDFs and Word documents, and even capture audio notes.
Platforms: iPad
Access: Visit the website for more information. This app is available at the user's expense.
- GoodNotes website (opens in a new window)
- GoodNotes Support (opens in a new window)
OneNote - University licensed and supported
OneNote is a digital notebook that allows you to type, write and draw. You can import and work with lots of different files - e.g. PDFs, emails and PowerPoint slides, write, graph and solve math equations, and keep them organised in different note book tabs. Notes are searchable and shareable, so you can work collaboratively with ease.
Platforms: All devices if using online version. Windows devices if installing the software for offline use.
Access: Available to all Western staff and students. Log in to your University email and click on the Office 365 apps button (top left of screen) and open OneNote to access the online app. Students should visit the Student Advantage website for installation instructions for their personal devices.
- Getting started with OneNote as students (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with OneNote as Academics (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with OneNote as Professional Staff (opens in a new window)
- Western's OneNote training and support page
Nebo
Nebo allows you to handwrite your notes, draw diagrams, flow charts and math equations which are all easily converted to typed text with a double tap. Import and annotate images, PDFs, PowerPoint and Word documents - you can even add check boxes to lists and track progress with ease.
Platforms: Windows, Mac iOS and Android devices
Access: Visit the website for more information. This app is available at the user's expense.
- Nebo website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Nebo (opens in a new window)
- Nebo Support (opens in a new window)
Mind Mapping and Process Maps
Mind Mapping has huge beneficial value to the learning process and memory retention in general. Visually displaying content and links between concepts or data gets information into your head in a brain-friendly manner. This often allows easier and faster recall when needed. It's also a great way to plan out projects, order your thoughts for essays, or simplify complex information and processes in a way that can be shared and communicated more effectively as a visual aide.
Microsoft Visio - University licensed and supported for STEM students
Microsoft Visio allows you to create flowcharts, diagrams, org charts, floor plans, engineering designs, and more, using modern shapes and templates with the familiar Office experience.
Platform: Windows
Access: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)/STEM related students and STEM teaching staff and is available for download and install through Azure Dev Tools for Teaching (opens in a new window).
- Visio website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Visio (opens in a new window)
XMind
XMind allows you to map concepts and processes easily. It has various modes that can hide features to help keep you focused on your content. You can add value to your maps with labels, markers, hyperlinks, attachments etc.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android and Linux devices
Access: Visit the website for more information and download the software for a free trial (exports are watermarked). Full-access to this program is at user's expense. Educational pricing available in the form of a discounted annual subscription.
- XMind website (opens in a new window)
FreeMind
FreeMind is a simple Mind Mapping tool that is available on all platforms.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux and others.
Access: Visit the website for more information and to install. This program is free.
- FreeMind website (opens in a new window)
- FreeMind installation options (opens in a new window)
- FreeMind user guide (opens in a new window)
- Unofficial FreeMind video tutorial for new users (opens in a new window)
LiquidText - Student Recommendation
"For the love of mindmaps and annotation! If you struggle with consolidating ideas from one article, let alone several, LiquidText (opens in a new window) might help you as it has helped me! It's an application available for purchase on the app-store that lets you extract excerpts as quotes from PDFs, snapshot photos, and insert your handwritten or typed-notes in a mind map style on an infinite canvas. The honeycomb and connecting line function allows you to relate ideas together to more efficiently and easily organise your ideas. Best of all, if you click the arrow on any of your quotes it takes you back to the original page, so referencing becomes a breeze!!
LiquidText has helped me better organise my ideas when deconstructing complex readings and compiling ideas from several sources for essays. It saves time on copying down quotes, keeping track of references, and has helped me focus on really understanding the reading, by letting me organise ideas based on how they relate to each other - mind map style!"
- Joy, Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary)
Miro - Student Recommendation
Miro is an online visual collaboration tool that can be used in various ways, including mind mapping. It is compatible to use with both Read&Write and Dragon.
