Resources

Everyone studies differently. The tools on this page can help you read, listen, write, organise and present in ways that suit you. Some are built into the devices you already use, and others are free or low-cost apps.

You do not need to be registered with the Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office (SAWO) to try them. If you would like support that goes beyond these tools, such as reasonable adjustments to assessments or accessible learning materials, find out how SAWO can help.

On this page

• Before you use these tools
• Reading and listening
• Screen readers
• Note-taking and recording
• Presenting and speaking
• Audio and music production
• Focus and organisation
• Wellbeing and relaxation

Reading and listening

Tools that read text aloud or change how text looks on screen.

Speechify

A text-to-speech tool that reads documents, web pages and PDFs aloud, with adjustable voices and reading speed. Useful if you prefer to listen to readings, or want to follow the text while you hear it.

NotebookLM

A free Google tool that lets you upload your own sources and ask questions about them. It can also generate audio summaries so you can listen to the key ideas instead of reading them.

Immersive Reader and reading modes (built in)

Most web browsers have a built-in reading view that removes clutter from a page and lets you change text size, spacing, fonts and background colour. Some can also read the page aloud. Nothing needs to be installed. Choose the browser you use:

• Microsoft Edge: Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge. Select Enter Immersive Reader in the address bar, or press F9. It includes Read Aloud, text preferences, line focus and a picture dictionary. Immersive Reader is also available in Word, OneNote and Teams.
• Google Chrome: Use Reading mode in Chrome. Right-click the page and select Open in reading mode. On a computer you can also change the font, spacing and colour theme, and listen to the text.
• Safari (Mac): Hide distractions when reading articles in Safari. Select the Reader button in the Smart Search field. You can change the font, background and zoom level.
• Firefox: Reader View in Firefox.

A reading view button only appears on pages the browser recognises as articles, so you may not see it on every page.

My Computer My Way (AbilityNet)

Your computer, tablet or phone may already have settings that make it easier to see, hear and use. This free website has step-by-step guides for changing them. You can make text larger, change colours and contrast, make a device easier to hear or see, or find easier ways to use the keyboard and mouse. Choose your device, then the thing you want to change. The website is run by a UK charity, so some wording may differ slightly in Australia.

Screen readers

Software that reads out what is on your screen and lets you navigate by keyboard. It is mainly used by students who are blind or have low vision.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

A free, open-source screen reader for Windows. It works with common web browsers, Microsoft Office and many other applications, and can be run from a USB drive.

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

A widely used commercial screen reader for Windows, made by Freedom Scientific. It reads text aloud or outputs it to a braille display, and can be customised for different applications. A paid licence is required.

Note-taking and recording

Tools that help you capture and organise what you hear and read.

Genio

A note-taking tool that helps you capture lectures and readings and organise them into structured notes.

Otter.ai

An AI transcription tool that records speech and turns it into searchable, written text in real time. It can also generate summaries and key points, and it works with online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. Useful if you find it hard to take notes while listening, or if you want to review what was said later. Ask for permission before recording lectures, tutorials or other people, and avoid recording sensitive or personal information.

Presenting and speaking

Tools that help you practise and build confidence before a presentation.

Rehearse with Coach (Microsoft PowerPoint)

Built into PowerPoint, Rehearse with Coach lets you practise your presentation privately and get feedback on pacing, filler words and how closely you are reading from your slides. To use it, open your presentation and select Rehearse with Coach from the Slide Show tab.

Live captions and subtitles in PowerPoint

PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 can turn your speech into on-screen captions as you present, in the language you are speaking or translated into another language. This helps audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who find it easier to follow spoken content in written form. To turn it on, open the Slide Show tab and select Use Subtitles. You can choose the language and where the text appears on the slide. For the best results, use a headset microphone and speak clearly. Your speech is sent to Microsoft to create the captions.

Speaker notes and Presenter view in PowerPoint

Speaker notes let you keep your talking points out of sight, so your slides can stay short and uncluttered. In Presenter view you can see your notes, the next slide and a timer on your own screen while the audience sees only the slides. To add notes, select Notes below the slide and type. Presenter view is on by default when you start a slide show. You can change this on the Slide Show tab. Notes are only visible while presenting in the desktop version of PowerPoint. This can help if you lose your place easily or find it hard to remember what to say.

Audio and music production

Tools for recording, editing and producing audio, including for students who use a screen reader.

REAPER

A digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording, editing and mixing audio, made by Cockos. It is not open source, but it is low cost and has a free evaluation period. Students who use screen readers have found it easy to use, particularly with the free OSARA extension, which adds screen reader support for NVDA and JAWS.

Focus and organisation

Tools that help with planning, starting tasks and staying on track.

Simplifii

An AI-powered platform that turns complex assessment briefs into clear, structured, neuro-inclusive formats, based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. It helps you spend less time decoding instructions and more time on the learning itself.

Kumo Study

A set of executive functioning tools designed for ADHD and neurodivergent students. It helps with planning, prioritising, starting tasks and managing deadlines, and lets you set up a sensory profile to suit your study space. UNE students can sign up for free with their UNE email address.

Goblin Tools

A free set of simple, AI-powered tools designed with neurodivergent users in mind. Magic ToDo breaks a big task into smaller steps, Estimator suggests how long tasks might take, and Formalizer helps you adjust the tone of an email or message. Avoid entering personal or sensitive information.

Anki

A flashcard app that uses spaced repetition, showing you cards again just before you are likely to forget them. It helps with memorising terms, definitions, formulas and other facts for exams. You can make your own cards, including with images and audio, or use decks shared by other people. The computer and Android versions are free, and the iPhone and iPad app is a paid purchase.

Inflow

An app for people with ADHD that offers short daily lessons and exercises based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It covers topics such as focus, organisation, emotional regulation and building habits, and includes a community of other people with ADHD. Optional coaching is available for an extra cost. Inflow requires a paid subscription after a free trial, so check the cost before you sign up. It cannot diagnose ADHD and is not a substitute for professional care.

Wellbeing and relaxation

Apps that can help you manage stress, build routines and take breaks while you study.

Finch

A free self-care app where you look after a virtual pet by completing your own daily goals. It includes mood check-ins, habit trackers and guided breathing exercises, so it can help you build routines and notice how you are feeling. The pet and the rewards can make daily tasks feel more manageable. It does not replace professional support. If you need to talk to someone, contact the UNE Wellness Centre. Check which features need a paid subscription and review the app's privacy settings before entering personal information.

Insight Timer

A free app with a large library of guided meditations, relaxation and sleep recordings, music and talks, plus a simple meditation timer. You can browse by length and topic, so you can fit in a short break between study sessions. Some content and features need a paid subscription. It is not a substitute for professional support.

Smiling Mind

A free mindfulness and meditation app from an Australian not-for-profit. It offers guided meditations and programs to help with stress, focus, sleep and managing emotions, including content designed for adults. A good starting point if you are new to meditation. It is not a substitute for professional support.

Calm

A meditation and sleep app with guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories and calming music. Only some content is free, and full access needs a paid subscription, so check the cost before you sign up. It is not a substitute for professional support.

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