Assistive or adaptive technology (AT) is a generic term that includes any piece of equipment, system or product used by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks, improve function, gain access to information, facilitate learning, reading, and writing.
Specific assistive technologies can be grouped into 4 categories of application:
vision
communication
mobility
cognition
AT focuses on removing barriers by applying technologies to impact areas instead of focusing on specific products, thus removing barriers by using low to high technologies in the most effective way possible. Successful use of assistive technology means that training and continued support need to be provided by an assistive technology specialist.
An example of the benefit of AT: an individual who has difficulty writing or typing, may use a person as a scribe to write down the responses to assignments dictated in person or on tape. Both parties would need to be available for the editing process. Through assistive technology, the person experiencing the functional limitation of writing can use a computer with voice dictation software to immediately transcribe and edit their dictation to eText. This facilitates the edit process reducing the entire time to write and correct information and eliminates the scheduling challenges with another person.
AU’s AT services
Just as AU courses use technology and online learning innovations, the Accessibility Services Assistive Technology team is innovative in delivering its services.
AT assessments
An AT assessment is requested by the student. It includes innovative ways for students to evaluate resources and technology that may facilitate the learning journey at Athabasca University.Initial meetings include:
discussion
introduction to new technologies
an opportunity for hands-on self-evaluation
remote demonstration or screen share
other innovative means
Our assistive tech experts likely have a resource or suggestion for you. We provide needs assessment reports, training, technical support, and advice.
When possible, we may ask students to access a computer (to download trial software) or visit a vendor, website, community agency, or assistive technology lab to try out different products.
Accessibility Services will include assessment recommendations in the Assistive Technology Service and Support Plan (ATSSP) and provide documentation for funding applications.
Once the assessment is complete and recommendations are made, Accessibility Services staff will assist with applications for funding for recommended equipment, software supports, and training.
For more information or to request an assessment or reassessment for assistive technology, contact the AT team in the Accessibility Services department.
AT funding
The price of such technologies may seem unaffordable. However, you may be eligible to apply for various funding opportunities for assistive technologies, technical support, training, and accessibility services. Our Available funding page can provide you with more information about options. Please contact our AT Team in Accessibility Services.
Training
Learning how to use the assistive technology and apply it to the performance of several academic tasks is a critical component of how beneficial the technology may ultimately be. Many factors will have an impact on the amount of training needed and how the training is delivered, including:
previous experience
training needs using technology
amount of funding available
type of technology
Accessibility Services will work with you to determine the training requirements and help identify a trainer to deliver the service at a distance or access community resources. Accessibility Services offers training via the following methods:
remote access to your computer
web seminar
training modules (may include videos, PDF, or other resources)
contracted trainers
For more information or to request training on assistive technology, contact the AT team in Accessibility Services
Technical support
Our assistive technology specialists compile over 30 years of networking and AT service experience supporting people with disabilities in the AT industry. If solutions are not evident, then the resources provided via knowledgebase, vendor and manufacturer will most likely find the answer.We can help you or connect you to the right resource.
Types of assistive technology
This list of “types of AT” is not all-inclusive. The AT industry has many technology solutions that try to address functional barriers to information access for people with disabilities. The AT Team in Accessibility Services can assist you to find the technology that best suits your needs.
There are a couple do it yourself resources to find various technologies. Please keep in mind they may not be current. - The Adaptech Research Network, Tech Matrix
Here are some ergonomic tips for the home office. There is also a free ergonomic assessment. We think we know the 90-degree rule for our joints, but it’s always good to double check.
Note-taking can be auditory or visual, or a combination of both. For example, Windows PCs and Macs have Sticky Note capability built in. Other portable devices allow you to synchronize an audio recording with the things you simultaneously write with a Smartpen.
Windows 10 Sticky Notes
Open Sticky Notes by tapping the Start button. In the search box, type Sticky Notes, and then tap it when it appears. Use a keyboard or stylus for handwriting on your sticky note.
macOS Stickies
Open the Stickies app in your Applications folder. If a blank note doesn’t appear, open the File menu, and select New Note (or press Command-N). Then, type or write on your note.
A web annotating and highlighting solution for various platforms. You can use the online cloud storage, take screenshots, or download to your device to view later.
Software helps you reorganize material so that you can most easily remember and use it. Often free form software will enable you to drag and drop items, insert multimedia, and click anywhere to start typing.
Evernote- Collect and find things for all platforms (PC, MAC, Mobile). It’s web storage of captured information for keeping you organized. It needs an internet connection to store your captures like business cards, photos, videos, voice memos and then organize and search them. (Dotto Tech video: “5 Favorite Features”.)
