Assistive software and accessibility features
FREE Assistive Technology for Windows/Mac/iPhone/Android and Online
Further information (Word document): FREE AT
Inbuilt Windows/Apple/Android accessibility
There's a range of inbuilt accessibility options available on most PCs, Apple & Android devices.
For more information, visit AbilityNet's My Computer, My Way
Windows 11 Accessibility options
Windows have launched range of accessibility options with the release of Windows 11. See here for more information
What is assistive software?
Assistive software includes software that is helpful to lots of people, but can be particularly useful to disabled learners, such as dyslexic students or students with mental health difficulties and visual impairments.
What kind of software can I access?
Mind Mapping
On every University computer, you can access MindView mindmapping software.
Mindview allows you to create a mind map, export it to Word, add notes and links to your files and websites. Mindview can also create Gantt charts and a time line.
Readback Software/Spell Check
Please note: We are no longer using Texthelp Read&Write. ClaroRead has replaced this software and has similar functionality. This is available via University cluster/library machines if you are a student, and via Software Centre if you are a staff member. If you are a student registered with DASS, you may also qualify for a loaned license of ClaroRead. Please contact Tim for more details: tim.symons-2@manchester.ac.uk
ClaroRead is a program that can carry out text-to-speech, spell check and check homophones. It can also turn documents into mp3 audio files, mask your screen and scan text.
Where can I access this?
The university has a range of assistive software available to all students on the university computer network. You can access this in PC clusters, the library and the learning commons on any university networked computer.
How do I find the software on a university networked computer?
When you’re logged in in a computer cluster, the easiest way to find any of the programs is to click on the Start button and then type the name of the program that you’re looking for, such as Mindview or Read and Write, into the Search box.
Want your own copy for your own computer?
UK students can apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to fund assistive software and other support.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will receive any particular software, as this is not determined by the University.
