Assistive technology and alternative resource formats
We may be able to offer assistive technology and alternative resource formats to support your study needs.
Assistive technology
Assistive Technology refers to the various software and hardware options that assist in addressing a range of disabilities, such as vision, learning and mobility.
Hardware may also be available and would be discussed as part of your Study Support Plan.
The following are some of the assistive technologies available:
Software
Read&Write
Literacy support tool available to all students, staff and faculty at The University of Waikato.
Microsoft Accessibility Tools
Microsoft offers a range of built-in accessibility features in Windows and Office, such as Narrator (screen reader), Magnifier, and speech recognition.
Google Accessibility Tools
Google provides various free tools like ChromeVox (screen reader for Chrome), Voice Access (voice control for Android), and Live Transcribe (real-time speech-to-text).
NaturalReader
A free text-to-speech software that can read aloud documents, PDFs, and web pages.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
A free screen reader for Windows that provides feedback via synthetic speech and Braille.
Goblin Tools
A free website and app with a range of AI-powered tools to help break down complex tasks. Created with neurodivergent people in mind.
Hardware
Hardware is available for loan, e.g. C-Pen, large print keyboards.
Contact Accessibility Services for more info or view our library below.
- Multi-Mic+: Multi‑Mic+ is a wireless remote microphone accessory designed to improve hearing in challenging listening situations. It works by capturing speech or audio close to the source and streaming it directly to compatible hearing aids, reducing the impact of background noise and distance.
- Noise-cancelling earmuffs: High noise‑reduction earmuffs. Helpful for reducing distracting environmental noise and hearing protection in loud settings.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Lightweight, over‑ear noise‑cancelling headphones. Suitable as assistive tools for sensory regulation, focus, cognitive accessibility, and inclusive learning/work environments. Active noise cancelling to reduce sensory overload.
- Ball containing interlocking plastic spheres: Sensory football containing spheres to be used as a fidget toy.
- Fidget toy: Yellow rebound circle.
- Fidgety tubes: Stretchy tubes in various colours used for stress relief, sensory play.
- Infinity cube fidget: Black Metal Infinity Cube. Handheld fidget toy made up of eight small cubes connected by hinges, allowing the entire structure to fold, unfold, and flip endlessly in a continuous loop.
- Metal roller fidget toy: Black metal rollers for handheld use as fidget spinner.
- Multicolour ball cluster: Cluster of smooth plastic balls held with elastic to be used as a fidget toy – used for stress release and distraction.
- Multicoloured pom pom: Multi coloured pom pom used as a fidget toy for stress release.
- Popping circle: Tactile and auditory multi coloured fidget toy that makes a popping sound when compressed.
- Rainbow silicone pop-it fidget toy: Rainbow coloured pop it circle used as a sensory fidget tool.
- Ringed fidget spinner: Two interlocked metal rings containing rollers acting as fidget spinners.
- Sensory fidget spinner: Metal fidget spinner containing black inner spinning section.
- Simple dimple: White plastic from with two silicone dimples that can be oppressed in and out for a tactile experience.
- Spikey stress relief ball: Soft flexible rubber ball with spikes used for stress relief and fidget toy use.
- C-Pen Reader 2: The C‑Pen Reader 2 is a portable, pocket‑sized assistive reading device designed to help people read printed text independently. It is particularly beneficial for users with dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, visual processing difficulties, or other literacy‑related challenges.
- Vision Clear Large Print Keyboard: Large print keyboard that features high‑contrast yellow keys with large black lettering, ideal for visibility or black keys with large yellow lettering
- YoYo magnifier: The YoYo Magnifier is a pocket‑sized, foldable LED magnifier designed for close‑up tasks, low‑vision support, and portable detail work. It’s widely used as a general low‑vision aid.
Alternative resource formats
Students with a range of conditions may require printed material in alternative formats. This includes large print, different coloured paper, braille, audio, or electronic formats.
Students who need alternative format literature are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services to find a workable solution for accessing course literature.
For students with low vision or who are blind, please check out the resources and support available at Blind Low Vision NZ.