Brainstorming or mind mapping
This software creates a graphical map of ideas. Then convert the brainstorm into a text outline so that writing and ideas can be easily generated, and a draft outline created. People like this feature because it’s easy to express ideas and connect them visually. 90% of what we remember is what we see visually.
Screen readers provide access to electronic information for people with vision loss or difficulty reading. With screen readers, you can read text on the screen in most popular applications, including productivity software (MS Office), web browsers, operating system interfaces, programming, and various languages.
Screen readers read everything on the screen in a synthetic voice. They read the text in popular applications, menus, error messages, assisting users in navigating pages by headings, tables, lists, buttons, form controls, read by line, character, word or paragraph, and hear what you type. Many people find it helpful to learn keyboard shortcuts to control this software rather than use the mouse.
Screen Readers:
NVDA is a free screen reader that supports refreshable braille displays too. Check its FAQ about which applications are supported. It has many reading features like high-end screen readers that you pay hundreds of dollars for.
Narrator is built into Microsoft Windows and provides screen reading for popular programs and most of the Microsoft Windows.
System Access to Go works in Internet Explorer (IE) and is a free product once launched from its website. Check its FAQ about which applications are supported.
Voiceover is built into OS/X 10.6 and higher. Most text on the screen is read aloud, and keyboard navigation keys control VO instead of a mouse. VO changes how your trackpad or touch screen gestures function, so learn commands with Voiceover to avoid frustration.
Talkback on Android devices is activated in Settings > Accessibility
Text to Speech:
Text-to-speech software typically needs a mouse user to select text to be read aloud.
Read text aloud in MS-Office documents (Windows)
If you want to read text typed in MS Office documents, you can activate a Speech feature. It reads aloud any text you select in the document. It can be activated by a keyboard shortcut or a button in the Review tab.
Add the Read Aloud button to your Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the application. This feature is available in Microsoft Office 2013, 2016 and, of course, O365.
Click the dropdown arrow button on the right Quick Launch toolbar.
GO to More Commands in the submenu
Choose Quick Access Toolbar
Then under Commands, select All Commands
In addition, scroll down the alphabetic list to Speak or click in the box and type S to jump to commands that start with S.
Then click Add and Speak moves over to the other box where commonly used Quick Access commands are.
Then click OK.
When you select the text, you can click the Speak Selection icon in the QA toolbar, and it will read aloud.
read&write for AU students and staff
read&write is a floating toolbar that operates on different platforms to provide tools for reading, studying, and writing:
scan (TWAIN scanner not included)
e-highlight documents (MS-Word, PDF, web)
export highlights to MS-Word document
text to speech reading aloud
make audio files
decoding tools
Details about features can be found on the Texthelp website. If you require further information or want to activate an AU license, contact the AT Team in Accessibility Services.
Other reading and annotating technology
Many text to speech products these have the following features to assist in reading:
Dual modality highlighting by word, sentence, or paragraph
Read aloud in a synthetic but human-sounding voice
Using the mouse, select text and have it read aloud
Coloured Highlighting and extraction of highlights to a word processor document
Mind mapping
Annotation of e-text – audio, column, bubble, or sticky notes
Convert text to an audio file for listening on the go
Scan in your paper documents and convert them to e-text for reading
Natural Reader is a FREE Windows & Apple floating toolbar designed to read selected text aloud or copy and paste it into its text reader. The paid versions can also convert text to an mp3 audio file.
Kurzweil 3000 for Windows or Mac provides the most features you will find in one software product for reading, writing, organizing ideas, and annotating documents. A trial version is available from their website.
Reading pens – a variety of handheld reading pens that can scan line by line and read text aloud to you, provide definitions, translate to a different language such as the Reader Pen or C-Pen.
Live Scribe Echo Pen & Smartpens provide simultaneous audio recording synced to your handwritten notes on specially coded paper. Just tap on your notes and the audio recording at that time plays back.
Magnify text on the screen
Most software has a zoom feature that allows you to enlarge the print size on the screen. This works in internet browsers, some word processors, Adobe, and more applications. However, it does not enlarge error messages or menus. Try it, and you will see!
Press the CONTROL key and the PLUS SIGN (+) on your numeric keypad to enlarge the text. Press CONTROL and the MINUS SIGN (-) to decrease print size.
Similarly, the CONTROL key pressed while scrolling the mouse scroll wheel up or down will also alter the size of the text, larger or smaller, depending on the direction the wheel is turned.