Platforms: Online.
Access: Visit the Miro website for more information and to access the program. This program is free with limitations as outlined on their website. Paid access it at the user's expense.
- Miro website (opens in a new window)
- Miro's Mind Mapping Guide (opens in a new window)
Reading, Writing and Numbers
There are different approaches to supporting literacy and numeracy through the use of AT. Everybody can benefit, and will have their own unique preferences for tools they use and how they apply them. The various tools available are built to help speed up reading, improve understanding, and improve the quality of your writing.
TextHelp Read&Write - University licensed and supported
TextHelp's Read&Write toolbar is designed to help with the process of researching, reading and writing. The wide variety of tools can be customised and utilised to meet your personal needs. Features include text-to-speech, creation of audio files, pop-up dictionary, word prediction whilst typing, grammar, spelling and confusable words checker, and research highlighters that work across Word documents, PDFs and the web and can collect highlights into organised notes.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices.
Access: Available to all Western staff and students. Read&Write comes installed and ready to use on all lab computers throughout the University. Students can access the software through the Read&Write Software Access Request form. Instructions are provided on completion of the form regarding how to activate the University's licence. Staff can install Read&Write onto a University computer from the Software Center, or follow student instructions to install the software on a personal device.
- Read&Write website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Read&Write (opens in a new window)
- Western's Read&Write training and support page
In-built text-to-speech functionality on various devices
Using text-to-speech functionality can help ease the burden of reading whether you have trouble with words, trouble focusing, prefer to listen, or are simply tired.
Visit the relevant website to find out how to turn on the text-to-speech capabilities of your device and find out how to use it.
- Microsoft Windows 10 Narrator function (opens in a new window) (note that this is a full function screen-reader so may be too feature rich for people just wanting to read text in a document)
- Mac iOS Speak Screen function (opens in a new window)
- Mac OSX VoiceOver function (opens in a new window) (note that this is a full function screen-reader so may be too feature rich for people just wanting to read text in a document)
OneNote math functionality - University licensed and supported
In OneNote you can write or type a math equation and it can solve it for you, giving you step-by-step working out so you can learn how it reached the solution. You can also turn equations into graphs with ease or change your paper type to grid lines and draw your own.
Platforms: All devices if using online version. Windows devices if installing the software for offline use.
Access: Available to all Western staff and students. Log in to your University email and click on the Office 365 apps button (top left of screen) and open OneNote to access the online app. Students should visit the Student Advantage website for installation instructions for their personal devices.
- OneNote support - math equations (opens in a new window)
- OneNote support - drawing graphs (opens in a new window)
University Support for Maths and Academic Literacy
While there is AT software available to support you, there are additional services available at the University which can also provide support - so tap into these extra resources!
Maths support: MESH provides students at all stages in their courses of study, with mathematics and statistics support. The MESH website (opens in a new window) provides online resources and also delivers workshops and one-on-one support with the MESH team during Maths and Stats Help sessions via Zoom.
Writing support: The Library Study Smart site has a wealth of information available to support you with your assignments and academic writing. There is also online support for assignments, referencing and citations. Visit the Study Smart site (opens in a new window) to see what is available to you as a student here at Western.
Dictation
Do you have trouble typing or simply prefer to talk out your thoughts sometimes? Voice-to-text technologies can help take away the added time, stress and pain associated with typing notes, essays and reports. These days, the accuracy of common dictation programs is quite high thanks to the giant leaps forward in Artificial Intelligence capabilities. With most of the options being freely available, you lose nothing giving it a go!
In-built dictation functionality on various devices
Visit the relevant website to find out how to turn on the dictation capabilities of your device and find out how to use it. If you are using an Apple product, you can visit your local Apple Store to attend a free 'Today at Apple' accessibility session (opens in a new window). An Apple staff member will take you through the accessibility features and help you customise to suit your needs.
