Assistive Technology on Campus
Access rooms
Access rooms are available on all Western Sydney University campuses and provide students with access to specialist assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Access rooms are located in the library and open during regular library hours, except during formal exam periods. Access is granted by swipe card entry only.
Please speak to your Disability Advisor if you require these services.
Locations
Please note that social distancing measures are required within the Access Rooms.
- Bankstown City - BCC 1.4.18
- Campbelltown - 1.G.04 (Library)
- Hawkesbury - G1.G.77 (Library)
- Kingswood - T.G.22 (Library)
- Liverpool - 3.2.02
- Nirimba - C21.G.62 (Library)
- Parramatta City - 01.1.02
- Parramatta South - EN.G.10 (Library)
Technology
Typical AT software on Windows computers
- Glean.
- Read&Write.
- OrbitNote.
- Microsoft Office 365 Learning Tools - including access to Dictation, Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, Translation and Transcription.
- Dragon Professional.
- Screen Magnification - from log-in screen on certain computers.
- NVDA screen reader - from log-in screen on certain computers.
Typical AT software on Mac computers
- Glean.
- Read&Write.
- OrbitNote.
- Microsoft Office 365 Learning Tools - including access to Dictation, Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, Translation and Transcription.
- VoiceControl.
- VoiceOver screen reader.
Other AT software and hardware
Other technologies available on specific computers and campuses includes:
- Webcams are available on each computer for online classes and exams.
- Flatbed scanners are available on some campuses and can be used to digitise content, using Read&Write.
- JAWS.
- ZoomText.
- Optelec Clearview (CCTV enlarger).
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workstations
There is a BYOD workstation available in all Access Rooms other than Bankstown and Liverpool. The BYOD workstation is set up to allow students to bring their own device to the Access Room. We provide a monitor and HDMI cable to allow screen mirroring or extension. Students need to have a HDMI port on their device, or HDMI adaptor.
Using the Access Room
The Access Rooms have been designed to enable students to work independently using designated work stations in a shared space.
To ensure the smooth running of the rooms we have put together a few basic rules students are expected to follow:
Rules of use
- Only students registered with Disability Service or Educational Support staff can use the Access Room.
- Respect the personal space of other people using the room, be considerate of others by:
- Not disturbing others who are working or studying.
- Keeping voices low when working with others.
- Using headphones to listen to music or when using dictation, screen readers or text-to-speech software.
- Turn your mobile phone to silent or off.
- For health and safety reasons students are required to provide their own headsets.
- Do not leave your property unattended, including textbooks or research material. The Disability Service will not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen property.
- If another student is using the computer you would also like to use, please enquire as to when the computer will be available. It is expected that students can negotiate a reasonable hand over time.
- If you are using a computer and you need a short break of no more than 5 minutes leave a note on the computer screen with a time you will return.
- A phone has been provided to enable you to contact University staff or departments; the phone is for internal extensions only. Abuse of this privilege will result in you being banned from the Access Room.
- Before leaving the room check you have logged off and have cleaned up the area. Any files left on the computer will be deleted automatically by the system at the end of every day; any material left in the room will be removed.
- The Access Room may be closed during the formal end-of-session and the deferred exam period to enable students who need to use the equipment or specialised software for their exams. Closure may occur at other times during the teaching session for mid semester exams or computer upgrades. A notice will be placed on the door to advise the dates and times of closure when required.
- If you wish to provide feedback, make a complaint, or have a suggestion to improve the Access Room please email disability@westernsydney.edu.au.
- Reach out to us via atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au if you have any questions regarding access to Assistive Technology.
Need help?
- Technical issues can be raised with IT Support.
- Assistive Technology training and support materials are available on our site. For further support please contact the AT Specialists directly on atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au.
- Discussions around personal adjustments and student behaviour can be had with the Disability Service.
Computer labs and libraries
All University computer lab and library computers have Read&Write installed and ready to use. If you have an active University email account then you can log in and make use of this software. To find the software simply search for 'read' in the Windows menu and Read&Write should appear at the top of the results list.
Sydney City Campus students, please note that the computer labs on campus are not managed by the University directly and unfortunately do not have Read&Write available for use. You are welcome to install the software on your personal device instead.
Staff computers
Staff are able to access certain AT software through the Software Centre tool on a Windows PC or through Self Service on a Mac.
- Read&Write is available to all staff without the need to request access first.
- Dragon Professional can be requested through the Software for staff and postgraduate students form (KB0014416) (opens in a new window) in WesternNow. If approved the software will then be pushed out to you via Software Centre/Self Service.
- Staff interested in using Glean should email the Assistive Technology team directly to discuss their needs at atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au.
Mobile options:
