News Marston Rd: Assistive Technology Suite - Marston G.27a : In-person Appointments/ drop-in Semester 1 2026: Thu 22nd October from 9:30am-12:30, Wed 25th Nov 8:30am -12:00; Next Swindon visit 2027
Announcement March 2026 - 10 Years of Assistive Academic Technology support at Oxford Brookes
Using assistive or academic technology (AT) can help with more effective study/working. It can benefit all students and you may already be using it - 30% of students nationally surveyed in 2022 said they use captions or transcripts. It can be particularly helpful for students where English is not their first language, who have experienced an injury, have health issues, are disabled, or have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD).
All Brookes students can book an appointment to discuss and explore potential tools to help with studies and remote working on their own devices, such as:
The Learning Labs AT and Inclusivity hub includes Labs (tutorials) on understanding and getting the most out of assistive technology, accessibility tools and remote learning software.
Learn how to use Brookes’ assistive technology (AT) programs (from Apps Anywhere or loans), at anytime and anywhere using this portal.
View guidance on how to register your account and how to use Learning Labs.
If you are interested in taking part Assistive tech piloting 2026_27 Email ATS@brookes.ac.uk
Individual sessions are available via Google Meet to look at software and equipment to aid remote learning and online study (30 or 60 minutes).
Face-to-face support, in the AT Suite, Buckley Building, Headington Campus (45 minutes) - on request
Semester time drop-ins:
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30-1:45pm | AT Advice -Think Space Study Advice / Forum Wednesdays (Semester 1 2026) | Think Space, John Henry Brookes Building, G.02 (Forum level) |
| 2:00-3:00pm | AT Advice - ATS Buckley Wednesdays (Semester 1 2026, Not 28 Oct) | Assistive Technology Suite, Buckley Building, G.23 |
“A quiet place to think and work. ”
Assistive Technology Suites user
Alternative formats are used to help make documents accessible and enable you to use your Assistive Technology (AT) to read them. You can use Moodle to create accessible files such as accessible PDFs, audio files, electronic braille and ebooks. ClaroRead can help with PDF formatting.
The Assistive Technology Suites (ATS) house learning technology for exclusive independent use by disabled students. Contact us on ATS@brookes.ac.uk for more information and to request access.
Some of the technology available in the ATS includes:
If you would like to use the room, please contact your disability adviser.
The Buckley Building (ground floor) G.23, Headington Campus
During semester:
The AT room MR G.27a in the Gym block, is in a quiet space at the far end of the corridor (on the left hand side) - there is a door code and booking system.
Availability: Campus opening times, Monday - Friday 7.30am - 7.00pm
JOF.G.09b, The Library, Joel Joffe Building, Swindon Campus
During semester:
“If I had tried out the various accessible software and technology options in the ATS, before my needs assessment, I could have benefited even more.”
Assistive Technology Suites user
AT can be used in different ways at all stages of your learning:
AT physical resources
AT hardware
AT software
Text to speech: ClaroRead desktop version is available on Brookes pooled room computers and through AppsAnywhere; ClaroRead Chrome browser extension offers limited text to speech on web pages. Learn how to use it in Learning Labs
Inspiration is mindmapping software that allows you to export your map and notes to MS Word.
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.
NVDA is screen reader software for Windows PCs which allows you to hear everything that is on the screen, headings, lists, buttons alt text for images and text. It works in browsers (Chrome, Firefox) and Office programs (Word & Excel).
Speechify is a chrome extension, for text to speech - an AI reader, with a premium subscription version. It works on Chrome, Android and iOS platforms.