Accessibility Service
- Australian Hearing Hub
- 16 University Avenue
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: +61 (2) 9850 7497
- E: wellbeing@mq.edu.au
Students at Macquarie University can access free Assistive Technologies to help with the impact of a health condition, and/or carer role, on study tasks.
Assistive Technologies, also known as AT, include any device, instrument, tool or software that helps functioning and independence. AT can assist students with the functional impacts of a range of health conditions and circumstances including:
If you would like to learn more about AT for note-taking, reading, and writing then you can register for the Accessibility Insight Skillshop.
If you are a student with more complex AT requirements due to the impact of your health condition, such as low vision or low hearing, then you can register with the Accessibility Service.
A range of AT is available for free to Macquarie students, listed below. These AT have been trialled by the Accessibility service, and endorsed by students taking part in the Student Wellbeing Skillshops program.
Macquarie University students can access the Microsoft Office Suite free via Microsoft for Students. Microsoft Office has a range of Accessibility features described below. Find installation information available on the Macquarie IT webpage under Microsoft for Students.
Students can download Microsoft Office on up to five PCs and five mobile devices. Mobile devices using Windows, iOS and Android platforms can support Microsoft office.
Do you find it challenging to engage with your lectures and tutorials, and take notes at the same time? Note-taking software can help and are listed below.
Students can download Echo360 lecture transcripts through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR). As the transcript is automatically generated (not checked by a person), accuracy can vary from 75%-90%, so you will need to check the transcript against the lecture for accuracy.
You can follow the transcript whilst listening and watching the lecture, then download it or cut and paste the text into your preferred word processing document, eg Word or OneNote.
Image sourced from the Otter.ai Blog
Otter.ai is a freely available browser software that records real time spoken content with 75%-90% accuracy.
You can generate automatic transcripts for live or recorded tutorials and lectures by opening Otter in a separate tab. You can then copy and paste your transcript into your preferred word processing document to format and make corrections.
As for the Echo360 ASR, you will need to check the transcript against the lecture or tutorial for accuracy. For live tutorials, you will need to note down key words or discipline specific words that Otter might not pick up, and integrate those into your notes from your transcript.
Image sourced from Microsoft OneNote homepage
OneNote is a multi-modal digital notebook that allows you to type, write and draw. You can import a range of different files including PDFs, emails, slides, and photos, as well as software for drawing graphs and solving maths questions.
On OneNote, you can arrange different topics into different notebooks and colour coding. Notes created on this app are searchable and shareable.
Do you have difficulty reading text on a screen for short or long periods of time? Student Wellbeing have listed a range of AT that can assist to minimise the impact of your health condition on your on-screen reading tasks.
Some fonts can be easier to read than others. Try changing the font to:
Glare can impact on sustained reading. Reduce your glare by:
Image sourced from the OpenDyslexic ‘About’ webpage
OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed to reduce the impacts of some forms of dyslexia. The unique font features a heavier bottom and wider letter spacing.
AlphaText is a chrome extension that supports customization of online pages. Change font and background colours to personalise your on-screen reading experience.
Do you have difficulty reading or processing written material? For some students being able to listen to their articles being read aloud to them makes it easier to process. This could be done by listening only, or by listening and following the text. Below are some free text-to-speech options for all Macquarie students.
Microsoft 365 provides a range of text-to-speech tools on Windows, macOS, and Android including: Immersive Reader, Read Aloud, Speak and Narrator. To download your free Microsoft 365 go to Install Microsoft for Students.
Immersive Reader is an interactive reading tool that allows a personalised reading experience. You can modify font options, letter and line spacing, line focus, read aloud, speaking pace, and vocal gender and accent. Internet access is required.
Read Aloud reads all or part of your word documents without the Immersive Reader additional features. Available in:
Speak reads only the text you've selected. Available in:
Narrator reads your dialog boxes, buttons, and other user interfaces as well as the text. Available in:
Do you have difficulty writing or typing for long periods of time, or are you someone that finds it easier to explain your ideas verbally rather than in the written form? For some students, talking to a device that types for them is a more efficient and effective way to study. Depending on your needs you can use speech-to-text to:
Below are some speech-to-text options that are free for all Macquarie students.
If you would like to learn more about AT for note-taking, reading, and writing then you can register for the Accessibility Insight Skillshop.
If you are a student with more complex AT requirements due to the impact of your health condition, such as low vision or low hearing, then you can register with the Accessibility Service.