AccessApps AccessApps is the result of an initiative supported jointly from its inception by JISC Techdis and the JISC Regional Support Centres. It consists of over 50 Open Source and freeware Windows applications, capable of running from a USB stick. Access Apps provides a range of solutions to support writing, reading and planning as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties

Portable applications are software programs that run directly from an external drive (e.g. USB stick) without needing to be installed on a host computer. This means that a user who needs to change screen colours, use text-to-speech software, magnify the screen or use an alternative mouse/keyboard can carry their software around in their pocket for use wherever they happen to be, and are not limited by the restricted access often in place in their institution. The use of freely available portable applications also offers learners the opportunity to try out assistive technologies and assess their suitability without the financial outlay necessary to purchase commercial applications. While some learners will need more functionality than AccessApps provides, by trying the free version they gain a clearer idea of what they want to look for in a commercial version, and can make an informed choice.

Portable applications can provide effective tools for all users - staff and students alike - whether or not they have a disability. For those with disabilities, they are excellent cost effective ways of providing independent support that can work on almost any PC in any context. They particularly benefit users needing to access different PCs across different sites - for example, work-based or adult community learning. AccessApps has generated a great deal of interest from a variety of education providers, including those from the Offender Learning, Work-Based Learning and Adult and Community Learning sectors, as well as mainstream HE and FE due to the flexibility, ease of use and low cost of the technologies involved.

Also Available… TeachApps Designed for teachers or lecturers, TeachApps offers a host of valuable resources to support you in your everyday learning and teaching. From learning object creators, a portable virtual learning environment to simulation and modelling tools, you’re sure to find something useful. LearnApps Whether you’re doing desktop publishing, recording a screencast or making a presentation, LearnApps has something for you. LearnApps consists of a wide-range of software that is suitable for any learner when you need it. And because it’s portable you can use the applications at school, college, university, work and at home. There are even some learning games to keep your brain cells active!

To download AccessApps please visit the Downloads page, registration is free and will allow you to download the whole collection (The Works), a smaller collection of key applications (Lite), or to select the most appropriate applications for you (Pick n Mix). We have prepared some screencasts which demonstrate how to download a prepackaged version of AccessApps, extracting the installation files and running AccessApps for the first time. You can access these screencasts from the links below: Watch – Downloading a prepackaged version of AccessAppsDownloading a prepackaged version of AccessApps Watch – Extracting installation files for AccessAppsExtracting installation files for AccessApps Watch – Starting AccessApps for the first timeStarting AccessApps for the first time

What apps are included? Download here…

MyStudyBar MyStudyBar is a tool which helps overcome problems that students commonly experience with studying, reading and writing. The tool consists of a set of portable open source and freeware applications, assembled into one convenient package. Easy to install, simple to use, handy and effective, MyStudyBar provides comprehensive learning support at the desktop, where it is needed. And if this is not already attractive enough, a further eye- catching feature of MyStudyBar is that it is completely FREE to download and free to use. Although MyStudyBar is designed to support learners with literacy-related difficulties such as dyslexia, the toolbar can offer potential benefits to all learners.

Features of MyStudyBar MyStudyBar puts a whole range of individual and essential tools at your fingertips. Together, these have been designed to support the complete study cycle from research, planning and structuring to getting across a written or spoken message. MyStudyBar has 6 sections; each has a drop down menu offering personal choice, flexibility and independent learning, particularly for those learners who require additional strategies to support their learning. With over 15 apps to choose from, MyStudyBar is the perfect study aid. Examples include: Xmind for planning and organization; T-Bar for customising font and colour backgrounds; Lingoes for when you need a talking dictionary; LetMeType for help with text input, and Balabolka for converting text to audio. And if all that’s not enough, there’s even a speech-to-text app which allows you to talk to your computer. You can use MyStudyBar straight from a USB stick (if, for example, you are using a machine that is not your own) or you can install it directly to the desktop. (Technical staff in colleges or universities also have the choice of installing it on the network for everyone to use).

Other TechDis Resources you may be interested in…. TechDis Tuesdays - dialogues to make a difference. What is it? TechDis Tuesdays are online fortnightly workshops where we: Present a short video conversation on a specific accessibility theme; Facilitate a live ‘accessibility clinic’ on the day’s topic, providing an opportunity for people to swap stories, compare experiences and discuss good practice; Signpost relevant resources from JISC TechDis and other partner organisations. How long does it last? Sessions are scheduled to last 30 minutes but lively discussions could go on for longer. Sessions start at on the appropriate day.

Xerte Toolkits for Dyslexic Learners: C TechDis Guidance on Adapting Text Based Materials: based_Materials_Seeing

Previous TechDis Tuesdays: Accessible text documents - why does it matter and how do you do it? Mobile learning for inclusive practice e-safeguarding for vulnerable adults Using In-folio for planning, recording reflecting Visual Impairment and free tools – is it worth it? Learner Created content Libraries and accessibility Free, Open Source Software and Voices ps/techdistuesdays

For further assistance, please get in touch: Dan McCaffrey HE eLearning Adviser, JISC Regional Support Centre South West