Assistive Technology available at University of Dundee

MindGenius education V3 is a thinking tool that is based around the principles of Tony Buzan’s Mind Mapping technique, a process that greatly aids knowledge retention. MindGenius education V2 is an excellent tool to allow students or pupils to express and communicate what they have learned. It is also of great use to teachers and lecturers in lesson preparation and in brainstorming topics with their classes. The program is extensively used in ICS staff for planning. For further information see the MindGenius web site(external site)

Read&Write GOLD is a discreet integrated solution comprised of many features designed to assist students with their reading and writing. Unique functionalities include text-to-speech, phonetic spell checker, word prediction, speaking dictionary and a scanning facility. For further information see the Read and writes web site(external site).

Video tours can be accessed on read and writes web site(avi).

Downloadable PDF Read & Write quick start and training guide(pdf) is also available

myReader2 is the next generation of HumanWare's breakthrough myReader product. myReader2 is the only desktop system designed for sustained reading. In addition to magnifying a page "live", like a CCTV magnifier, myReader2 can capture a page. You can then do two things:

1. Navigate the page image flexibly, with a trackball - no X-Y table to move around.
2. Display the page text as a column of words, a row of words, even a word at a time, so you can read comfortably and easily

myReader2 has an easier to use interface, improved text processing and image quality, and multi-page storage - the ability to capture up to 10 pages at once, then read through them at leisure. (Plus an additional three reference pages for frequently used material.) myReader2 helps you get more out of reading and out of life.

For further information see the Humanware myReader2 web site (External site).

The pulse Smart pen records handwriting on special paper and is a dictation device that links what is been written to the sound around being recorded at the time. Hand written notes and the audio can be downloaded to a PC using the provided software. The handwriting appears on screen exactly as it appears on the paper, with the audio linked to the hand writing  

User instructions

MyVisBar

 Dragon Dictate is a recording device which can be utilised when the user is not at their computer. Software can then be used later to transcribe recorded speech on to the computer. For further information see Dragon Dictate Version 10 - Using a Dictaphone

Online Training Materials

The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple. One of the great advantages of the iPad is that it comes with built in accessibility features so there is no additional software to buy or install. Built in applications include Voiceover, Mono, Zoom, and White on Black. For further information see Ipad+Doc+Wireless Keyboard

There is a variety of excellent supportive technology applications on offer which can be used on the iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone. These include:

• Microsoft Office and Notes based Applications such as AudioNote which synchronises notes and audio, and Dropbox which allows you to sync your files online automatically.
• Mind Mapping Applications such as iThoughts which allows the user to perform functions such as the creation of  task lists, concept mapping, and brainstorming, and iBlue Sky which performs functions such as project planning and problem solving.
• Visual Impaired/Blind Applications such as Zoom which has built in magnification, and VoiceOver a built in voiceover.
• Organisation Applications such as the Oxford handbook of Critical Care and Stanza an e-publication book reader.

For further information see Apple iOS & Apps for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad

Use the keyboard to reduce mouse usage and create shortcuts. For more information see Keyboard Shortcuts

Dundee Assessors only, go to http://www.gingersoftware.com/edu_signup

Students can obtain a Free 30 Day trial at http://www.gingersoftware.com

For further information, please consult Ginger Software (Word Document) 

 Available on request

 Weighing just 690 grams (1.1 lbs) it is the ideal solution for users on the go.

 Simply place your document under the camera, press Enter on your keyboard and a few seconds later, your document is being read aloud to you, in your chosen text size, colour and formatting. Reading couldn't be easier!