Advice | Accessibility
Why is Accessibility Important?
Accessibility is about ensuring that your experiences remain inclusive and accessible to your needs, here you will find information about how to make your online experience more accessible if you require additional aids.
You can also review on campus accessibility via DisabledGo and get involved with our Disabled Students' Network to make new friends and raise accessibiity queries.
Most websites provide accessibility options, however, your experience can be further enhanced by changing specific settings on your device or browser, and/or installing software or browser extensions.
Fonts can be altered both on your device and in your internet browser to aid readability, click on the relevant links below to get started, altering font size should also be available when following these guides:
Mac OS X.
Older operating systems.
*Windows devices can only be changed by editing the registry, which can be risky for inexperienced users.
*iOS does not support font changes, however, the text size and bold can be changed.
Special fonts such as OpenDyslexic can be downloaded for free to use on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Google Chrome, it is also available as a browser application on iOS.
How to install fonts on Windows.
How to install fonts on Mac.
How to install fonts on iOS.
How to install fonts on Android.
How to install fonts on Ubuntu (Linux).
Magnifier features are available on most devices, such as Windows' Magnifier and Mac's Zoom feature, they help users with visual impairments by enhancing specific areas of the screen for improved visuals/readability of elements.
How to use Zoom on iOS.
How to use Magnification on Android.
Internet browsers usually have a built in zoom feature, which can be used by pressing Ctrl and '-' or '+' on Windows or vice versa on Mac with Command, pinching your screen if using a touch screen device, or through the browser's Options menu, which is usually the three dots icon found in the top right corner.
Coloured Overlays can be used both physically and digitally to ease readability, especially for individuals with Dyslexia. Coloured overlays to use on paper or in class are available via the AccessAbility Service, ranging from £2.50 to £5.
There is a range of free software to use on Windows such as ColorVeil and ReadEZ, there are also applications to use on Mac and iOS such as Screen Shade and Screen Tint*.
*Mac/iOS applications have initial charges, free alternatives could not be located.
Coloured overlays are also available as extensions/add-ons for most internet browsers, such as nOverlay for Google Chrome and ColorZilla for Mozilla Firefox.
Text-to-Speech/Speech-to-Text software not only aids with conditions ranging from visual impairments to dyslexia, it can also aid auditory learners (learning through listening). There are free web services found online such as Natural Reader, TTSReader, or from Text to Speech.
How to use Narrator (Windows) and How to download Text-to-Speech packs for Word.
How to use Text-to-Speech (Mac).
How to use Text-to-Speech (iOS).
How to use Dictation (Speech-to-Text, iOS).
How to use Text-to-Speech (Android).
ClaroRead (Text-to-Speech PC/Mac)*
Evernote (Speech-to-Text, Web / iOS / Android).
Just Press Record (Speech-to-Text, Mac / iOS)**
Speechnotes (Speech-to-Text, Web / Android).
*This software may be supplied through your Disabled Students' Allowance, subject to if your Learning Support Agreement states need for it. For any DSA/LSA queries, contact the AccessAbility Service.
**Just Press Record application has initial charges.
Microsoft Edge: Read&Write (both).
Google Chrome: Read Aloud (Text-to-Speech), Read&Write (Both).
Mozilla Firefox: Read Aloud (Text-to-Speech).
While at university, it's also important to look after yourself, which is why we have included software/applications for working late, to contribute to managing your physical and mental health. You can contact the AccessAbility Service for further advice/services to maintain your mental health and wellbeing.
Doing coursework later into the evenings is a preference for some, free from distractions taking place during the day, this can also disrupt sleep as the prolonged exposure to the glare of our computer screens can leave you restless when you decide to call it a night. Fortunately, there are applications and device features that can help with that.
Software such as Flux and Redshift adjust your monitor to gradually shift to warmer colours as evening approaches, and can be easily disabled or adjusted if your work is colour-sensitive. Flux is available to use on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android; whereas Redshift is Windows only.
Mobile devices such as iOS and Android have similar system features, or downloadable applications to support this feature.