The Assistive Technology Learning Series.
Clear, practical guides for common assistive technologies used in higher education.
Designed for students, educators, and support staff, these guides provide easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and best practices for a variety of assistive technologies.
Screen Readers
Screen readers provide access to computers and mobile devices for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or experience print-related disabilities. These guides introduce popular screen readers, explain essential navigation techniques, and offer practical tips for becoming more confident and efficient when accessing digital content.
Text-to-Speech
Text-to-speech (TTS) technology converts digital text into spoken audio, making reading more accessible and reducing cognitive fatigue. These resources explore how TTS can support reading comprehension, proofreading, studying, and learning while introducing a variety of software and built-in accessibility tools.
Speech Recognition
Speech recognition allows users to control their devices and create documents using their voice instead of a keyboard. These guides cover voice dictation, hands-free computer control, and practical strategies for improving accuracy and productivity using speech recognition technology.
Reading & Writing Supports
Reading and writing support tools help students work more effectively by providing features such as word prediction, spelling and grammar assistance, vocabulary support, study tools, and reading aids. These guides explain how assistive technologies can reduce barriers while helping students remain actively engaged in the learning process.
OCR and Scanning
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) converts printed materials and scanned documents into searchable, editable, and accessible digital text. These guides explain how OCR works, introduce scanning technologies, and demonstrate how accessible documents can be created from textbooks, articles, handouts, and other printed materials.
Mobile Accessibility
Modern smartphones and tablets include powerful accessibility features that can support learning, communication, organization, and everyday independence. These guides explore the accessibility tools built into iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, along with recommended apps that can assist students in educational settings.
Built-in Accessibility Features
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS all include accessibility features designed to support a wide range of user needs. These guides introduce built-in tools such as screen magnification, screen readers, captions, colour filters, voice control, and keyboard accessibility, helping users make the most of technology they already own.
Artificial Intelligence Tools
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming accessibility and education by providing new ways to read, write, organize information, and support learning. These guides explore practical and responsible uses of AI, helping students, educators, and accessibility professionals understand how AI can improve participation while preserving meaningful learning and independence.