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Read on for general information on assistive software technology and for details on what solutions and training are available through our Digital Accessibility Hubs.
Regular software accessibility provisions
In addition to the information available on specialist software below, make sure to check what accessibility provisions are available within regular software, e.g.:
Discover Assistive Technology
AT Hive guides you through various technologies that can help you to learn or work more effectively.
Change your own device to suit you
For step-by-step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs, refer to My Computer My Way.
Software list and availability
Different software is available to help with different types of disabilities - including visual impairment, deafness, or specific learning differences such as dyslexia/dyspraxia.
Some are open-source and therefore freely available. Others require a purchase.
In some cases, some paid-for packages are made available to students and/or staff through UCL (on computers in teaching rooms, on Desktop@UCL and/or to download from UCL Software Database).
Through the Digital Accessibility Hubs, we provide access to a selection of software programmes for trying out and training.
Available for demo and training through the Hubs
| Software | Type | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon | Speech recognition | Allows users to control their computers with their voice | Requires purchase but available for trying out in the Hubs |
| EquatIO (by TextHelp) | Maths and STEMM | Powerful equation editor that makes it easy to create digital, accessible maths | Requires purchase but available on Desktop@UCL Everywhere for Students and for Staff |
| Fusion (Freedom Scientific) | Screen reader and magnification | Fusion combines two of the best vision accessibility tools available – ZoomText Magnifier/Reader and JAWS for Windows screen reader | Available for download or version for purchase |
| Inspiration | Mind mapping | Visual thinking and learning tool to plan, research and complete projects successfully | Requires purchase but available on Desktop@UCL Everywhere for Students and for Staff |
| JAWS (Freedom Scientific) | Screen reader | For computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse | Available to download or version for purchase |
| Read & Write (by TextHelp) | Text-to-speech | A literacy support software designed to assist with reading or composing text | Requires purchase but available on Desktop@UCL Everywhere / Available to download on UCL standalone machines (staff) |
| ZoomText (Freedom Scientific) | Magnification and Text-to-speech | A fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users | Available for download or version for purchase |
Other software available at UCL
| Software | Type | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mind Genius | Mind mapping | Allows to capture large amounts of disparate information and to view content from different viewpoints | In teaching rooms for students / Available on request for staff Online version also available for WIN and MAC users - please email our Digital Accessibility Team |
| NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) | Screen reader | Free and open-source portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows | Free to all |
| RNIB Bookshare | Accessible file format | Online repository of books that have been converted into accessible digital formats | UCL has an account with RNIB Bookshare - contact Student Support and Wellbeing |
There is also the 'AT Hive' - an assistive technology resource: the aim of 'AT Hive' is to guide you through various technologies that can help people with disabilities in many different ways.
