Assistive Technology, in the broadest sense is any device or software that helps accommodate students with Disabilities. Students may be authorized to receive a variety of Assistive Technology Software, including but not limited to text-to-speech software, screen readers, screen magnifiers, notetaking software, and speech-to-text software.
Text-To-Speech and Notetaking Software
There is a variety of text-to-speech and notetaking software that may be authorized for students with Disabilities, including the following.
Glean
Students with Disabilities may be authorized to utilize Glean, a notetaking software. With Glean, students can
- Record in person and online lectures using Zoom, Teams, etc.
- Record and review notes using Glean's mobile app
- Organize lectures into various collections
- Import PowerPoint slides before or after recording a lecture
- Highlight key moments in a lecture, using preset labels
- Add timestamped notes
- Change the speed of playback
- Review the audio from the beginning or choose where to start
- Convert all recordings into text, using Glean's AI transcription feature
- Add definitions, URLs, and other images
- Export notes into a printable PDF format or copy notes to another document
- Read through notes without distractions, using the Reading View mode
Students authorized Glean for notetaking accommodations will receive an email in their MIX email account with an invitation from Glean. Students must activate their account within 30 days. If students have not activated their account within 30 days or have not utilized their Glean account within the last 30 days, students will need to contact OSA to request that their access to Glean be renewed.
Students must discuss using Glean as an Accommodation with their instructor prior to recording any lectures and should utilize the recorded lecture agreement form to document the discussion.
Students may familiarize themselves with Glean's Skills portal, participating in group training or requesting one-on-one training with OSA.
For questions about your Glean access, please email WVU_Access@mail.wvu.edu. For technical support or errors with Glean, please
visit Glean's Help Page for helpful information or use their Contact Us form.
JAWS
JAWS is a text-to-speech screen reader, developed for computer users. It allows individuals with Disabilities to
- Read documents, emails, websites, and apps
- Navigate the web easily with a mouse
- Scan and read documents
- Fill out webforms
- Surf the net with web browsing keystrokes
Kurzweil 3000
Students may be authorized to receive Kurzweil 3000, a text-to-speech/speech-to-text software that allows individuals with print and learning Disabilities to
- Listen to textbooks and other documents with OCR technology at customized reading rate
- Magnify text
- Change text readability with OpenDyslexc font
- Create MP3 files that can be synced with various devices (must use the software client)
- Change the appearance of text color and background
- Highlight text and export highlights into a new outline
- Create brainstorming mind maps, graphic organizers, and outlines
- Create documents using word prediction, spell check, speak-as-typing, and speech-to-text
- Read websites in Chrome using the Chrome Read the Web extension
Students may familiarize themselves with Kurzweil by visiting Kurzweil's EDU Academy, participating in group training or requesting one-on-one training.
For questions about your Kurzweil account or your alternative format materials, please email WVU_Access@mail.wvu.edu. For technical support or errors with Kurzweil, please contact Kurzweil Technical Support.
ZoomText
Speech-To-Text Software
There is a variety of speech-to-text software that may be authorized for students with Disabilities, including the following.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech-to-text software that will allow you to complete assignments by using your voice. Dragon can only be used on Windows Computers and is only available on dedicated laptops at WVU libraries . To use Dragon on your personal computer, students can purchase a license for Dragon Naturally Speaking from Nuance.
Google Docs Voice Typing
Google Docs Voice Typing is available when creating or editing a Google Docs or Google Slides project. You must be using a Google Chrome browser for this feature to work.
When typing in Google Docs, you will be unable to use Apple Dictation or Dictation on Windows computers. You will need to enable Google Voice Typing as follows:
- Open any Google Doc
- Go to Tools > Voice Typing
- Click on the microphone that appears
For a list of commands you can use within Google Docs while typing, such as creating new paragraphs or italicizing text, visit Google Docs Editors Help article on Type with your voice.
For more helpful information on how to use this Google Voice Typing, visit Google's Type with your Voice support page.
Kurzweil 3000
If you are already approved to use Kurzweil 3000 as an alternative format accommodation, you may also use Kurzweil's Speech-To-Text (STT) feature.
Information on how to use Kurzweil's Speech to Text feature can be found in their February 2019 Update Handout.
Mac Dictation
Mac Dictation comes preinstalled on Apple computers and works with a variety of apps on your Mac, including Office applications. To start using Apple Dictation
- Go to the Apple logo in the top left of your screen and select System Preferences > Keyboard
- Click on the Dictation Tab
- Switch Dictation to “On”
For helpful information on how to use Apple Dictation, visit Apple’s macOS User Guide on Dictate.
Windows Dictation
Windows Dictation comes preinstalled on Windows computers. To start using Windows Dictation
- Press the Windows Logo Key + H to open the Dictation Toolbar.
- To stop dictating, say "Stop dictation".
For helpful information on how to use Dictation, please visit Windows Support page on Dictation.
Free and Low-Cost Assistive Technology
There are many free and low-cost assistive technology programs available for students. Augsburg University maintains a list of tools that students and other individuals may find useful, regardless of Disability status, including technology that assists with reading, writing, notetaking, dictation, study skill development, task management, and more. These programs are not part of the authorized accommodation process at WVU, and WVU is not responsible for ensuring their safety, effectiveness, or ongoing operation. We simply believe in making assistive technology information available to all and trust students to use these programs at their own discretion.