Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are designed to enhance student learning by reducing or removing barriers. At Dalhousie, assistive technologies include both equipment and software, such as speech-to-text or text-to-speech software, screen readers and magnifiers, and note taking tools, as well as ergonomic computer accessories, tablets and styli, and headphones and microphones. These are made available to students to borrow through the Lending Library at the Student Accessibility Centre.
Major categories of assistive technologies available to students at Dalhousie are:
- Speech-to-Text
- Notetaking
- Computer Accessories (e.g., styli, ergonomic equipment, headphones)
- Screen Readers and Magnifiers
- Text-to-Speech
Speech-to-Text
Speech-to-text software allows a student to transcribe by converting their speech into text. At Dal, this is supported through Dragon Naturally Speaking. Speech-to-text functionality may also be available within certain software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word dictate function), on mobile devices, or built into computer operating systems.
Notetaking
Notetaking software merges notes from multiple sources including audio recordings, handwriting, sketches, highlights, annotations, and typing, and organizes the information into a cohesive format. Dalhousie has Livescribe Smartpens available for students. You can also use Smartpens to convert handwritten notes into searchable digital text.
Computer Accessories
The Student Accessibility Centre Lending Library has computer accessories available for students to borrow. These include the Apple Pencil for use with an iPad, ergonomic equipment like keyboards, and three types of headphones.
Screen Readers and Magnifiers
Screen Readers can read text and describe images on a screen, converting them to speech or another output (e.g., Braille). They can also be used to control a computer, such as opening links. Screen magnifiers do exactly that: enlarge all screen content. At Dalhousie, students may use screen readers such as JAWS or webReader by ReadSpeaker, which is built into some Brightspace Content pages. ZoomText is an example of a screen magnifying and reading software.
Text-to-Speech
Text-to-speech software and tools will read written text aloud. Some software programs and tools also include features like word prediction, a picture dictionary, talking calculator, and more. At Dalhousie, students may use Read&Write or the CPEN ReaderPen. You, too, can try Read&Write, available for both Mac and PC computers, by visiting the Libraries software download page.