Providing Access To All
UA Little Rock provides access to assistive technology and built-in accessibility tools to support reading, writing, note-taking, communication, and computer access. Many of these tools are available to all students at no additional cost.
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) and Learning Commons offer a variety of assistive technology and built-in accessibility tools to support reading, writing, note-taking, vision, hearing, mobility, and focus.
Many helpful features are already included in tools students use every day, such as Windows, Microsoft 365, Google Chrome, and Zoom, including text-to-speech, speech-to-text, screen readers, magnification, live captions, and keyboard navigation.
If you’re unsure which tools may be most helpful, DRC staff can help you explore options and identify strategies that support your learning.
Everway (formerly Texthelp)
Everway is a literacy support tool available to all students, faculty, and staff with a UA Little Rock email address. It can be installed as a Google Chrome extension and includes tools to support reading, writing, and studying.
Features include:
- Text-to-speech with synchronized highlighting
- OCR for scanned PDFs and images
- Vocabulary and dictionary tools
- Translation support
- Screen masking and focus tools
- Annotation and note-taking tools
Availability: Campus-wide site license for all users with a @ualr.edu email address.
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Built into Word, OneNote, and Microsoft Edge.
Features include:
- Read Aloud
- Adjustable spacing and fonts
- Line focus
- Syllable highlighting
- Translation
Read Aloud
Available in Microsoft Word, Edge, and Adobe Acrobat.
JAWS 2023
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader that provides speech and Braille output for users who are blind or have low vision.
Features include:
- Reads text on the screen aloud
- Supports keyboard-only navigation
- Compatible with web browsers, Microsoft Office, and many other applications
Availability: Available through a campus site license.
Narrator (Windows)
Narrator is Microsoft’s built-in screen reader included with Windows 11.
Magnifier (Windows)
Magnifier enlarges all or part of the screen and includes multiple viewing modes and adjustable zoom levels.
These tools allow users to dictate text and control their computer using voice commands.
Microsoft Dictation
Available in Word, Outlook, and OneNote.
Windows Voice Access
Control Windows and applications by voice.
Google Docs Voice Typing
Available in Google Docs.
These tools support students who are Deaf or hard of hearing and anyone who benefits from captions.
Zoom
Accessibility Features:
- Screen reader support
- Automatic captions
- Keyboard shortcuts
Microsoft Teams
Accessibility Features:
- Keyboard navigation
- Live captions and transcription
- Immersive Reader
- Screen reader support
Windows Live Captions
Captions audio from many applications.
These tools help create and review accessible documents.
Microsoft Accessibility Checker
Identifies accessibility issues in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat includes tools to support accessible PDF reading and navigation.
Features include:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Read Aloud
- Tagged PDF support
- Reading order tools
OneDrive and Cloud Storage
Store and access files across devices.
Google Chrome and other browsers include tools to improve readability and access.
Google Chrome Accessibility Features
- Live Caption
- Live Translate
- Reader Mode
- Text scaling
Accessibility Extensions
Free extensions are available through the Chrome Web Store.
All Learning Commons computers include Windows 11 accessibility tools.
Vision
- Narrator
- Magnifier
- Color filters
Hearing
- Live Captions
- Mono audio
Mobility
- Voice Access
- On-Screen Keyboard
- Sticky Keys
Focus and Reading
- Text size adjustment
- Focus tools
Helpful Setup Tool
Search for “Let Windows suggest accessibility features.”
Learning Commons
The following tools are available on Learning Commons computers:
- JAWS 2023
- Microsoft 365
- Google Chrome
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud (select computers)
- Windows 11 accessibility features
Need Help?
If you would like assistance exploring assistive technology or learning how to use accessibility features, contact the Disability Resource Center.