Built-in apps support
Math Accessibility Software
- eMathHelp Math Solver - Free Step-by-Step Calculator
- Mathpix for STEM subjects
- Mathjax for accessible math
Text-to-Speech & Speech-to-Text Software
- MS Word text to speech options gives instant reading access.
- Immersive Reader is a Text-to-Speech tool in Microsoft 365.
- Dictation tool is a Speech-to-Text tool in Mocrosoft 365.
- Transcribe tool is a transcription tool in Microsoft 365.
- Natural Reader is a Text-to-Speech software with natural sounding voices.
- NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) is a free screen reader.
- Balbolka is a free Text-to-Speech application. It reads and converts text to audio format. It can be used from off a USB stick.
- Read & Write with confidence. Available for Windows, Mac, Google and Tablets
Grammar and Spell-Check Software
- Ginger helps you correct your grammar and check your spelling while typing.
- Grammarly reduces time-consuming revision by providing instant proofreading and editing support. Apps & extensions are available.
Word-Prediction Software
- Lightkey predicts and completes words as you type the first two-three letters of the word. It gets better with usage.
App Suites
- Helperbird is a reading, writing and browsing accessibility tool.
- MyStudyBar is a free, compact and convenient package of a combination of assistive technology tools that can even be used from a USB stick on any computer that has a Windows operating system.
- G Suite for Higher Education is a free, cloud-based collection of apps including Google Drive, Gmail, GDocs, GSheets, GSlides etc. They can be accessed from anywhere, on any device, for real-time sharing and collaboration of information.
Daisy Player
- AMIS Reader is an open source DAISY book player. DAISY books are synchronised text/audio multimedia books.
Disclaimer
Hangarau Āheinga | Assistive Technology provides this list as only a guide to proprietary and open source software and does not accept liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information. In particular, it is important for students to investigate and understand if use of any particular app is permissible in each assessment.
Assistive technologies include a range of app types, some of which rely on generative and/or other forms of AI, with app types ever evolving. Note that using certain apps may result in AI detector reports indicating potential generative AI use regardless of whether or not generative prompts were employed when using an app. This can include using translation software*. Note that writing “in your own words” generally means writing unassisted by any form of generative AI or translation app.
To keep yourself safe from allegations of Academic Misconduct, it is best to carefully examine assessment instructions regards the use of apps-if in doubt as to whether their use is permissible, seek clarity from the examiner responsible for the assessment. Be aware if app usage is ok as a preparatory tool as well as for assessment production (e.g., exam study is a form of preparation while sitting a take-home exam is when you produce the exam answer– using an AI app during study for such an exam may put you at risk of the AI material being incorporated into your eventual exam answers if you use your study notes during the exam).
Current UC Academic Integrity guidance states that where the use of AI tools is permitted, and declared and referenced as required, it is still important to verify the authenticity and correctness of any content by checking original sources (e.g., to avoid AI ‘hallucination’ or bias issues). In addition, using AI tools when this is not explicitly permitted, or in circumstances where it is permitted but the use of an app (including but not limited to generative and non-generative AI and/or translation software) has not been declared or referenced correctly, will constitute academic misconduct and may have serious consequences.
*If you are struggling to study in English, we encourage you to engage with the Academic Skills Centre (which has workshops to help students with English study skills) and to let your lecturers know.
