University of Tasmania, Australia

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Computing Facilities for Students with Disabilities

UTAS Home › Information Technology Services › Service Desk  › Computing Facilities for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities have similar needs to all other students such as the need for information, access to IT facilities, assistance when things go wrong etc.  Most of these needs can be met through the use of generic facilities such as the library and computer labs as the University endeavours to make facilities accessible to all students.

However, a number of students will need access to assistive software.  UTAS students are able to access the following software:

  • JAWS - text to voice screen reader for blind or vision impaired users
  • ZoomText -  screen magnification software for vision impaired users
  • Read and Write Gold - screen reader and grammar/spelling checking software for students with learning disabilities.
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking - Is available at Student Access Study Centre at the Sandy Bay campus and in Launceston Campus Library group rooms 1 and 2.

Assistive software is available within the following computer laboratories:

  • Morris Miller Library
  • Underground
  • Law Library
  • Science Library
  • Conservatory Library
  • Fine Arts school Library
  • Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre
  • Launceston Library
  • Cradle Coast Campus Library
  • Student Access Study Centre (Sandy Bay campus only)

As the libraries are deemed to be quiet study areas, the use and supply of appropriate headsets will be up to the student to provide.  Any issues emerging from the functionality of the software is to be directed to the Service Desk.

Student Centre and IT Services, manage the 'Student Access Study Centre' (SASC) located on the Sandy Bay campus.  This centre houses resources and specialised equipment in a fully accessible study environment.  The Disability Adviser provides students, whose needs cannot be met through other generic facilities on campus, access to this centre.  For further information regarding SASC please contact 6226 2697 or email Disability.Services@utas.edu.au

For computer access/software issues contact the Service Desk on +61 3 6226 1818 or email Service.Desk@utas.edu.au

For disability related issues please contact Student Centre on 6226 2697 (Hobart) or 6324 3787 (Launceston/Burnie) or email Disability.Services@utas.edu.au

For information regarding library / research assistance contact the Library's local Client Services Officers.   

For further general information regarding Assistive Software please see the related ADCET (Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training) site at the following link: http://www.adcet.edu.au/Cats/Technology_and_Facilities/Assistive_Technology.chpx