Assistive technology

Assistive or Adaptive technology (AT) is a generic term to include any equipment, software, system or product used by a person with a functional impact performing specific tasks, mobility challenges, gaining access to information; and to help facilitate learning, reading and writing. It promotes greater independence for people in their learning environments and provides equity in their studies. Based on your needs, Accessibility Services offers information and the opportunity to explore a variety of adaptive technology that support student success.

Adaptive Technology Resources

Current 做厙51 students can access a free download of Read & Write for home use in addition to use on campus in our student computer labs and the library. 

Read & Write is a literacy software that supports students with reading, writing, and study skills. It has an easy-to-use toolbar that the user can customize for seamless integration in common programs such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Adobe Reader (PDF) and other documents. 

Read & Write is available for Windows, Mac, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, iPad and Android. It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browsers. 

Read & Write download links

Read and Write for working with documents that you have downloaded and saved to device:

Read and Write for websites on Google Chrome (all 3 extensions required for full functionality):

Instructions (Application)

  1. Install software on your computer
  2. Click on the purple puzzle piece rw
  3. Logging in:
    1. Select Login with Microsoft
    2. Username: Your 做厙51 student email (example: myname7@student.douglascollege.ca)
    3. Password: Use the password that you use to log into Blackboard

Additional Resources

PC/Windows

Mac/OS

Google Chrome

iPad

Android

Read & Write Privacy Notice

Kurzweil provides literacy support for those who struggle with literacy both inside and outside of the classroom. It has built-in features for reading, writing and study skills to help support student success in becoming independent learners. This application provides tools to assist students in becoming more organized, independent, improve study skills and independently complete assignments, tests and exams.

To read more about the features Kurzweil offers, please visit: . If you are interested in using Kurzweil, follow the download instructions below.

Instructions (Application)

  1. for a Kurzweil account.
  2. Use your 做厙51 email. Leave the "External Id" field blank.
  3. A link will be sent to your 做厙51 email to change your password.
  4. Download Kurzweil by going to: 
  5. Select the first option (subscription/web license)
  6. Note: It may take an hour or more to download

Additional Resources

Privacy Policy

Mac Dictation is software built directly into your Mac Accessibility features that allows you to navigate and interact with your Mac through voice controls. You have the ability to fully control your Mac and applications by simple voice commands. This software is a great option for students who own a Mac and who learn best by dictating their information verbally or who might have limited mobility and require the use of voice commands. 

Mac Dictation is simple to use, easy to set-up on your own device and allows customization of the voice commands and vocabulary. 

If you are interested in learning more about Mac Dictation please check out:

Additional Resources

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Microsoft Word Dictation is a feature built directly into the Office 365 version of Microsoft Word. MS Dictation allows you to use dictate your content verbally in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. This feature is seamlessly integrated right into the MS Office online version allowing for quick and easy set-up and use. It provides support in getting your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines and capture notes. 

All current 做厙51 students have access to Microsoft 365 and can access MS Word online. To learn how to access your Microsoft 365 account, please check out: Microsoft 365 for Students FAQ

Instructions

  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account (做厙51 email address) using Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.
  2. Open Microsoft Word in the online Microsoft 365 app.
  3. Open a new or existing document and go to Home > Dictate. First-time users will be prompted to enable microphone permissions.
  4. A mic icon will appear - wait for it to turn on to be sure it started listening.
    • Tip: On Windows, use Alt + ` (backquote) to toggle the mic.
  5. Insert punctuation anytime by saying them explicitly.
  6. Fix mistakes with your keyboard or Dictation suggestions without having to turn off the mic icon.
  7. Exit dictation with Close (X) in the Dictation toolbar or pressing the button in the ribbon again. 

If you are having problems logging in to Microsoft 365, visit the Password Portal at  or contact IT Services at servicedesk@douglascollege.ca. Go to  for other issues involving Microsoft 365.

Additional Resources

NVDA is a software program to support Blind or low-vision people to access and interact with Windows operating systems. This screen reader software reads aloud the content that is visual on the screen. 

NVDA offers the following features: 

  • Supports for popular web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and various other programs
  • Built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 50 languages
  • Support for many refreshable braille displays
  • Easy to use talking installer

To learn about more features NVDA offers check out:

NVDA is a free software program that anyone can download and is only compatible for Windows users at this time. 

Instructions

  • Select Download
  • A dialogue will pop-up and begin reading. 
    • Confirm the license agreement be selecting the 'I Agree' box
  • Select Install NVDA on this computer
  • A second pop-up box will appear. 
    • Choose whether or not you would like 'Use NVDA during Sign-In' and 'Create desktop icon and shortcut key' 
    • Select Continue 

Additional Resources

You can use Read & Write and Kurzweil to convert PDFs to MP3 audio files. 

 

"" allows you to upload a course file and download it in an alternative format. This way, you can personalize your learning experience to better fit your needs, devices, and learning preferences.