Skip to Main Content

Disability and accessibility support

Free accessibility tools

Below are some examples of freely available tools that are designed to improve accessibility.

Text to speech / screenreaders

 Speech to text / transcriptions Conversion to alternate formats

Natural Reader 
Available as a website, browser
extension and mobile app. Natural Reader converts text to speech.

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)
NVDA is a screenreader that works
with Microsoft Windows.

Otter
Live transcription and notetaking software.

Dolphin EasyReader
Free audio and text access to millions of books.
Some files or texts from your own device can be read for free.

Robobraille
A free website where individuals may load
files for conversion to alternative formats.
Eg PDF to MP3

Many of the online tools that we use offer options for increasing the size of the text that we read. An example of this is the Zoom slider on the status bar within MS Word.

When using a PC, try the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + or Ctrl -. On a Mac, first ensure that keyboard shortcuts are enabled, then use ⌥ Option ⌘ Command = or ⌥ Option ⌘ Command -. 

You can also try apps like Dolphin EasyReader, details above. 

If you have a Student Support Plan and have a disability that makes it difficult for you to use printed texts, you may be eligible to use RNIB Bookshare. RNIB Bookshare enables reading with enlarged fonts and the creation of large print material. More information about RNIB Bookshare can be found on the Support and services for disabled customers page.

In addition to the above, many public libraries stock large print material, and you can purchase large print items from specialist publishers such at The Reading House and Ulverscroft