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Software
Unless otherwise noted, the software listed is available on all Sites public computers throughout campus.
Accessibility Toolbar
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Morphic at U-M is an open-source toolbar that makes computers easier to use by exposing some of the accessibility features built into Windows and Macintosh computers. When a Sites computer is started, the Morphic toolbar opens automatically and appears in the lower right corner.
Users may also download Morphic to their personal devices at no charge. If you sign up for the free Morphic Plus subscription and use it to create customized toolbars, you can access these toolbars by signing in from any Sites computer.
Screen Reader & Magnification Software
Note: Users at the Knox Center and in other public spaces will need to bring their own headphones when using screen readers or other software with audio output.
- As of December 2023, U-M has a license to provide the following Windows programs to public computers and through MiWorkspace for work computers on all four campuses. It also allows any current U-M student or employee to download the programs to their personal computer for free via folders on the U-M Google drive (be sure to download both files in the relevant folder).
- NVDA, an open source Windows screen reader that provides speech output and keyboard navigation for blind users, is now available on all public Sites computers running the Windows operating system. NVDA uses a keyboard command set very similar to JAWS and has been shown to work with the currently installed versions of Chrome and Office. Users may also download NVDA to their personal computers at no charge.
- VoiceOver is a screen reader built into Macintosh operating systems.
- Zoom is a magnification utility built into Macintosh operating systems.
Reading/Writing Software
Note: Users at the Knox Center and in other public spaces will need to bring their own headphones when using Read&Write's or Balabolka's text-to-speech features.
- Read&Write for Windows and Read&Write for Mac are literacy toolkits that interface directly with word processors and browsers, which can provide more flexibility than similar stand-alone programs like Kurzweil 3000. Features include:
- Screenshot Reader, which allows audio reading of many text formats that are otherwise not accessible;
- Four virtual highlighters, and the ability to extract some or all highlighted text to a separate Word document.
- A Scan feature that can convert hard copy to electronic format, or convert PDF files into more legible Word files.
- A Screen Masking feature that can change the background color on some or all of the screen to improve readability.
- Read&Write is available on all Sites-maintained public Windows and Mac computers throughout the campus. Read&Write is also available for personal use to any current U-M student, faculty, or staff member. Please see the Windows and Mac links above for current information on how to download, install, authorize, and use the latest version. Read&Write for iPad (link is to manual), which has a limited feature set, is also available and can be downloaded from the App Store.
- Open Dyslexic and Atkinson Hyperlegible are fonts that have been installed to the public Windows and Mac computers. The fonts are designed to make frequently confused letter combinations (e.g., h and n) look distinct from each other, and therefore make reading easier. Both fonts may also be downloaded for free to personal computers.
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Balabolka is an open source Windows program that we have found to be more useful than Read&Write for converting text files into MP3s. It is now available on all public Sites computers running the Windows operating system.
Users may also download Balabolka to their personal Windows computers at no charge. We are continuing to look for an equivalent Macintosh program.
- Open Balabolka.
- Cut and paste text into the Balabolka window
- Choose a voice you like from the pull-down list:
- Choose File menu >Save Audio File... or press Ctrl+W.
- Use the tab key from the main document area to access the speech synthesizer, voice, rate, pitch, and volume.
- Sliders are not labeled, but their values are spoken when focus lands on them and when they are being adjusted.
- One easy way to determine which slider you are adjusting is to move one, press the F5 key, and listen for a change in the voice.
- You can also change these characteristics through the Voice Menu which is accessible via the keyboard shortcut Alt + v. Sliders are properly labeled if this method is used.
- TypingClub is a website that has free lessons and games for learning how to type one-handed on a standard keyboard.
Voice Recognition
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking for Windows (link to manual) allows users to dictate text, as well as perform mouse functions via spoken commands. Users will need to bring their own USB microphone headsets when using NaturallySpeaking; the Logitech H390 works well, is inexpensive, and is available from the U-M Tech Shop. NaturallySpeaking is only available on the Windows computer ATCS5 (in the leftmost workstation) in room 2064A at the Knox Center.
- Windows Voice Recognition is a simpler voice recognition program built into Windows 10 and 11.
- VoiceControl is built into the Mac operating systems Catalina (OS 10.15) and higher.
Notetaking Software
Many notetaking programs are available to meet a variety of needs and preferences. Students who are registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) may request access to Glean, a program that allows audio capture and notetaking, and that can convert audio to text after it is recorded.
All Sites Macintosh computers have a utility called MacWhisper, which can transcribe audio files to text. The free version of MacWhisper can be downloaded to any personal computer.
Built-In Software Utilities
In addition to the utilities mentioned above, both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, as well as their mobile equivalents, have utilities that make keyboard, mouse, and monitor use easier.
- In Windows, go to Start Menu > Control Panel > Ease of Access
(For more information, see Windows Accessibility) - In Mac, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility
(For more information, see Mac Accessibility)
Standard programs are increasingly building in accessibility features as well:
- Microsoft
- Google Apps and Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox
- Safari (options under Settings → Advanced tab. List of keyboard shortcuts.)
Hardware
Alternative Keyboards/Mice
The Knox Center has several models of alternative keyboards/mice for evaluations and 2-week loans. For more information, please fill out our TDX form.
Adjustable Furniture
All tables and chairs at the Knox Center are adjustable. Room 2064A has one chair that permits computer use from a reclining position, available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Several adjustable tables are also available in multiple Sites labs throughout campus, including the second floor.
Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTVs)
Also known as "video magnifiers," CCTVs enlarge text, handwork or anything placed under their cameras. Although they often use computer monitors to display the enlarged image, they do not transfer this image to the computer. Users can adjust contrast, brightness, magnification level and focus. The Knox Center has one CCTV (link to manual) in the back left corner of Room 2064.
Other Equipment
Assistive technology evaluations are an opportunity for members of the U-M community to explore high-tech accommodation options for a temporary or permanent disability. Students affiliated with SSD should contact their counselor for services. Faculty and staff who have medical documentation should fill out the Disability Equity Office form. Other members of the U-M community are welcome to contact Knox Center staff using our TDX form.