What it is:
A literacy toolbar that supports reading, writing, and understanding text on your computer.

Helps with:

• Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)
• Reading large chunks of text
• Spelling, grammar, and planning

Key features:

• Text-to-speech – reads web pages, PDFs, and documents aloud

• Word prediction – helps you write faster and more accurately

• Screen masking and coloured overlays – reduces visual stress

• Built-in dictionary and picture dictionary

• Highlighter tools for organising notes

Where to get it:
Check out the AT Hub for how-to guides and info on how to access your free Read&Write toolbar.

What it is:
A tool that lets you write and hear maths and scientific equations without needing to know complex coding.

Helps with:

• Dyscalculia, visual impairments, and maths anxiety

• Anyone who finds typing equations tricky

• STEM students who want more flexibility

Key features:

• Type, handwrite, or speak maths equations

• Converts speech or handwritten equations into digital format

• Reads maths aloud – great for checking your work

• Works in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and PDFs

• Includes a powerful equation editor and graphing tool

Where to get it:

Want to speak or handwrite your maths? The AT Hub has guides on how to use Equatio and info on how to get access.

What it is:

A visual planning tool that helps you brainstorm, organise, and structure your essays, presentations, or projects.

Helps with:

• ADHD, autism, and executive functioning challenges

• Breaking down big tasks into manageable steps

• Visual learners

Key features:

• Mind mapping and Gantt chart views

• Export directly to Word or PowerPoint

• Add images, notes, citations, and deadlines

• Great for group projects or planning revision

Where to get it:

Planning an essay or project? Head to the AT Hub for step-by-step guides and tips on using MindView.

What it is:
A camera scanner that lets you turn printed text or handwritten notes into digital text that can be read aloud or edited.

Helps with:

• Visual impairments

• Dyslexia or difficulty reading printed text

• Anyone who prefers listening over reading 

Key features:

• Instantly scans books, handouts, or notes

• Reads text aloud using built-in text-to-speech

• Adjustable magnification and contrast

• Lightweight and portable – ideal for use in class or the library

Where to find it:

Available in the McClay Library – speak to a librarian for more information and help to access it.

• A desktop CCTV text magnifier
• Height adjustable desks
• Ergonomic roller ball mouse
• Ergonomic keyboards

For more information, visit Using the Library webpage

Microsoft Edge PDF Reader is a built-in PDF reader in the Microsoft Edge browser that lets you read, highlight, and listen to PDFs without needing extra software.

Read&Write for Google Chrome includes a Screenshot Reader feature, which is particularly helpful for students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. This tool allows users to take a screenshot of inaccessible or non-selectable text, such as text in an image or a PDF, and have it read aloud. 

Immersive Reader in Word is a built-in tool that helps you focus, understand, and read text more easily – great for all learners, especially if you have dyslexia, ADHD, or just prefer a distraction-free view.

Microsoft Dictate allows you to turn your voice into text in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Simply speak, and Microsoft 365 will transcribe your words in real time. This tool is great for students who find typing difficult, prefer to talk through ideas, or need a more accessible way to create content. For Apple and Mac users, visit Apple Support for more information. 

Speech-to-Text (Voice Recognition) Turn your voice into text with this easy Chrome extension – perfect if you find typing difficult or just want a faster way to get your ideas down.

For more support and information on accessibility tools, visit the Assistive Tech Hub.

FreeMind is a free, open-source mind mapping software designed to help students visually organise their thoughts, ideas, and information. Mind mapping is a technique that allows users to create diagrams representing concepts, tasks, or topics in a hierarchical structure. FreeMind enables students to brainstorm, plan projects, and improve their study habits through visual representation. 

Microsoft OneNote is a brilliant tool for taking and organising notes during lectures. You can type, handwrite, or even speak your notes using the built-in dictation feature. It also lets you record audio while you take notes – perfect for capturing what your lecturer says so you can go back and listen later. Everything syncs across your devices, so your notes are always with you, whether you're on your laptop, tablet, or phone. It’s completely free for QUB students as part of your Office 365 account – just log in with your student email to get started.

NotebookLM is a free AI-powered research and notetaking tool from Google. You can upload your own documents, notes, or readings, and it helps you summarise key points, ask questions, and organise your ideas. It’s like having a study assistant that actually understands your material! Great for planning essays, revising complex topics, or pulling together research – all in one place. 

Evernote is a note-taking and organisational application designed to help students manage their notes, tasks, and projects in a digital format. It allows users to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and store various types of content, such as text, images, audio recordings, and web clippings. Evernote is particularly useful for students looking to streamline their study processes, keep track of assignments, and enhance their overall productivity. 

