General Advice and Resources:
We offer a variety of assistive and inclusive software and hardware solutions at LSE to help empower students and staff to be independent in their studies or role and overcome everyday problems and challenges faced within a higher education environment. These provisions are currently being revamped.
Full details will be published once finalised. But please do check back regularly for updates (last updated May 2024).
This page covers a diverse selection of software and hardware for both staff and students, ranging from advanced to basic, from complex to straightforward. Additionally, it explores specialist assistive technology tailored for individuals with complex requirements, alongside mainstream inclusive technology designed for widespread use while remaining accessible to those with specific needs.
At LSE, we offer the following Assistive Technologies:
Read&Write is a literacy support tool that offers help for everyday tasks. With tools to meet the needs of different learners, right across the curriculum. Like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words and proofing written work.
MindView is a professional mind mapping software that allows you to visually brainstorm, organize and present ideas.
Speech Recognition: Dragon Naturally Speaking (Windows only)
Using Dragon Naturally Speaking you can dictate and have your speech transcribed into written text, have a written document converted into an audio stream and use Dragon to create voice commands that activate any specified computer functions. Headphones and microphone sets are provided by LSE.
Screen Reader: JAWS
JAWS is a computer screen reader program that reads aloud all functions, commands and screen text to blind and visually impaired users to assist the user with navigation and functioning of the computer.
EquatIO is a math application that allows you to insert, edit, and interact with digital math in Microsoft Word.
Assistive Technology for Staff
An Access to Work Assessment can provide further information about support available for disabled staff at LSE.
FAQs
If you have difficulty writing or typing, you may want to try dictation software. This is sometimes referred to as 'speech to text' software.
This type of program makes your computer or device type what you say.
There are two ways to access dictation software for free, which is in-built for Mac users, or available through Microsoft Word for PC users. If you do not find either of these options work very accurately with your voice you may wish to explore using a form of the Dragon software.
Dragon Anywhere is an app from the world leaders in dictation software which adapts to your voice and works very accurately for most users. Versions are also available for desktops and laptops.
If you have you have difficulties reading a screen for long periods, or find it difficult to process verbal information, you may want to try out the various free and easy ways in which your computer or device can read to you:
The following webpages contain a lot of useful tips and tricks to make your device easier to use:
- My computer my way from AbilityNet provides guidance for people with visual impairment, deaf or hard of hearing, motor difficulties and SpLDs
- Diversity and Ability’s resources list includes guides and reviews of the many different types of Assistive Technology available
Software
For Microsoft Office discounts, please see here. All students and staff are eligible for free downloads for the duration of their time at LSE.
If you are a current member of staff needing assistive technology, you will need to be assessed by an Access to Work Assessment. They can make recommendations and provide a grant. LSE will then arrange the software procurement on your behalf and arrange installation.