Assistive technology is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially, modified or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (World Health Organisation & World Bank 2011, p.101). It can provide access to information which previously might have been difficult or impossible to access.
*Note: if you have an Equitable Learning Plan, you can always book an appointment with your Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF) to discuss how assistive technology can support your studies.
Microsoft tools
Assistive technology features in the Microsoft Office Suite and Windows
All UNSW students and staff have access to Microsoft Office.
For support on how to get started, please visit MyIT
1. Reading Coach in Immersive Reader
Reading Coach is a helpful tool if you wish to practice your reading aloud skills or practice your pronunciation.
How to use it? Open the Word document you would like to read. Select Immersive Reader. Then select Reading Preferences (book icon) on the top right-hand corner. Select Reading Coach. This will allow you to use the microphone feature to practice your reading. Once complete, you will be given a summary of your reading with some practice words to focus on.
Reading Coach video demonstration
2. Immersive Reader
Immersive Reder has a text to speech function but it also allows you to change text size, font, increase spacing and apply a different theme or background colour to support your reading. Immersive Reader can be accessed in Word, Microsoft Edge, PowerPoint, Teams and One Note.
How to use it? In a Word document select View -> Immersive Reader -> Reading Preferences. Here you will find a selection of options to choose from to support your reading.
Immersive Reader video demonstration
3. PowerPoint Presenter Coach
PowerPoint Coach allows students to get feedback on their presentation skills in in relation to their pace, use of fillers, use of sensitive phrases & originality. It is a great way to practice your presentation skills at home.
How to use it? Open your PowerPoint presentation, select View and Rehearse with Coach. Click start presenting and you can then practice your presentation. If you cannot find the Rehearse with Coach button, use the search function at the top of the PowerPoint presentation to locate.
Presenter Coach video demonstration
4. Live Captions on Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has a built-in live captioning feature which you can turn on during meetings or lectures and only you will see them.
How to use it? During your Teams meeting, you click the three dots. Then select Turn on Live Captions.
5. Microsoft Dictation
Microsoft has a built-in dictation feature in Word, PowerPoint, One Note and is available for Mac as well.
How to use it? Dictation video demonstration
6. Voice Access
Voice Access allows you to control your computer using your voice, a feature in Windows 11.
How to use it? Voice Access video demonstration
7. Windows Magnifier
Windows has a built-in magnifier which can be used to enlarge your screen to help you see content, a feature in Windows 11.
How to use it? Windows Magnifier video demonstration
8. Colour Filters
Within the Accessibility features on Windows 11 you will find Colour Filters, which allows you to change the colour scheme on your PC.
How to use it? Colour Filters video demonstration
9. Narrator
Narrator is a screen reader which is built into Windows 11 allowing you to use your PC without having to use a mouse.
How to use it? For a detailed explanation on how to use Narrator visit Microsoft’s Complete Guide to Narrator.
10. Live Captions
Windows 11 has Live Captions built in. This feature allows you to quickly set up live captions for any video you might watch online, including your lecture recordings.
How to use it? On your computer, go to Settings and Search Live Captions. Select Turn On. Alternatively, you can press Windows logo key +Ctrl +L to turn on live captions.
Do I need to pay? No, this is a feature on Windows 11.
Microsoft have detailed support pages,
if you have questions or issues using any of their features.
Conversion tools
Text to speech
1. NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a Text to Speech program available as a Chrome extension to help you navigate text heavy webpages, and their app allows you to copy and paste text which can be read allow. The app is available for iOS and Android.
How do I use it? Download the app, take a screenshot of a document and the app will read the document aloud.
Do I need to pay? NaturalReader’s Chrome extension and app can be used for free, but you can also subscribe to access more features.
2. HelperBird
HelperBird is an extension on Microsoft Edge and Chrome. It has many different features, including text to speech and Immersive Reader functions.
How do I use it? Add Helperbird as an extension to you preferred web browser and turn it on when you wish to use it. Open the Text to Speech function. This creates a pop-up box where you can then copy and paste text from the webpage you are on. This video demonstration also shows you how to use key features.
Do I need to pay? The text to speech function is free on Helperbird. There are additional features which you can subscribe to.
3. Immersive Reader on Microsoft One Note:
UNSW uses the Microsoft Office Suite, including One Note, making it a great resource for UNSW students to access. One Note has Immersive Reader built in meaning you can copy and paste text into One Note easily and access Immersive Reader.
How could I use it?
Upload a document (for example a Course Outline) to OneNote and access the Immersive Reader feature by selecting ‘View’ –>‘Immersive Reader’ to have the text of the document read aloud.
Do I need to pay? One Note is a free feature to all UNSW students.
4. Orbit Note
Orbit Note allows you to upload PDF documents to a webpage which can then be read aloud.