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub

Microsoft Editor is like having a personal proofreader. It checks your spelling, grammar, and even suggests clarity, conciseness, and inclusive language improvements. Think of it as an AI-powered assistant helping you refine your writing in Word, Outlook, and even the web.  It’s completely free for QUB students as part of your Office 365 account – just log in with your student email to get started.

Grammarly is a digital writing assistant designed to help students improve their writing skills by providing real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation, style, and clarity. It is particularly useful for academic writing, essays, and assignments, ensuring that students produce clear, coherent, and error-free text. Grammarly can be accessed through a web browser, desktop app, and mobile devices, making it a versatile tool for students. 

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub

TapTapSee is a mobile application designed to assist individuals with visual impairments by providing visual recognition technology. The app helps users identify objects, products, and even text by using the camera on their smartphones. For students with visual disabilities, TapTapSee offers valuable support in their daily activities and educational environments, promoting independence and enhancing learning experiences. 

Windows OS Magnifier and Mac Zoom are built-in accessibility features designed to assist individuals with visual impairments by enlarging content on the screen. These tools help students with low vision or visual disabilities access digital information more easily and comfortably. For more information visit Microsoft or Apple. 

Seeing AI is a free app developed by Microsoft that narrates the world around you, designed specifically for individuals who are blind or have low vision. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, it uses your device's camera to identify and audibly describe people, text, objects, and scenes in real time. Key features include reading documents, recognizing products via barcodes, identifying currency, and describing colors and scenes. Available on iOS devices, Seeing AI empowers users to gain a greater understanding of their surroundings and enhances daily independence. 

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free and open-source screen reader designed to provide access to computer systems for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It enables students to use their computers effectively by converting text displayed on the screen into synthesized speech or Braille output. NVDA is a valuable tool in educational settings, ensuring that all students can access digital content and participate fully in their learning environments. For more information visit  NV Access.

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub. 

Microsoft Live Captions & Transcription

Whether you’re in a Teams meeting, delivering a PowerPoint presentation or watching a lecture, Live Captions provide real-time subtitles for better understanding. Transcription in Teams and OneNote can also convert speech into text for note-taking.

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub. 

EasyBib is an online citation tool designed to help students create accurate citations for their research papers, essays, and projects. It simplifies the citation process, allowing students to focus on their writing and research without getting bogged down by the complexities of different citation styles. EasyBib is particularly useful for students who need to adhere to specific formatting guidelines and want to ensure their sources are properly credited. 

Cite This For Me is an online citation tool designed to help students create accurate and properly formatted citations for their research papers, essays, and other academic projects. The platform simplifies the citation process, making it easier for students to credit their sources and adhere to various citation styles. 

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub. 

Mathway is an online math problem solver and educational tool designed to help students with a wide range of math concepts, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. It provides step-by-step solutions to math problems, making it a valuable resource for students looking to understand mathematical concepts, complete homework assignments, or prepare for exams. 

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub. 

Goblin Tools is a quirky, AI-powered app designed to support neurodivergent people with everyday executive functioning tasks. It helps you break down overwhelming tasks, adjust the tone of messages, estimate how long something might take, and even check your work for formality or clarity. It’s perfect if you ever find yourself stuck on where to start or feeling like a task is just too much. Totally free and available as a web tool and mobile app. For more information and guidance, see this post on the Assistive Tech Hub.

Forest is a unique productivity app designed to help users stay focused and manage distractions by gamifying the process of staying on task. It encourages concentration and mindful use of time by allowing users to grow a virtual forest while avoiding distractions like social media or unnecessary phone use.

Tiimo is a visual planning and scheduling app designed to support neurodiverse individuals, such as those with ADHD or autism, in managing their daily routines and tasks. It provides a highly customisable and intuitive platform for creating visual schedules, reminders, and to-do lists. The app is handy for people who benefit from visual cues and structured routines to enhance their executive functioning skills.

For more information, support and guidance visit the Assistive Tech Hub. 

The QUB DigiHub is a digital innovation centre that supports students, staff, and community partners in leveraging technology to enhance learning, research, and collaboration. The Digi Hub serves as a creative and inclusive space where members of the university community can access cutting-edge digital tools, resources, and expertise to develop innovative solutions for a variety of disciplines. The hub prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or ability, can benefit from its offerings.

Visit the DigiHub to explore AI resources and digital learning support. 

Visit the Assistive Tech Hub, AI and Accessibility, Student Digital Learning and Canvas and Accessibility for Staff pages for more information and accessible resources.