Access Solent

Assistive technology & equipment

• On this page:

  • Assistive technology used in Solent University exams
  • Campus assistive technology: Text Help Read & Write Gold, Inspiration
  • Free assistive technology
  • Assistive Technology Centre
  • Equipment
  • Captions and transcripts for online classes
  • Apps
  • Recording policy

• Assistive Technology

  
  

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

  These 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
    

  
  

• Assistive Technology used in Solent University Exams

  
  

  This is only for students who have a Support Plan agreed with Access Solent to have reader or scribe support in exams and in-class tests.

• Using Windows Narrator for reading in exams

• Using Windows Narrator for reading in exams

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Setting up Windows Narrator File
• Windows Narrator & Adobe Read Out Loud guide File
• Using Windows Dictate for scribing in exams

• Using Windows Dictate for scribing in exams

  
  

  
  

• Setting up Windows Dictate File
• Windows Dictate guide File
• Equations in Microsoft Word File
• Texthelp Read & Write Gold

  Text-to-speech software installed across networked campus PCs. Text Help Read & Write Gold is not used in exams

  • 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 & Study Skills Workshops

  During term we run one-hour workshops to learn about assistive technology and using this to develop independent study skills. You will use Text Help Read & Write Gold and Inspiration in the session. Book your place below:

  • Thursday 20th October 2022 at 2:30 - 3:30pm - Book your place

  • Thursday 24th November 2022 at 2:30 - 3:30pm - Book your place

  
  

  
  

• Free assistive technology

  • Google voice typing - Speech-to-text software that helps to transpose your thoughts to paper. You must use Google Docs for this but you can transfer to MS Word.
  • Proofreading software - Both Ginger and Grammarly are proofreading tool that detects grammar and spelling errors.
  • 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 -text-to-speech assistive functions built into windows software. A video of how to use this is below.
  • Coggle - mind mapping web app.
  • Google chrome has a colour overlay plugin that can be downloaded and used while browsing any site
    
  • Colorveil - screen tint software that can be installed and added to a network.
  • You can use your keyboard to control the mouse pointer in Windows 10, the operating system for University PCs. Ability Net have lots of 'How to' guides to make your device easier to use.
  • The pdf table below (provided by Diversity and Ability) is a summary of assistive technology trials you can try and videos on how to use it.
  • Solent Online Learning (SOL) has an accessibility features. You can read the SOL Accessibility Statement. 
• Accessibility Features File
• Handout Assistive Technology Trials and Useful Links File
• Using Windows narration, magnification, captions, colour filters and accessibly personalisation - video:

  
  

• Using Windows dictation, on screen keyboard and key shortcuts - video:

• Windows high contrast & colour filters

  You can adjust your Windows device to display text and background in high contrast, or to apply colour filters to the screen (including text and backgrounds).

  Click on 'Ease of Access' on the Settings menu. Select high contrast / colour filters.

  
  

  
  

• Assistive Technology Centre

  Room ML015, 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:

  •  3 PCS 
  •  iMac                      
  • 3 Height-adjustable desks        
  • Standing desk   
  • 2 Kneeling chairs    
  • Ergonomic chairs   
  • Document holder        
  • Magnifier for books / paper documents                                
  • Large-key keyboard       
  • 27" large screen

  
  The PC's are bookable (optional). See the library Lib Guide for more information and to book.
  

• Equipment Loans

  Book a 15 minute Access Solent appointment to discuss short term loans of laptops with assistive technology or digital voice recorders if you need further assistive technology support. You will need to have registered with Access Solent and provided diagnostic evidence. 

  If agreed, 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 can use automatic captioning or access transcriptions for your lessons, if they are live or pre-recorded. Re-watching recorded classes with a transcript can help you process information, take notes, revise and go over key points.

  Captions: 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.  The captions will then appear at the bottom of the screen.

  
  
  
  
  

  Transcripts: You can activate transcriptions in a teaching session and download a transcript to your computer as a document after the class. 

  
  
  

• Apps

  Student Support app: the quickest way to find out answers to common questions in the Student Experience department, including Access Solent.
  

  MySolent: quick access to key university services. It can help you to manage your university tasks, support you to gain confidence in navigating the campus and settling into university life.

  
  

• Recording policy

  Solent University has a policy for students recording classes. Please refer to the policy, and ensure you inform the class tutor at the start of each session if you are recording.

  Solent University uses lecture capture to record in-person classes and teams recordings of online classes (with some possible exceptions). Lecture capture content is usually uploaded to the SOL page for your course.