Accessibility can cover a wide range of areas. For example, you may need assistive support for screen reading for certain teaching material, or help when using specific software or accessing digital learning tools. Whatever assistance you may need in your studies, the University is here to help.

 In addition, the University provides assistance for any hardware or IT requirements, as well as ensuring all services, rooms and spaces are as accessible and inclusive to all. 

To give a more in-depth insight into accessibility and what it means, the University digital team have produced a short video (captions available), aimed at both students and staff,  to demonstrate its importance - and how it can help you in your studies.

Digital Accessibility in your studies

Digital Accessibility is the ability of a website, mobile app or electronic resource to be easily navigated and understood by everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances. 

When you are fully registered at Sheffield, see our full Digital Accessibility guides via the digital learning section of the student hub:

• Digital accessibility in your studies (restricted to MUSE student login)

See our quick guide video that gives an example of how to locate accessibility support during your studies at Sheffield.

There are a range of accessibility tools you can use to assist your learning. Examples, below, include:

For example, if a lecturer posts a file (say a PowerPoint, a PDF or a Word document) that is difficult to read, or you just want to view in an alternative format, then Ally automatically creates a menu choice for you to download a version that’s right for you.

When you arrive at Sheffield for your introduction and Induction weeks, you will have the opportunity to try out Blackboard. In the meantime,  please take time to read our quick guide to Blackboard on our Digital Tools section to familiarise yourself.

When you are fully registered at Sheffield, instructions and guides on making the most from Blackboard Ally can be found via the student hub here:

• Using Blackboard Ally at Sheffield (restricted to MUSE student login)

What are Alternative formats?

For any content created or uploaded to your Blackboard course, Ally will give you the option to use these tools to convert format:

• Immersive Reader - Aid reading comprehension and grammar skills. 

• Beeline Reader - Enhanced version for faster and more focused on-screen reading.

• OCRed PDF - Makes scanned PDF documents searchable and more readable. 

• Tagged PDF - Structured PDF for improved use with assistive technology.

• Audio - MP3 version for listening on personal devices and in more contexts.

• ePub - For reading as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers.

• Electronic braille - BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays.

• HTML - For viewing in the browser and on mobile devices.

• Translated version - A machine translated version of the original document.

Captioning for online classes

If you are using the Google Chrome browser, then you can take advantage of its 'live captioning'  feature that automatically adds captions to any audio or video played in your web browser.

Instructions for setting up the live caption option for any media you play in Chrome is here on the Google Chrome help site.

When you are fully registered at Sheffield, see our guides via the student hub:

• Captioning for online classes (restricted to MUSE student login)

Captioning online teaching content with Caption.Ed

Caption.Ed is a tool that provides instant and on-demand captions for live and pre-recorded media. 

It is available for students who access support from the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS). The benefit of this tool enables users to start captioning learning and teaching content immediately. Caption size and background colour can be customised, and you also have the option to download a text transcript. 

When you are fully registered at Sheffield, see our guides via the student hub:

• Captioning online teaching content with Caption.Ed (restricted to MUSE student login)

In particular, see:

• Productivity tools, assistive software and equipment

Here you can access and find out about ways you can use resources for:

• Mind-mapping and notetaking

• Reading, writing and text-to-speech (read aloud) software

• Text converters

• Screen readers and magnifiers

• Voice recognition (speech-to-text) software

• Accessible furniture and equipment

• Perkins Brailler

For students with a print disability the library provides resources in an accessible or alternative formats such as Sensus Access that enables you to convert image-based PDFs, JPEGs to formats such as text or audio files. 

RNIB Bookshare provides free accessible textbooks and images to support disabled learners who have difficulty reading standard print. 

Dolphin Easyreader is a resource for students that may have low vision, blindness or dyslexia it can be frustrating trying to find good accessible books. EasyReader, is an accessible reading app, with access to thousands of books.