On an Apple computer, hold down the Apple key and hit + or -. You can also double tap the trackpad, and a 2x zoom will be applied to that window.
These tools help you concentrate on a website’s content by featuring that content in an easy-to-read, clutter-free, scrollable display.
Evernote Clearly is an add-on for Firefox and Chrome browsers; articles can be synced to the user’s Evernote account.
Freedomallows you to disable your internet connection for up to 8 hours to avoid distractions when you need to get down to work. If you need to get online, you need to reboot your system. There are versions for Apple OSX, Windows and Android.
Grammarly is a product designed to improve writing: contextual spelling, word similarities, a plagiarism checker, and more. You can also acquire an Add-in for MS Word or an extension for the Firefox web browser
Ginger is software that includes a grammar checker, sentence paraphrase, dictionary, text reader and a mobile fun keyboard
Franklin Talking Dictionaries (many found on Amazon or eBay now)
iStudiez is a cross-platform application that helps you organize tasks, assignments, and calendars. It syncs between your computer and mobile device, so you always stay up to date.
Toodledo is an app that allows you to set up tasks and prioritize them. Great for project management.
Rescue Time -web-based time tracking software to promote focus and productivity. Rescue time offers graphs and visual support. The Lite version is free.
Bubble Timer - A simple time tracker to keep on task and see how much time it takes to complete tasks. Free for 14 days.
Remember the Milk - Online task list. Syncs with Android phones, iPhone, iPod Touch, etc. Has quick input and reminders to do tasks (type “put books in bag Sunday 3 p.m.” and it will remind you to put your books in your bag on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Pocket Mod - Free, recyclable personal organizer and study guide, can be used in a variety of ways
Diigo - Use the highlighting and extract annotations tools to collect necessary information for later review.
Text Compactor - When text needs to be summarized, use this online tool. Great for cognitive rescaling.
Writing software helps you increase the speed at which you type.
Handwriting recognition
Tablets are proving useful for their portability and connectivity. Handwriting recognition has been around for a long time, but tablets and smartphones have become more portable and affordable. Someone with hand motor challenges may find these blogs helpful.
For a PC, you will either need a Tablet PC or a stylus writing tool such as one from Wacom
Voice dictation software:
Voice dictation requires a few considerations before undertaking it. First, it requires patience to use it and correct mistakes, a clear voice pattern with a minimal accent or environmental noises. Second, voice recognition today analyses words in context and predicts the best fit.
There are a variety of options that have no cost, depending on the platform you want to dictate:
Dragon Naturally Speaking is the leader in voice dictation, and it runs on Windows. Unfortunately, they have discontinued support for their Mac and mobile product.
Word prediction
A window on the screen follows the typing cursor and tries to predict the word you are typing. The goal is to minimize keystrokes. Custom vocabulary lists can be imported, and some software can read the words aloud to help with reading comprehension.
Word prediction considerations include:
Is typing uncomfortable or slow?
Avoid being led by the prediction window suggestions
Mac - Word prediction. Suggests words after typing a few letters. Where to find it: Start typing and press either F5 or the Esc key in many applications.
This assistive technology software and hardware require website and application developers to ensure keyboard functionality and keep WCAG accessibility guiding principles in mind. Ensuring larger targets for clicking and visual representation of mouse hover and keyboard focus are key.
OptiKey is an on-screen keyboard for Windows. On-screen keyboards assist people with motor and dexterity challenges. It is used with an eye-tracking device or pointing device for keyboard control, mouse control and speech. The vendor claims it is beneficial for someone experiencing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Multiple Sclerosis or similar conditions
There are various other hardware and software devices, less complicated such as:
Some people use word prediction or Voice Recognition to make the typing less onerous. Stephen Hawking is one of the most well-known users of on-screen keyboards with speech output and eye-tracking technology.
Creating accessible math (production)
Desmos is as an accessible graphing tool for instructors and students with disabilities. Instructors and students who use assistive technology, such as a screen reader, are able to create, read and listen to graphs. Learn more about Desmos and accessibility
Mathshare - Currently, online math editors allow students to submit answers but don’t give any means for students to show their work. This makes it difficult to track students’ actual understanding of the problems, and can lead to frustration and decreased student confidence in their overall math abilities. In response to community feedback urging for better, more accessible tools for editing digital math, the DIAGRAM Center, with the help of Dr. Neil Soiffer, began developing an accessible math editor that makes it easier for students to do math online. This math editor, called Mathshare, is an open-source learning tool that students can use to show their work in an accessible format. Mathshare focuses on working step-by-step through math equations and is designed to be inclusive of all students, including those who have learning disabilities, motor difficulties, and those who are blind or have low vision. It is currently in alpha stage and undergoing extensive pilot testing with students of all learning types. If you are interested in taking it for a test spin you can visit the Mathshare website and give it a go. if you try it out, they would love your feedback. Comments can be sent to info@diagramcenter.org.
