What types of digital accessibility software are available in UIC computer labs?

We work closely with the Disability Resource Center to ensure accessibility resources are available to the UIC community.

Digital Accessibility Software

To access the built-in Windows accessibility software at the login screen, use the Windows + U keys.

Software & Tools Hotkeys Locations
Fusion 2022

(Fusion 2022 combines the visual enhancements of ZoomText Magnifier/Reader with the auditory screen-reading power of JAWS.)

Windows:

Fusion Scientific - Fusion Hotkeys
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library (Priority Access Tables ONLY)
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)

Microsoft Word - Accessibility Checker

(Microsoft Word Accessibility Checker is a built-in tool in Microsoft Word that scans documents for accessibility issues and provides guidance to help authors create more accessible content.)

Windows & MacOS

Microsoft - Keyboard shortcuts in Word
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
    • Learning Technology Solutions (BSB 152, GH 306, SELE 2265, GH 304, SCET 401, SCET 408, SELE 2058, SELE 2249E, SELE 2249F, SELE 2263, SES 205)
 

Adobe Acrobat Pro - Accessibility Checker

(Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker is a built-in tool that evaluates PDF documents for accessibility issues, identifies potential barriers, and provides guidance to help improve accessibility.)

Windows & MacOS

Adobe Acrobat - Keyboard Shortcuts

 
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
 

OS Built-in Screen Magnifiers

(OS Built-in Screen Magnifiers (Windows Magnifier & macOS Zoom) are built-in accessibility features that enlarge part or all of the screen, making text, images, and other on-screen content easier to see for users with low vision.)

Windows & MacOS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​:

Windows

  • Zoom-in: Windows key + Plus sign (+) 
  • Zoom-out: Windows + Minus sign (-) 

MacOS

  • Zoom-in: Option + Command + Plus Sign (+)
  • Zoom-out: Option + Command + Minus sign (-)
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
      • Library of the Health Sciences (LHSFL1-WEPA01, LHSFL2-PD03, LHS123-PD15, and LHS124-PD15)
    • Learning Technology Solutions (BSB 152, GH 306, SELE 2265, GH 304, SCET 401, SCET 408, SELE 2058, SELE 2249E, SELE 2249F, SELE 2263, SES 205)
 

FSReader3

(FSReader3 is a free digital talking book reader for Windows that supports accessible reading with synchronized text and audio, bookmarks, and navigation by headings and pages.)

Windows:

Freedom Scientific - Getting Started with FSReader (Keyboard Shortcuts)

 
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library (Priority Access Tables ONLY)
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
Kurzweil 3000

(Kurzweil is an educational technology that provides a reading, writing and study platform aimed at people with learning disabilities or other disabilities that make reading or writing difficult.)

Windows & MacOS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​:

Kurzweil Education - Keyboard Shortcut Commands

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

(Dragon NaturallySpeaking is Speech recognition software that allows users to dictate documents, send emails, and navigate their computers entirely by voice.) 

Windows:

Nuance - Hot Keys

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

(NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows devices. It provides feedback via synthetic speech and Braille, enabling screen reader users to access Windows computers at no additional cost compared to sighted users.)

Windows:

WebAIM - Keyboard Shortcuts for NVDA
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
      • Library of the Health Sciences (LHSFL1-WEPA01, LHSFL2-PD03, LHS123-PD15, and LHS124-PD15)
    • Learning Technology Solutions (BSB 152, GH 306, SELE 2265, GH 304, SCET 401, SCET 408, SELE 2058, SELE 2249E, SELE 2249F, SELE 2263, SES 205)

VoiceOver

(VoiceOver is Apple's built-in screen reader. It makes digital interfaces accessible to users who are blind or visually impaired by reading screen content aloud and allowing navigation via keyboard commands or touch gestures.)

MacOS:

Apple - Keyboard Shortcuts for VoiceOver

Narrator

(Narrator is a built-in Windows screen reader that reads on-screen text, buttons, and notifications aloud, while also describing images and supporting braille devices.)

Windows:

Microsoft - Keyboard Shortcuts for Narrator
  • Window Computer Labs
    • University Library
      • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, LIB1012-PD16, LIBIDEA-PD07, LIBIDEA-PD08, and LIBIDEA-PD09)
      • Library of the Health Sciences (LHSFL1-WEPA01, LHSFL2-PD03, LHS123-PD15, and LHS124-PD15)
    • Learning Technology Solutions (BSB 152, GH 306, SELE 2265, GH 304, SCET 401, SCET 408, SELE 2058, SELE 2249E, SELE 2249F, SELE 2263, SES 205)

Aira

(Similar to an ASL interpreter, AIRA connects U of I students, staff and visitors on campus who are blind/low vision to a "visual interpreter" by way of a live video call. With a phone's camera or supported smart glasses, users can converse with an agent in real time and access visual information in their environment or receive assistance completing tasks that might otherwise be inaccessible or otherwise difficult to perform non visually.)

 N/A

This is not a software but a service. Complimentary access to this service will be automatically applied, based on location throughout the U of I system.

Useful Links:

Aira Homepage: https://aira.io/

Download Aira Explorer on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira-explorer/id1590186766

Download Aira Explorer on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.explorer&hl=en-US
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Digital Accessibility Consultations
Technology Solutions provides accessibility consultation services to units and departments. The consultation services cover UIC websites and applications, online courses, electronic documents, and general IT accessibility.