Below are listed some of the various assistive technology software available on the University of Illinois campus for use by students and faculty. Some software is available for students and faculty to use on personal or office computers. For more information on obtaining software, please contact Christy Blew at clblew@illinois.edu.
JAWS is a screen reader for Microsoft Windows offered by Freedom Scientific, Inc. JAWS will assist users who are blind or low-vision to use a Windows computer. JAWS has a variety of features, including Braille support, multi-lingual speech synthesis, and multi-screen support.
Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology, text to speech, learning tool that supports the concept of Universal Design for Learning with a suite of powerful reading, writing, test-taking, and study skill tools that makes curricula accessible to all students. Those interested in using Kurzweil should contact Tina Rolfe in the DRES Testing Accommodations Center for more information.
EasyReader is an ebook reader which utilizes highlighted text and speech to allow readers with low-vision, blindness, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities that make reading difficult to enjoy reading books.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is an integrated screen magnifier and reader. It is highly configurable and includes scripting support and windows logon support.
OpenBook is a scanning and reading software package. It utilizes image acquisition software to allow readers with low-vision, blindness, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities that make reading difficult to read printed books, magazines, newspapers, or other print media.