How can I use it? Upload your PDF lecture slides from Moodle so they can be read aloud.
Do I need to pay? No, this is a free webpage.
5. Howjsay
Howjsay is a webpage which allows users to type text and listen back in natural sounding speech. Helpful for those wishing to practice their pronunciation or learn common phrases from other languages. It is also available as a paid app on Android and iPhone.
How to use it? Either type in a sentence and listen back or search for Common Phrases.
Do I need to pay? The app costs money but you can access the webpage for free.
Speech to text
1. Dictation.io
Dictation.io is a webpage which allows you to dictate your ideas onto a notepad. It can be used on Windows, Mac and PC.
How to use it? Open the webpage and click ‘Start’. It will listen and type what you say. This can then be saved, printed off or emailed.
Do I need to pay? No, this is a free webpage.
2. Equatio
Equatio allows you to text, draw and dictate equations. It is available for Apple, Windows and Chrome.
How to use it? Dictate your equation into Equatio and then copy and paste it into the relevant document.
Do I need to pay? Equatio has a free 30-day trail and is then subscription based.
3. Read and Write
Read and Write offers a lot of different functions one of which is speech to text.
How to use it? Open the document or webpage you wish to add text to. Place the curser where you want to type and then select the Speech to Text. Sitting close to your computer and talking slowly should allow for greater accuracy.
Do I need to pay? Read and Write offers a free 30day trial and is then subscription based.
Handwriting to text
1. Google Drive & Google Docs
Google Drive allows users to scan handwritten documents and Google Docs will convert it into text. It can be used on the web, Android and iOS.
How to use it? On your phone, open Google Drive. Select +New and then scan your document. Select Done and save the file as a PDF. Then on your computer open Google Drive. Right click on the document you want to open and select Open with Google Docs. This opens the document as a text document which you can edit. This video demonstration shows how Google Docs can be used.
Do I have to pay? You will need a Google account to access this feature.
2. Adobe Scan
Adobe Scan is an app available on Android and iOS, which allows you to scan documents, including handwritten documents and convert them to text.
How to use it? Open the app, select document and take a photo. Then select the box at the top right-hand corner and select Recognise Text. Once the text has been scanned you can copy the text into Google Docs or Word.
Do I have to pay? No, this is a free app.
File conversion
1. Sensus Access
Sensus Access is a free webpage which allows you to upload a document so that it can be converted into different media formats which will be emailed to you. Formats include: MP3, DAISY full text and audio, DAISY MATH full text and audio, Braille, E-book, Accessibility conversion.
How can I use it? Visit Sensus Access and upload the document you would like to convert. Then enter the email address you would like the document sent to.
Do I have to pay? UNSW has a sitewide license, meaning UNSW students can access this site.
More tools
Study tools
1. Quizlet
Quizlet allows you to consolidate your learning in one online space. You can create flashcards, study guides and practice tests or search for topics which have already been created by other users. You can access it online or on their iOS or Android app.
How to use it? Create your own Flashcards by entering your own Terms and Definitions. Or upload lecture slides or readings to generate a Study Guide which will also generate Flashcards relating to the topic. You can also create Practice texts from study guides.
Do I need to pay? Quizlet is a free learning tool but you can subscribe for additional features.
Notetaking
1. Glean
Glean is a personal study tool which allows you to record lecture audio and take notes at the same time. It will provide a transcript of the recording which can be exported into Word/PDF documents.
How can I use it? While listening to your lecture recording at home you can ask Glean to create a transcript of the document while you make quick notes which will attach to the relevant timeframe in the lecture meaning you can easily come back and access the relevant section. You can also import lecture slides if you have access before. From your notes you can then create multiple choice quizzes to test your understanding.
Glean can be used on desktops, iPad, Mac, PC, iPhone and Android.
Do I need to pay? Glean offers a free 30day trial, which we recommend students start with. If you have an ELP, we recommend talking to your Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF) for information on how to access Glean.
2. Google Keep
Google Keep is a cloud-based notetaking app. You need a Google account to access it, but you can also use it on your phone, and your work is immediately available on your PC or Mac.
How to use it? You can type notes, upload images, PowerPoint slides, record your own voice notes or even use your phone to record something you are listening to and a transcript will be available. This video demonstration details how you can use Google Keep.
Do I need to pay? If you have a Google account, this is a free feature.
For more information about Google Keep visit:
3. OneNote
One Note is a cloud-based notetaking app. You need a Microsoft account to access it, which as a UNSW student you have, and you can use it on your phone (Android and iOS)
How to use it? You can type notes, upload images, PowerPoint slides, record your own voice notes and use Immersive Reader. It also syncs with Office Lens, so you can take photos of notices or documents and upload them to OneNote to look at later. This video demonstration shows how you can use One Note.