- Microsoft Windows 10 dictation function (opens in a new window)
- Mac OSX and iOS dictation function (opens in a new window)
Office 365 Dictation
Office 365's dictation function allows you to type with your voice in Word, PowerPoint, Word Online, OneNote Online and OneNote for Windows 10. Use voice commands to edit and format your documents. This tool allows dictation in a large range of languages and requires an internet connection.
Platforms: Windows (all applications), Mac OS, iOS and Android (online applications).
Access: Visit the Office Support website for more information. Follow the instructions to set up a microphone and start dictating.
- Office Support - Dictate with your voice in Office apps (opens in a new window)
Google Docs/Google Slides Dictation
Using the Chrome browser you can type with your voice, including punctuation within Google Docs and Google Slides. Use voice commands to edit and format your document. This tool allows dictation in a large range of languages and requires an internet connection.
Platforms: Any device running the Chrome browser - Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android and Linux devices.
Access: Visit the Google Support website for more information. Follow the instructions to set up a microphone and start dictating.
- Google Support - Type with your voice (opens in a new window)
Dragon - University licensed and supported
Dragon software has the ability to type what you dictate with great accuracy out of the box, and includes easy ways to train your Dragon for greater accuracy. Your personal voice profile is portable and can be used on other computers as needed. On top of that, Dragon allows you to complete certain computer functions by voice command - like opening programs and saving files - which can speed up computer interactions and take away the need for most of the physical interaction with your computer.
Platforms: Windows only.
Access: Visit the website to see the features in practice. Access to Dragon can be discussed with a Disability Advisor or an Assistive Technology Specialist.
- Dragon website (opens in a new window)
- Western's Dragon training and support page
Organisation and Time Management
Being organised, including de-cluttering your device and simplifying what you view on screen can help increase efficiency and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety associated with feeling overwhelmed, lost and out-of-control.
Calendars and Scheduling
The calendar that comes on your device can be a very handy tool for staying on top of your deadlines and getting through your work in a progressive manner. Having things laid out in a calendar can help you identify peak periods and stress points well in advance, giving you the opportunity to plan how you can get through rather than simply finding yourself stuck down the track. Our tips for students are to go through your Unit Outline at the start of semester and add all assignments, quizzes and exams to your calendar. Set up the event so that it has reminders in the weeks and days leading up to the deadline, so that you are notified when you should start working on or continue preparing for the task. Set reminders to notify you a week before, a day before, an hour before a deadline (or whatever time frame suits you best).
It is good practice to have this calendar available on all your University devices so that you are reminded no matter which device you are on at the time.
Trello
Trello is a visual task management tool, like Microsoft Planner. It allows you to use boards, checklists and cards to identify your tasks, organise notes, files and other information. Track progress easily by moving tasks between columns, and set due dates so that you don't miss a deadline. With an online interface and associated app you can easily manage your work on any of your devices. Trello can also be used in collaboration with other students to better manage group work.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices.
Access: Visit the Trello website for more information. It is free to sign-up with the option of paying for additional power-up features, should you want them. This is at the user's expense. Whilst power-up features can greatly enhance the capabilities of the tool, you will not need them to get great value out of the product.
- Trello website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Trello (opens in a new window)
- Explore our sample Trello board for inspiration (opens in a new window) (view only access)
Not sure whether to try Trello or Microsoft Planner? Take a look at our feature comparison for more insight into the products.
Microsoft Planner - University licensed and supported
Planner is a visual task management tool, like Trello. It allows you to use boards, checklists and cards to identify your tasks, organise notes, files and other information. Track progress easily by moving tasks between columns, and set due dates so that you don't miss a deadline. With an online interface and associated app you can easily manage your work on any of your devices. Planner can also be used in collaboration with other students to better manage group work.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices.
Access: Western staff and students can access Planner through the online Office 365 email interface. Visit the Planner website for more information.
- Microsoft Planner website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Planner (opens in a new window)
- Planner Help and Learning hub (opens in a new window)
Not sure whether to try Trello or Microsoft Planner? Take a look at our feature comparison for more insight into the products.
