Read Write Gold

Read Write Gold is literacy software that allows you to read on-screen text aloud, research and check written work, and create study guides. This is the main piece of software used to read Alternative Textbooks. Read Write Gold can be downloaded from the UMass Lowell IT website for free. Follow the installation instructions and use your UMass Lowell email and password when prompted.

Livescribe Smart Pen

While you're writing, your smart pen is remembering–linking everything you hear to everything you write. Later, simply tap on your notes to replay the recording.

Voice Dictation

Voice dictation can be a helpful tool when trying to work on ideas for a paper. It can be enabled in Word, Google Docs, and other programs for free.

• Google Docs: Open a new document, select "voice typing" from the tools menu.
• PC: Select your "settings" menu, the "time and language", the "speech" and enable the microphone.
• Mac: Select "system preferences", then "dictation and speech" and enable the microphone.

FM Systems

For people who are hard of hearing, an FM system can be used in a classroom to amplify the voice of the professor. The system is an individual piece of technology that the student will use. It consists of a FM transmitter/microphone that the speaker will wear and a FM receiver/headphone that the listener will wear.

JAWS

JAWS is screen reading software that allows blind or low vision users to navigate a computer by giving audio cues for everything that is happening on the screen. This software can be accessed on the vLabs (more information below).

ZoomText

ZoomText is screen magnification software mainly used by individuals with low vision. This software also allows you to change the color/contrast of the screen, enlarge the cursor, and apply different focus settings. This software can be accessed on the vLabs (more information below).

VLabs

UMass Lowell vLabs allows students, faculty and staff to access software that would normally only be in computer labs found on-campus. They can now be accessed at anytime from anywhere, including residence halls, libraries, and even from home. You now have access to any tool or application available in an on-campus lab on your Laptop, home PC, and even your tablet or smartphone.

Download instructions can be found on the UMass Lowell IT website. You will need your UMass Lowell credentials to log in.

Other

There are many other types of assistive technologies that can be helpful for you in your time at UMass Lowell and beyond.

Questions?

To discuss any assistive technology matters, please contact the office and make an appointment with Brandon Drake, our Associate Director/Manager of Assistive Technology by email: Brandon_Drake@uml.edu.