Computers & Software
The Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) provides computer labs to make disability support software available on campus.
Computer Lab
The CDAR computer lab is located in the U of I Library Room 418. To gain access to this lab, contact CDAR at 208-885-6307 or cdar@battlereadydisciples.com.
The lab houses:
- Four desktop computers with scanners that operate Windows 10 Professional. Installed software includes:
- JAWS
- Dragon Naturally Speaking version 7
- One HP 2200 LaserJet Printer (networked)
- One ViewPlus Tiger Max Braille embosser
Software and Apps
Alarmy (iOS and Android)
Will not shut off until you do one of several options: complete a math problem, take a picture, or shake your phone.
Walk Up (iOS) Walk Me Up (Android)
Alarm won't turn off until you get out of bed and walk around.
SpinMe Alarm Clock (iOS and Android)
Does not turn off until you get out of bed and spin in a circle.
Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
Guided meditation and breathing app
Fabulous: Self Care
App that helps you establish positive habits.
Down Dog
Yoga app that tailors work outs to your goals.
Prana Breath
Breathing app for more experienced users. Dives right into exercises with little explanation.
Dictate for Word Add-In
Dictation is standard in MS Office 365. This article explains how to use dictation in Word 365.
Mac Dictation
support.apple.com/en-us/HT203085 - Dictation is standard in MacOS.
Voice Typing for Google Docs
Voice Typing is under the Tools menu. Large number of commands allow you to fully edit a document with your voice.
Word mobile app
Use your phone's speech recognition for a simple dictation solution.
Sonocent
Note taking software, CDAR provides the software to students with an approved note taking accommodation.
LiveScribe Echo Smartpen
Sync hand written notes with recorded audio. CDAR provides smart pens to students with an approved note taking accommodation.
Microsoft OneNote
Free note taking software from Microsoft. Includes web clipper, synchronized audio and typed notes, ink-to-text for stylus users, and Immersive Reader reading and writing tool.
Evernote
Take and organize notes. Basic version is free, subscription required for some features.
Forest (iOS and Android)
Helps you stay off your smart phone and focused on work.
Productivity Owl (Google Chrome Add-In)
Monitors time spent on web pages and closes tabs if you spend too much time on a page.
Flashcard apps
Brainscape, Quizlet, and many more. Search the App or Play store. Different apps have different features, so try a few until you find one you like.
Focus At Will
focusatwill.com/ - Subscription music service, two week free trial. Plays music designed to help you focus.
mynoise.net
mynoise.net/ - White noise service lets you pick the type of white noise that works best for you.
Khan Academy
khanacademy.org/ - Videos on a range of topics. Watch at Khan Academy to avoid getting distracted by YouTube suggestions.
Wolfram Alpha
Paid iOS and Android app. Step by step instructions for complex math and science problems.
Natural Reader
naturalreaders.com/ - Reads most file formats. Most common text-to-speech software U of I students use.
Balabolka
cross-plus-a.com/balabolka.htm - Windows only - Open source text-to-speech program that allows users to save audio as MP3 or WAV file.
Mac Text-to-Speech
Text-to-speech is built into Macs. Can select sections of text to read, or send text to iTunes. Mac TTS YouTube Video
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox has built in text-to-speech. Click the page icon in the address bar to switch to reader mode, then click the sound wave icon to have web pages read back.
Microsoft Edge
To use Microsoft Edge's built in text-to-speech, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Read Out Loud".
NVDA Screen Reader
nvaccess.org/ - Non Visual Desktop Access - Free open source screen reader.
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Only available in Microsoft Office 365. Click on View tab, then Learning Tools.
OneDrive
Save your work in the cloud so you don't lose it. All UI Students, Faculty and Staff have a OneDrive account. Log in at office.com. Students with a note taking or alternate format text accommodation access materials through OneDrive.
Ava
ava.me/ - Captioning app, free for five hours a month. Allows group conversations and shows which captions go with which speaker.
Live Transcribe
Free Android transcription app. Doesn't support group chat like Ava.
Seeing AI
iPhone app for people with visual impairments. Features include face description, bar code reader and room description.
OpenDyslexic Font
opendyslexic.org/ - Free font that is designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read.
Predictive Text
Built in to Mac and Windows 10. Turn on by going to settings, keyboard settings.
ColorVeil
aurelitec.com/colorveil/windows/download/ - Applies a colored tint to computer screen. Great for students sensitive to bright screens or specific colors. Portable version runs from flash drive so students can use in University computer labs.
Download the Software List (PDF)
If have suggestions for accessibility software or apps, email cdar@battlereadydisciples.com.