Todoist
Todoist is a task list that you can take with you everywhere. You are able to capture your thoughts as you have them so you don't lose them. Tasks can be organised into projects, prioritised and scheduled. Reminders will be sent to inform you of any tasks due that day, or in the coming days.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices. Also compatible with iOS and Android smart watches.
Access: It is free to sign-up with the option of paying for premium features, should you want them. This is at the user's expense. Whilst the premium features can greatly enhance the capabilities of the tool, you can still benefit from using the free tools. Visit the Todoist website for more information.
- Todoist website (opens in a new window)
- Find the right Todoist app for you (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with Todoist (opens in a new window)
- Todoist Help (opens in a new window)
Not sure whether to try Todoist or Microsoft To Do? Take a look at our feature comparison for more insight into the products.
Microsoft To Do - University licensed and supported
To Do is a task manager that you can use across web and mobile. You are able to capture your thoughts as you have them so you don't lose them. Tasks can be organised into lists, prioritised and scheduled. You can also attach any relevant files so they're organised in a logical manner and easy to access. Reminders will be sent to inform you of any tasks due that day, or in the coming days.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices.
Access: Western staff and students can access To Do through the online Office 365 email interface. Visit the To Do website for more information.
- Microsoft To Do website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with To Do (opens in a new window)
- To Do Help and Learning hub (opens in a new window)
Not sure whether to try Todoist or Microsoft To Do? Take a look at our feature comparison for more insight into the products.
Microsoft Excel project management templates
Microsoft Excel has a large collection of templates that can be used for planning and tracking assignments and projects. Particularly helpful for those who benefit from seeing their workload laid out in timelines to help identify peak periods and determine when tasks should be started and completed in order to better manage workload stress.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android devices
Access: Visit the Microsoft Templates website to see what's available.
- Microsoft Templates - project timeline with milestones (opens in a new window)
Fences - desktop decluttering
Fences is a tool that allows you to create visible sections on your desktop in which to organise shortcuts, icons and files. Organisation of icons can be automated based on rules you set up, saving you time and keeping your files tidy. Roll up fences allow you to declutter your desktop to minimise distraction and make the most of the space you have. You also have the ability to double click to immediately hide all desktop items if you really need no distractions.
Platforms: Windows
Access: Visit the Fences website for more information and to start a free 30 day trial. Ongoing access to this program is at user's expense.
- Fences website (opens in a new window)
In-built focus assistance features on various devices
Use the available functionality on your device to adjust your display, remove animations, simplify menus or websites and control your notifications.
Visit the relevant website to find out how to turn on the various de-cluttering and focus capabilities of your device.
- Microsoft Windows 10 Display functions (opens in a new window)
- Mac accessibility - Reduce Motion (opens in a new window) (scroll down to Reduce Motion heading)
- Mac support - Dark Mode (opens in a new window) (Mojave only)
Hearing Augmentation
Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? Hearing Augmentation technologies can allow you to participate more easily in a spoken environment. Lots of teaching spaces on our campuses have Infrared (IR) Hearing loops installed, with IR units available to loan for use in class. For staff, all our corporate communication livestreams are live captioned. There are also apps to help support you with every day interactions like conversations with hearing classmates or colleagues.
In-built hearing support options on various devices
You may not know it but your device likely has in-built functionality that can better your access to content through adjusting the audio setup (mono audio), customising visual notifications and providing closed captioning options.
Visit the relevant website to find out what is available on your device and how to activate and use the various features.
- Microsoft Windows hearing accessibility functions (opens in a new window) (scroll down to hearing heading)
- Mac OSX and iOS hearing accessibility functions (opens in a new window)
LiveTranscribe
LiveTranscribe can allow easier access to meetings, conversations and interactions in every day life.