Math Support Finder (MSF) is an online tool that helps you identify the right combination of technologies needed to read math accessibly. Simply select your favorite tool(s) and access mode(s), then let MSF show you the unique combination of technologies required to read math using braille, audio, or however you prefer. At the CSUN 2016 conference, DIAGRAM staff member Sue-Ann Ma and DIAGRAM community members Sina Bahram, Joshua Hori, Neil Soiffer and Volker Sorge presented on the Math Support Finder tool. You can download their PowerPoint slides here. Math Support Finder is currently in BETA. We invite you to give it a try as well as share your feedback and additional requests. We are also interested in chatting with partners interested in developing more accessible math reading tools or individual looking to help grow our database of supported setups. Contact us to get involved!
Developed by gh, LLC under a grant from the DIAGRAM Center
The original WAVES software is a small Windows application that provides accessible math input and output for blind and visually impaired users. The Web Accessible Virtual Electronic Scratchpad offers a streamlined interface for quick selection of mathematical symbols, voice output for math expressions, and flawless MathML conversion to and from user-inputted math. In early 2014, gh completed work on a major upgrade to WAVES, called JSWAVES (for JavaScript WAVES). The new JSWAVES update consists of almost entirely new code, duplicating most functions of WAVES, but in a form that doesn’t require anything to be installed on the user’s computer. Instead, JSWAVES can be run in a web browser directly from a website, so any computer with an Internet connection can have access to the tool.”
Many people benefit when accessibility is considered in the design of products because of its universal appeal in greater viewability, comprehension of content, and expression of ideas. The device becomes engaging.
Apple devices
There are many iOS accessibility features built into Apple devices that can assist with seeing, hearing, writing and ease of touch for controls. A few such as Zoom, colour and font effects include shapes of buttons, hearing aid and vibration settings, caption, and subtitle customization, and Assistive Touch or reachability for physical functionality.
Speech features need to be turned on in Settings > General > Accessibility > Speech. There are 2 methods to use this feature to read any text aloud:
Speak screen will read all text it finds on the screen when you swipe two fingers from the top to the bottom of the screen.
In Speech settings, you can also highlight content when spoken and have Auto-text read.
Voiceover is a complete screen reader built into iOS. It is typically used by someone who has severe vision loss or wants to have all text on the screen read aloud automatically, such as menus, errors, and text in apps. Voiceover does change the finger gestures of the device while it is activated. The text-to-speech voice included in Apple devices is customizable in Settings > General > Accessibility > Voiceover. Voiceover can read many semantic items when built into pages such as headings, form controls, ARIA landmark regions, links, lists, tables and more. An iOS device can also connect to a refreshable braille display, and Voiceover controls the text converted to Braille.
App Matrix - This is a compilation of various Apple mobile apps that AU students with disabilities find helpful. There are apps for time management, reading text, annotating, flashcards and more.
Android devices
Since the release of Android 4.3, there have been various improved accessibility features built into Android mobile OS such as Talkback, a functional screen reader, Magnification Gestures for zooming any screen, Invert Colour or change font features, and support for multimedia captions when they are provided.
You can easily access any feature using the Power Switch Shortcut Key to toggle on or off various settings.
The findings are related to using the iPad as a Mobile Learning Tool for Students with Disabilities in post-secondary education. The iPad Project was beneficial in determining a variety of apps that students found the most useful.
As a follow-up to the research, the iPad project still exists with the informative App Matrix Discovery Tool. The ongoing deployment of Accessibility Services owned apps and iPads to students for their use, especially for those who cannot acquire their own devices through funding or other sources.
In 2015 AU staff conducted a participatory research project into apps that students with disabilities found useful. The Mobile App Selection Tool (MAST) was developed to share those resources. You can link your learning processes to app filters and register to borrow apps that are not free. This is not an inclusive list but is useful helps to identify needs for apps. Visit the AUMAST to view apps or register for updates and contribute to our resources.
For more information or to participate in mobile device initiatives, please contact AU’s assistive technologist.
Updated January 29, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)