Assistive Technology available at UD

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool that helps individuals with disabilities perform tasks more effectively, easily, or independently.  Below you will find information on the various assistive technology software and devices offered at the University of Delaware through the Office of Disability Services.  Any student or employee at the University of Delaware who thinks they many benefit from Assistive Technology is encouraged to contact the DSS office to discuss eligibility.

Note Taking

Glean logo

Glean is a web-based note-taking app that combines your class notes with lecture recordings and PowerPoint slides.  Students create a new session for each class, hit record, and start taking notes. There are tools to flag portions of the lecture as important or where you need reminders as you take notes. Glean keeps all of your ideas and recordings together in a clean, organized space.

Livescribe Smartpen and livescribe notebook.

DSS has a limited amount of Livescribe Echo Smartpens to loan out to students. The Smartpen is a ballpoint pen with an embedded computer and digital audio recorder. When used with Livescribe notebook paper, it records everything you write, hear, or say.  Replay your lectures by simply tapping on the notes. You can transfer your notes and audio to your computer for fast and easy access. Learn more about Livescribe Echo Smartpen

Digital Voice Recorder

DSS offers a limited supply of digital voice recorders. Recording in MP3 format, the portable recorders offer 4 GB of internal memory, up to 1,073 hours of recording time, and up to 96 hours of battery life. Intelligent Noise Cut reduces ambient noise, while scene select captures high-quality sound in any environment. The recorder comes with a USB cable.


Literacy Software

Kurzweil logo

Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology text-to-speech learning tool that supports the concept of Universal Design for Learning. It contains a powerful suite of reading, writing, test-taking, and study skills tools that make the curriculum accessible to all students. Kurzweil Education’s text-to-speech software offers a multisensory approach and multiple means of access to text – whether in print, online or digital formats.

Read and Write logo

Read & Write literacy software allows for users who struggle with reading, writing and/or learning English to better comprehend digital texts. The software reads documents and emails aloud, offers text prediction when typing, and provides picture dictionaries and summary highlights. Read & Write is aimed at students and professionals with additional language or literacy needs, such as those with ESL or dyslexia, and is available on Windows PCs, Macs, Google, iPad, and Android tablets.

Equatio logo consisting of blue intelocking lines forming the shape of a diamond

Equatio is a math application that allows you to insert, edit, and interact with digital math in Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac. It is also available as a math extension in Google Chrome to work in the Google Chrome environment, including Google Docs.


Magnification

Picture of Zoom Text software

ZoomText is a stand-alone piece of screen magnification software designed for individuals with vision impairment.  The program allows you to see and hear everything on the computer screen as well as provide access to applications, documents, email, and the Internet.  Zoom Text Software is available in the Assistive Technology Center located within the DSS office.

Extra large keyboard

Multiple large print keyboards with high contrast are available in the Assistive Technology Center in the DSS office and the Morris Library. 

Optelec Clearview Plus monitor displaying enlargement of a magazine

The Optelec Clearview+ is available in the Assistive Technology Center located within the DSS office. It offers desktop magnification with excellent image quality.


Screen Readers

JAWS Screen reader picture of computer and software

JAWS screen reading software by Freedom Scientific is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display.  JAWS is installed on computers in the Assistive Technology Center in the DSS office and the Morris Library.

Speech-to-Text

Dragon Naturally Speaking Logo

Dragon speech recognition software is available for use in the Assistive Technology Center in the DSS office and the Morris Library.  By taking away the mechanical aspects of typing, Dragon software allows users create and edit documents, send email, or search the web with speed, ease, and comfort – simply by speaking. Learn more about Dragon Speech Recognition