Assistive Technology

The Office of Access and Equity Services has cutting edge software and hardware which is designed to help students with various needs. Some of our assistive technology is available to all students, and some is available only to students with specific disability access plans.

As technology grows, SUNY Delhi is committed to investigating what is current in the field. Many products today have built-in accessible tools that will help you gain access and equity in your learning.

If you feel that a particular program would benefit you, we can help you understand how to use it. We are happy to assist and hope you will take advantage of our services and our technology!

Technology Available for Your PC or Mac

• ReadSpeaker
• Read&Write
• EquatIO
• Glean
• Grammarly
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Windows Speech Recognition (Windows computers only)
• Microsoft Speech Dictation
• Built-in Accessibility Features (e.g., text-to-speech reader)

ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker is a reading software that is built into the Online Delhi Learning Management System. ReadSpeaker will read aloud all text on the page, along with any tests and quizzes given in the D2L platform. Just look for the green play button.

Read&Write

A Google Chrome Extension that offers help with everyday tasks like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments and proofing written work. Download the extension and use SSO to unlock the premium features 

EquatIO

A Google Chrome Extension that both students & Professors can utilize to make math accessible. The screen shot reader allows you to take a picture of math and have it read to you.  Download the extension and use SSO to unlock the premium features.

Glean

Is a personal study tool which lets you add slides & Pictures to your notes. With the addition of 'Quiz Me' short quizes are made from your notes to help with your studying. Connect with Access & Equity to unlock the premium features. 

Grammarly

A writing assistant designed to help you improve your writing. It reviews your text for spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes.

Grammarly also offers suggestions to enhance your writing style and ensure your message is clear and effective. Connect with Access & Equity to unlock the premium features. 

Adobe Acrobat Reader 

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free program that has some features that may help with reading. The toolbar has a Sticky Note feature which allows you to insert your notes within the reading. The highlighting tool allows you to highlight text in the document. Under the View Menu, there is an option to Read Out Loud. When this is activated, you can have the text read back to you. Additional information about Adobe Acrobat Reader and download.

Windows Speech Recognition

Windows Speech Recognition is available for all operating systems; All of the current Windows versions have a built-in speech recognition program. If your computer does not come with a built-in microphone, you will need to use an external one. It is located in Ease of Access which is found in the Accessories folder under All Programs. Once you start the application, it will guide you through the steps to train your voice so you can use it in Microsoft Word. Macintosh has a speech recognition free download. Mac Speech Dictate International is a speech recognition solution with multi-language support. The Mac speech recognition will convert spoken words to written text.

Microsoft Word Speech Dictation

Microsoft Word has added a speech to text option within the most current versions of Word. To find, look in the menu banner for a microphone. Click the microphone, and simply begin speaking. Text should flow across your document as you are speaking.

Assistive Technology Available in the Academic Achievement Center

• Livescribe Smart Pen Training
• Voice Dream Reader
• Smartphone Applications
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Zoom Text

Livescribe Smart Pen

"Never Miss A Word with the Livescribe Smartpen." The Livescribe Smartpen is about the size and weight of a large pen and is equipped with a removable ball-point ink cartridge, a microphone to record audio, a speaker for playback, a small display, and internal flash memory that captures handwritten notes, audio and drawings. The user can record audio in addition to the handwritten text. Additional information about the Livescribe Smart Pen. Training is available in the Academic Exploration Center for students who would like to learn how to use the pen.

Voice Dream Reader

A text-to-speech application available for both iOS.  With 61 free voices, 30 languages, and ability to use offline, this technology is top-of-the-line for reading on the go. Read anything from PDFs to web pages, to Microsoft Word files. This software allows continuous flowing audio for clear learning. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

A fast, easy and accurate way to turn speech into text. A student can dictate into most Windows-based programs at speeds up to 160 words per minute! The accuracy is really astounding! It seems like science fiction, but it's not! This technology exists and is waiting for you.

This program has many uses. Students use this program for brainstorming, when they can't get words on paper. When a student feels more comfortable expressing ideas out loud, this program turns thoughts into writing. It is also a great resource for students with writing disabilities. Professionals use it for dictation, home users to have fun with their PCs, people with disabilities use it as an aid in the writing process; the ideas are endless.

Check out the Dragon Naturally Speaking website for more details, or stop in and have an up close and personal look.

Zoom Text

Zoom Text is a program which was designed to help vision-impaired people use computers. The Academic Exploration Center's current version of Zoom Text is an advanced screen magnification program which makes all Windows applications, documents, email, and the internet accessible to visually impaired students. Whether typing a paper, reading an online course, or filling out financial aid forms, this program will make things easier for the individual with a vision impairment.