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 Hotkeys Locations
Fusion ZoomText & JAWS

(ZoomText: is a Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision user.)

(Jaws: a computer program for Microsoft Windows that allows the screen reader to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display.)		 Insert+Z

Insert+J
  • Idea Commons (LIB1010-PD05, LIB1010-PD06, LIB1012-PD15, and LIB1012-PD16)
 
 
 
 
Windows Built-in Magnifier  Windows Logo key + Plus Sign (+) 
KURZWEIL

(Kurzweil is an educational technology, or assistive technology, which provides a reading, writing and study platform aimed at people with learning disabilities or other disabilities that make reading or writing difficult.)		 Ctrl + Alt + K
DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING (Speech recognition software)   

NVDA

(NonVisual Desktop Access is a free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Providing feedback via synthetic speech and Braille, it enables screen reader to access computers running Windows for no more cost than a sighted person)

 

 All computer labs - PCs Only

ARIA

(Similar to an ASL interpreter, AIRA connects UI students, staff or 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.)

  

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.