Our Purposes

Assistive Technology

Various computer programs and technologies such as text-to-speech programs, and voice recognition software are available to students registered with The Office of Accessibility Services.

Alternative Format

Textbooks and other classroom media are processed and converted into alternative formats for students who require reading materials in alternate formats that meet their accessibility needs. This could include accessible Word or PDF documents, Braille, audio, enlarged and/or physical text, or other accessible formats.

Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is software, equipment, or tools that help students overcome barriers to learning and take part more easily in university life.

What can it help me with?

It can help with things like reading, writing, note-taking, organization, communication, and accessing course materials more independently.

How do I know if I need it?

You might benefit from assistive technology if you have a disability, learning difference, long-term condition, or injury that makes studying or accessing university facilities, technology, or programs more difficult.

What Assistive Technology is Available?

Note Taking

Genio (Web, Mobile)

Accommodation Required

Helps you keep track of important information with lectures recorded in full, playback at your pace, and flexible note types to fit diverse learning needs. Accessible and adaptable for different accommodations.

Learn more about Genio

OneNote (Windows)

Free with UVU Microsoft Account

A multimedia-friendly digital notebook for notes, to-do lists, and easy sharing. Designed to be accessible and easy to use so students and parents can stay organized and collaborate.

Google Keep (iDevices, Android, Chrome)

Free

Capture, edit, and organize notes across devices with labels, colors, reminders, and quick export to Google Docs—helpful for families reviewing work together.

Noteability (iDevices)

Free Version Available

Handwritten and typed notes, audio capture, and PDF annotation with cloud sync. Supports different learning styles and accessibility needs.

OtterAI (Web, Mobile)

Free Version Available

Automatic transcription with searchable notes and speaker labels across devices—useful for reviewing lectures and staying engaged.

Speech-to-Text

Google Docs

Free

Use Voice Typing to dictate and convert speech to text

Microsoft Word

Free

Built-in dictation lets you speak into your document

Dictation (iOS)

Free, Built-in

Speak to text with no time limit, convert memos, and translate

Windows Voice Typing (Windows)

Free, Built-in

Dictate into any app across Windows with multilingual support

Text-to-Speech

Read & Write

Free with UVU Microsoft Account

Read & Write offers read-aloud and literacy tools to support diverse learning needs

Download Read & Write

Natural Reader

Free Version Available

Free text-to-speech and MP3 conversion

Download Natural Reader

Adobe Acrobat

Free with UVU Microsoft Account

PDFs can be read aloud with customizable voice and reading pace

Learn how to have a PDF Read Aloud

Central Access Reader (CAR)

Free

A text-to-speech reader for complex Word documents, including math and symbols

Download CAR

Balabolka

Free

Free text-to-speech and MP3 conversion

Download Balabolka

Read Aloud Browser Extension

Free

One-click text-to-speech for any webpage

Add Read & Write

Spoken Content (iOS)

Free, Built-in

iPhone can speak screen and selected text

Select to Speak (Android)

Free, Built-in

Android text-to-speech for reading aloud

Windows Narrator (Windows)

Free, Built-in

Built-in screen reader for Windows

Study Apps

Khan Academy

Free

Learn almost anything for free.

Try Khan Academy

Quizlet

Free

Create and study with flashcards and practice tests.

Try Quizlet

EasyBib

Free

Bibliography creation tool for students.

Try EasyBib

Wolfram Alpha

Free

Compute answers and generate reports across thousands of domains.

Try Wolfram Alpha

Web Browsing Tools

Fulton Library Database

Free

Access Fulton Library databases for research.

Open the Fulton Library Database

Google Scholar

Free

Broadly searches scholarly literature across disciplines and sources.

Go to the Google Scholar Website

iSeek

Free

Analyzes search results to identify themes and guides you to relevant results with iViews.

Go to the iSeek Website

Alternative Format Request

Students who have been approved for alternative text formats may receive those materials through the ATC. Alternative text can come in the following formats: PDF, Word, ePUB, Print, Enlarged Print, MP3, Braille, and Tactile Graphics. Additional formats may be discussed with the ATC.

In order to get your textbooks and other class readings you must:

  1. Step 1: Meet with an Accessibility Advisor

    Make an appointment to meet with an advisor in the Office of Accessibility Services and be approved for an alternative text accommodation.

  2. Step 2: Request Materials in Clockwork

    Submit a request for alternative materials in Clockwork. Depending on the accommodation,  a member of the ATC team may reach out for further information

    Open Clockwork

  3. Step 3: Textbook Conversion

    Textbook conversion typically takes 5 to 10 business days; but, may occasionally take longer for some formats or materials. Students may submit their request before purchasing their textbooks BUT the alternative formats will not be released to a student until they have shown proof of legal access to the materials. Textbooks will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.