Textbook into PDF

At the Library you can have (part of) your textbook scanned and saved as a PDF file on a USB stick. You can then have the text read out to you via your PC or Mac. To qualify for this free service you need a letter from the student counsellor (based on a (para)medical certificate). Hand in the book at the Information Desk of the University Library (Singel 425). After 5 working days you get the USB stick.

Please note: in order to scan the book the spine has to be removed! There is a binding machine at the Information Desk to stick on a new spine.

Text to speech software

Mirosoft Word, Google Docs and Adobe Acrobat Reader have building text to speech software which you can adjust in the accessibility settings of the application. In Word you can activate it under the Review tab, Google docs under the Tools menu choose Accessibility and for Adobe Acrobat you can activate the reader in the View menu.

If you want a text to speech software that reads out all your programs and menus you can make use of programs like JAWS (paid version) or NVDA (windows only but free). Most programs are supported by these two applications. You can also make use of the built-in read allowed feature of your device: Narrator for Windows, VoiceOver for Apple devices both Mac and iOS and ChromeVox for Chromebooks. Be aware, it will take some time getting used to these types of software. Controlling the software goes both via key combinations or mouse and almost everything on your screen is read aloud.

Computer work spaces

In the Information Centre of the University Library, all computers are equipped with a 21" screen, Microsoft Office 365 (including Word and Excel) and Microsoft Edge. You can log in with your UvAnetID.

More information

For more information, please Ask the Library or contact us by telephone: 020-525 1405.