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.
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.
If you are a current member of staff needing assistive technology, you will need to complete an Access to Work Assessment. The School provides information relating to the Access to Work scheme here. Following the assessment, recommendations can be made and a grant provided. LSE will then arrange the software procurement on your behalf and arrange installation.
Assistive software can be procured by contacting the DTS Hardware Asset Management team (HAM).
At LSE, we offer the following Assistive Technologies:
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Read&Write
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A text-to-speech, reading support and literacy tool designed to assist with reading and composing text.
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MindView
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A mind mapping and visual organisation tool for planning and structuring ideas.
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Dragon Naturally Speaking
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Speech recognition software that allows users to dictate text and control their computer with their voice.
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JAWS
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A program that reads aloud all functions, commands and screen text to blind and visually impaired users to assist navigation and functioning of the computer.
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Equatio
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a math application that helps users create, edit and understand mathematical and scientific equations and formulas using various input methods, such as typing, handwriting and speech.
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FAQs
Writing
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 progoram makes your computer or device type what you say.
There are two ways to access dication 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.
Have your computer read to you
If 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:
Help making 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.