Assistive technology advice

We can help you find assistive technology, such as software, apps or hardware, which could work best for you.

Complete our online form and one of our advisers will get in touch to discuss assistive technology options.

Accessibility settings on your computer

Windows and Mac computers have built in accessibility settings and options that you can change yourself.

To make your phone, computer or tablet more accessible follow:

Accessibility software, technology and apps

Text to speech

Microsoft Windows has Immersive Reader and Microsoft Edge browser has Read Aloud.

Speech to text

Microsoft Windows has Voice Typing and Speech Recognition. Dragon Professional is another popular Windows text to speech product.

MacOS has Keyboard Dictation and Voice Control.

Screen readers

Screen readers enable you to use websites or applications through audio or touch. JAWS (paid for) and NVDA (free) are popular screen readers for Windows and macOS.

Reading and writing

TextHelp ReadWrite can help with reading text out loud, understanding words and proofreading.

Mind mapping

Microsoft Office MindView enables you to generate and organise ideas in a visual way. You can convert your mind map into a Word document or a PowerPoint presentation.

You'll have full access to MindView 6, a mind mapping tool for Windows and macOS, at Cambridge, for free.

You can also try Miro (free), which is an online whiteboard.

Converting documents

Sensus Access for Windows and macOS enables you to convert documents into more accessible formats, such as digital Braille and MP3 audio files.

You'll have full access to SensusAccess at Cambridge, for free. Use SensusAccess to convert your documents.

Read our Code of Practice: Access and Inclusion for Disabled Students.