Access Solent

Assistive technology and equipment

• Assistive Technology

  Library computers are installed with Text Help Read & Write Gold (text-to-speech software) and Inspiration (mind mapping software). Google Voice typing (speech-to-text) is free online for anyone to use. 

  These are free to use on campus and can assist students with:

  • revising for exams
  • note-taking in class
  • planning assessments
  • reading and research
  • structuring assessments
  • writing assessments including transposing ideas into written form
  • proofreading spelling, structure and grammar
    

  
  

• Texthelp Read & Write Gold

  Text-to-speech software installed across networked campus PCs.
  

  • Hear text  read aloud with a choice of natural voices
  • Develops writing skills and confidence
  • Supports independent research
  • Turns documents and web pages into MP3 audio files for listening on the move

  
  

  Training resources include:

  • Texthelp Read & Write Quick Start guide

  • Texthelp Training
  • Videos are also available on the Texthelp Youtube channel

• Where to find Texthelp Inspiration on Start menu File
• Inspiration

  Mind mapping software installed across networked campus PCs.

  ·     Visual learning for a clearer understanding and retention of information

  ·     Brainstorm ideas and see how they are connected, grouped and organised

  ·     Understand relationships and connections between ideas and concepts

  
  Training resources include:
  

  • Inspiration resources 

  • Youtube videos - Create your own study map

• Where to find Texthelp Inspiration on Start menu File
• Assistive Technology Workshops

  During teaching weeks we run a one-hour assistive technology workshop each week in MLB07. These cover Inspiration, Text Help Read & Write Gold and Google Voice. There will be time for questions in the last 10 minutes of the sessions.

  
  

  ***Please note that assistive technology workshops will not run during the autumn term 2020.

  
  

• Free assistive technology

  • Google voice typing - Speech-to-text software that can be really helpful to transpose your thoughts to paper. You must use Google Docs for this but you can transfer to MS Word at any time. We show you how to use this in our assistive technology workshops.
  • Proofreading software - Both Ginger and Grammarly are proofreading tool that detects grammar and spelling errors based on the context of the sentence.
  • Evernote - Virtual notebook for multiple devices to store, organise and edit electronic material.
    
  • AccessApps - Over 60 open source and freeware Windows applications that support reading, writing and planning as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties.
    
  • LetMeType - Word prediction software.
    
  • Windows Narrator -free text-to-speech assistive functions built into windows software.
  • Coggle - free mind mapping web app.
  • Google chrome has a colour overlay plugin that can be downloaded and used while browsing any site
    
  • The pdf table below (provided by Diversity and Ability) is a summary of assistive technology trials you can try for free and videos on how to use it.

  
  

• Handout Assistive Technology Trials and Useful Links File
• Assistive Technology Centre

  Located on the ground floor of the Mountbatten Library (next to the exit doors) the ATC provides a quiet space to work with the following facilities:

  •  6 PCS                    
  • Height-adjustable desks              
  • Orthopaedic chair
  •  iMac                      
  • Magnifier for books / paper documents                                
  • Large-key keyboard          

• Equipment Loans

  Come to an Access Solent drop in to discuss short term loans of laptops with assistive technology or digital voice recorders if you feel these would benefit your studies. 

  If approved, you will be able to collect and return equipment from the Learning Technologies team on the second floor of the Library. 

  
  

• Captions for online classes

  You may find it helpful to use automatic captioning for your lessons, if they are live or pre-recorded sessions. Re-watching recorded classes with captions can help you process information, take notes, revise and go over key points.

  For students viewing classes you just need to press the ‘CC’ button in the video player to turn on/off captions like in the images below. The first image (left) is for live classes and second (top right) for pre-recorded classes.  The captions will then appear at the bottom of the screen. For pre-recorded classes a transcript is available on the right of your screen (bottom right).

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Recording policy

  Solent University has a policy for students recording classes. Please refer to the policy, and ensure you seek permission from the class tutor to record the class at the start of each session.

  Solent University also uses lecture capture to record classes and to support academic staff to relay information to students. Lecture capture is used in lots of courses at the University. You can ask your course team if they use lecture capture for your classes. Lecture capture content is usually uploaded to the SOL page for your course.

• MySolent App

  Our MySolent mobile app provides you with quick access to key university services. It can help you to manage your university tasks and support you to gain confidence in navigating the campus and settling into university life. More information about the app and how to download it can be found here.