I need to access content in an alternative format.
The following tools will help you to convert different types of web content to alternative or editable formats.
Alternative Formats Ally
- All Moodle users can use the Alternative Formats icon to download files in different formats.
- How it works: When you add a File or Folder resource to Moodle, the Alternative Formats Ally icon will be automatically added, which all users can see and use.
- Information for staff: Alternative Formats Ally (Staff Guide).
- Information for students: Alternative Formats Ally (Student Guide): this guidance document is designed for student use. Please provide a link to this resource in all of your Moodle courses so that your students know about this feature.
Free to use on other types of content
- Available on AppsAnywhere
- ClaroRead: PDF Reader for your mobile device with features to increase readability of documents.
- Available from Learning Resources
- Sensus Access: se the Sensus Access service to convert a document from an inaccessible format (eg. image only PDF file, JPEG pictures, Powerpoint presentations) into an accessible format, including e-book, MP3 or DAISY audio book or digital braille.
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I need something read aloud.
The following tools will read the text on a digital resource aloud.
Free to use to have text read aloud
- ClaroRead: Chrome browser extension offers limited text to speech on web pages.
- MS Word 365 Learning Tools
- Use your free Brookes license for Microsoft Office 365.
- Immersive Reader - includes both a unique text view profile (to adjust colour, line length, and reading rule) and text to speech.
- Read Aloud - includes text to speech.
- Speak - reads text aloud in the language of your MS Office.
- HelperBird: Browser extension for text to speech conversion for web pages, ebooks and pdfs.
Specialist tools for conversion and text to speech available from the Assistive Technology Suites
- Dragon: is speech recognition software that allows you to dictate content (and learns your voice profile) but also allows you to command / navigate your computer without using a mouse/keyboard. Available on selected PCs in the AT suites.
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I need to change how my screen looks so I can read it better.
The following tools will help you adjust how different resources look on your screen.
Free to use
Available on AppsAnywhere
- ClaroRead: PDF Reader for your mobile device with features to increase readability of documents, including different options to tint your screen.
Available for short-term loan or through a free trial (for short term access)
- Supernova-Dolphin: Screen reader for Windows with a 30 day trial version or via USB copies available from the Assistive Technology Suites. Enlarges (up to 64 times magnification) all or part of screen content while maintening sharpness and clarity, can be combined with text to speech or screen reader.
- Zoomtext Screen magnifier for Windows: Enlarges all or part of screen content while maintening sharpness and clarity, combined with text to speech.
For more information on how to change webpage settings, please see this guidance document from Inclusive Support.
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I need to produce content without using a keyboard or mouse.
The following tools will help you to use voice controlled screen navigation, dictate content and produce content with your voice alone.
Free to use or built-in
- Voice type: In Google Apps you can use your voice to dictate and format content and navigate within a document.
- Dictate: In MS Office you can use your voice to dictate and format content and navigate within a document.
Specialist tools favailable from the Assistive Technology Suites
- Dragon: is speech recognition software that allows you to dictate content (and learns your voice profile) but also allows you to command / navigate your computer without using a mouse/keyboard. Available on selected PCs in the AT suites.
Available through a free trial (for short term access)
- Otter AI: Speech to text: A subscription service that provides audio transcription. Automated audio transcription with summary keywords, highlights, and full audio transcripts. If you subscribe you receive 600 mins free every month.
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I need help organising my notes and other content.
The following tools will help you to organise your ideas and notes into more accessible formats.
Free to use
- ClaroIdeas: A free app with a Google Chrome extension that allows the creation and editing of concept or idea maps using visual components.
- Coggle: A free mindmapping app with a Google Chrome extension with a variety of text and multimedia options.
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I need to access a screen reader in order to 'view' a digital resource.
The following tools are screen readers which allow you to access things on your screen including course content, email, applications, and more. Most can also provide Braille output if you require it and have the related digital Braille reader equipment available.
Free to use
Available for short-term loan or through a free trial (for short term access)
Specialist tools available for purchase
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