Assistive Technologies
Alternate Format Text and Audio Books
Accessibility Software for All
Tufts University has several campus wide licenses for several programs, meaning any staff, student or faculty with a Tufts email address, can use these programs. People who are not registered with the office are free to use this software as well.
SensusAccess
Students, staff and faculty, regardless of if they are approved through our office, will have the ability to use this service to change the format of files they use in their college experience. This service allows students to transfer between inaccessible and accessible formats such as turning scanned PDFs into accessible PDFs, Word documents or even MP3s.The instructions on how to use SensusAccess are straightforward, but will rely on the student providing a "@tufts.edu" email address.
Please follow the SensusAccess Portal link to be redirected to the page to upload files.
Read and Write
Equipment and Software Rental
Assistive Technology Software Available
- NVDA: a free screen reader that makes the text on a computer screen accessible to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. The text is read aloud by a computerized voice, and users are able to navigate around their screen with keyboard commands or a mouse.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking: a speech recognition software that is three times faster than typing, and 99% accurate when translating a users voice to on-screen text. Dragon works in multiple platforms, including Microsoft Office, email, and computer operating systems. Users can simply speak a command, and their computer will follow their directions. It only runs on Windows machines, as Macintosh's built-in Dictation software is on par with Dragon Naturally Speaking.
- JAWS Screen Reader: a screen reader developed to provide individuals with vision loss access to their computer screen. Jaws provides speech and Braille outputs in over 17 different languages. It is compatible with Microsoft Office, email, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and internet browsers.
- Read&Write: a
literacy software that helps students with studying, writing, reading, and research skills. Many of the features including text-to-speech, a dictionary, a translator, speech input, and highlighting, make materials accessible to students. Campus wide license.
Equipment for Loan
The following list of equipment is loaned out to students, and are checked out to students on Accommodate.
- Livescribe Smart pens
- NeoPen Smart pens
- Fidget toys
- Bluetooth microphones for CART
- Audio recorders
- 80-cell braille display
Assistive Technology Software Available on Tisch Library Workstations
- Read and Write
- NVDA
Assistive Technology Demos and Training Available by Appointment
Samantha Brumer is the Accessibility Services and Assistive Technology Specialist at Tufts and offers students one-on-one support, collaborating with students to find assistive technology that works for them. You may make an appointment with Samantha by emailing Samantha.Brumer@tufts.edu.