Google, in collaboration with Gallaudet University, a premier school for the deaf and hard of hearing, developed an app that can transcribe conversations live and provides the ability to respond in text within the app. Whilst not 100% accurate at all times, the captions will update as the conversation progresses and provides greater context. Conversations are hosted locally on your device, so stay private.
Platforms: Android devices
Access: This app comes pre-installed on the latest Android phones but can be accessed to install on older Android devices for free too. Visit the website for more information.
- LiveTranscribe website (opens in a new window)
Vision Assistance
Do you have any sort of vision impairment that inhibits your ability to access content - Text too small? Colours don't contrast enough? Everything is hazy? Do you have low vision or are legally blind? There's a wide range of functions available on most devices to help assist with access to content. If these aren't sufficient, there's dedicated screen reading software available. There's also a wide range of add-ons for various web browsers which can assist with work on the web.
In-built display options on various devices
Display options can allow you to customise the look and feel of your desktop to suit your needs. Whether you need high contrast, screen magnification, changes to your cursor so you can track it more easily, or reduction in animations and motion - there are a plethora of display options that can be customised to help you.
Visit the relevant website to find out what is available on your device and how to activate and use the various features.
- Microsoft Windows vision accessibility functions (opens in a new window)
- Mac OSX and iOS vision accessibility functions (opens in a new window)
In-built Screen Reader functionality on various devices
Screen reader functionality is aimed at those who have a moderate to severe vision impairment who are prevented from seeing screen content, or navigating their computer with a mouse. It can assist with reading all elements on the screen, including menus, notifications of processes and general text. Both Mac and Windows accessibility features have support for refresh-able braille displays.
Visit the relevant website to find out how to turn on the screen reader capabilities of your device and find out how to use them.
- Microsoft Windows 10 Narrator function (opens in a new window)
- Mac OSX and iOS VoiceOver function (opens in a new window)
ZoomText - University licensed and supported
ZoomText is screen magnification software that is tailored for low vision users. It allows you to change screen colours and magnification levels, customize the mouse pointer and text cursor to make it easier to find them, and turn on a focus rectangle to help you track where you are on the screen. Additionally, ZoomText Magnifier/Reader has basic speech features for reading documents, web pages, and email, as well as hearing what you are typing or what is under the mouse pointer. There are also natural voice commands that can be used to control magnification and speech by saying simple phrases like 'zoom in'.
Platforms: Windows
Access: To gain access to ZoomText, please speak with a Disability Advisor.
Visit our training page for more information.
JAWS Screen Reader - University licensed and supported
JAWS stand for Job Access With Speech. It is the world's most popular screen reader and is available to use in all our Access Rooms on campus.
Platforms: Windows
Access: To gain access to JAWS, please speak with a Disability Advisor. JAWS is installed on at least one Access Room computer on each campus.
Visit the JAWS website for more information.
- JAWS website (opens in a new window)
NVDA Screen Reader
NVDA stands for Non Visual Desktop Assistant. It is a free, open source, globally accessible screen reader for the blind and vision impaired, provided by Australian charity, NV Access. NVDA has equivalent features to JAWS, is portable (you can take it around on a USB to whichever computer you use), and is available in multiple languages.
Platforms: Windows
Access: Visit the NV Access website to download and install NVDA, and access training and support materials. NVDA is free for all users.
- NV Access website (opens in a new window)
- Getting started with NVDA (opens in a new window)
Turning off your screen
If you are on a Mac and do not need to use your screen, you can use Screen Curtain to make the screen black. This helps keep your work private from onlookers. There is no equivalent feature for Windows 10, so if you are using a Windows machine you can reduce the brightness to its minimum (which makes it harder to determine content on screen), or attach a physical covering which blocks it entirely.
Platforms: Mac and Windows
Access: Visit the relevant website to find out how to adjust the screen settings on your device.
- Windows support - Screen brightness (opens in a new window)
- Mac support - Screen Curtain (opens in a new window)
If you use an Assistive Technology that you love but don't see here, please feel free to email your recommendation to the Assistive Technology team at atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au.
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