Assistive software available through the ATAC

On this page:

Overview
Student Technology Centers computer labs
IUware
Available for checkout
Software packages available
AT training and support

Overview

The Assistive Technology and Accessibility Centers (ATAC) at Indiana University provide access to a wide range of software packages designed to assist with IT access for individuals with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.

Student Technology Centers computer labs

Commonly used assistive software packages such as Freedom Scientific's Fusion, NV Access's NVDA, and Texthelp Read&Write are available for use on all Windows workstations in the Student Technology Centers computer labs.

Note:

Texthelp Read&Write will be retired at Indiana University on August 6, 2024. IU provides several applications with many of the same features found in Read&Write; for more, see About the Texthelp Read&Write retirement.

IUware

Several applications are available for students, faculty, and staff through IUWare at no additional cost via the Accessibility category on IUware.

Available for checkout

The ATAC has a library of assistive software that are commonly used in the higher education environment. The library includes various assistive software for low-vision/blind computer access, voice recognition, reading assistance, and writing assistance. Items from the AT library are available for short-term loan; see About the ATAC's assistive technology loan program.

Software packages available

Reading and writing support

Software	Description	Works on
Thorium	Thorium software supports reading with Text-To-Speech (TTS) features for PDFs and DRM-free EPUBs. Thorium is available on IUware for students, faculty, and staff free of charge.	Windows Mac ChromeOS iOS
Dragon Professional	Dragon Professional provides individuals the ability to control their computer using their voice as well as speech-to-text capability.	Windows

Note taking support

Software	Description	Works on
Glean Note Taker	Glean helps students easily capture full recordings of classes and meetings and provides students the ability to manipulate those recordings. Speech appears as chunks of audio that can then be linked to written notes, PowerPoint slides, images, and more.	Windows Mac iOS Android

Screen magnification/screen reading software

Software	Description	Works on
Fusion	Fusion is actually two applications: ZoomText, a screen magnification application, and JAWS, a screenreading application. Fusion provides students with visual impairments the ability to use their computer to their full potential.	Windows

Operating system accessibility features

Most modern operating systems have accessibility features built into them by default. Windows, Macs, and Chromebooks all have different capabilities. The ATAC can work with students to maximize their computing experience by training them to use the various features native to the OS.

AT training and support

The ATAC staff are available to provide consultation, training, and support to help with your assistive technology needs. Contact the ATAC at 812-856-4112 or atac@iu.edu for more information.