Do I need to pay? If you have a Microsoft account, this is a free feature.
4. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is a note-taking app for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and the web.
How to use it? Type or handwrite notes during class, import images and make voice notes to support your studies. Upload lecture slides or draft essays to be able to writes notes directly onto them.
Do I need to pay? GoodNotes offers a free 7-day trial and has an annual subscription after that.
Mindmapping, brainstorming, group work
1. Xmind
Xmind is a mind mapping tool which can help you organise your ideas. You can collaborate with peers as well, making it helpful for groupwork assessments. Xmind is available for Mac, iOS, Windows & Android.
How to use it? There are templates to help get your started, or you can create your own page and build your reasoning, objections and make connections between ideas.
Do I need to pay? Xmind has a limited free version or you can subscribe to avail of more features.
2. Rationale
Rationale is an online mind mapping tool designed to help you brainstorm and organise your essays.
How to use it? Select from a template or build your own mind map to plan out your essays, make links between points, and add links to useful resources you will need to develop your essay.
Do I need to pay? There is a free and subscription version available.
3. Essay Writer
Essay Writer is a mind mapping app which you can download to PC or Mac. It is specifically aimed at helping you to develop your essays.
How to use it? Select from a template to plan your essays, make links between points and add images to help you develop your essay.
Do I need to pay? This platform offers a free trial and then a subscription.
Vision impaired assistive technology
1. Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is an app available on iPhone, Android and Windows. When used on a phone or tablet with a camera, users can request a call with a Be My Eyes volunteer. They will describe the scene in front of you. When used in Windows you can use the app to ‘Describe my screen’, ‘Take a picture’, ‘Describe picture’ or ‘Describe clipboard’.
How to use it? For example, Be My Eyes could be used to describe the website open on your computer. The app doesn’t have a text to speech function but recommends using Windows Narrator, which can be accessed with this shortcut Windows Logo Key + Ctrl + Enter.
Do I have to pay? No this is a free app to download.
2. Seeing AI
Seeing AI was developed by Microsoft and is described on their website as a ‘Talking Camera for the Blind’. It is an app available on iOS and Android. This is a practical app, which is helpful for everyday life as well as support with text to speech. It can read short texts, documents, barcodes, scenes around you, people, currency, colour, handwriting and light.
How to use it? Open the app on your phone. Select the function you want to use. For example, if you enter a lecture theatre, it could describe what it looks like and estimate the number of people in the room. Alternatively, you can use it to scan documents and have it read aloud to you.
Do I have to pay? No, this app is free.
Assistive technology supports for Apple users
1. Personal Voice and Live Speech
Personal Voice allows you to record your voice onto your iPhone or iPad, so that it can then be used with Live Speech, which allows you to type what you want to say and have it spoken out loud in Facetime, phone calls or when you are in person.
How to use it? For a step by step guide on how to set up Personal Voice and Live Speech you can watch this Video demonstration.
2. VoiceOver
VoiceOver is Apple’s built in screen reader. It allows you to hear what is happening on screen and control your device with simple gestures.
3. Braille Guides for Apple devices
You can download Brialle Guides for various Apple devices by visiting their support page.
4. Mac Accessibility Assistant Shortcut
Turning the Mac Accessibility Assistant Shortcut on allows you easy access to Mac’s Accessibility Features. You can select condition(s) and a note will appear detailing the accessibility features which you might find helpful.
Mac Accessibility Assistant video demonstration
5. Live Captioning in FaceTime
Live captioning is available in FaceTime and be turned on by tapping the information controls button and selecting Live Captions.
Live Captions video demonstration
6. Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
An extensive list of Mac keyboard shortcuts can be found on Apple’s support page.
Apple have detailed support pages for any questions relating to their accessibility features, as well as the option for supporting using sign language using SignTime.
Continue searching for other assistive technologies
Diversity and Ability and AT Hive are two great platforms which let you search for assistive technologies which are right for you.
Assistive technology at UNSW
Technologies on campus
The Assistive Technology Centres are in the Main Library and Law Library. Your Equitable Learning Facilitator will discuss with you the best way to use the technology and facilities that are available. Eligibility for assistive technology support is assessed by the documentation provided by your doctor or Health Professional and in consultation with your Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF).
Echo360 lecture capture
Echo360 is a service that provides you with access to audio-visual recordings of your lectures. When Echo360 is enabled for your course, you will see links made available in the course's Moodle site. You are then able to stream the recordings online, or even download them for later use.
All scheduled lectures delivered at Echo360/LR+ enabled venues are recorded automatically, unless the instructor has opted out of recordings. Most large teaching spaces are Echo360/LR+ enabled. You can check if a venue has this facility at UNSW Lecture Recordings enabled venues.
Instructions on how to access Echo 360 recordings can be found here:
