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Improving accessibility

Site: Open Study at LSHTM
Course: LSHTM Study Skills
Book: Improving accessibility
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026, 5:41 PM

Table of contents

Accessibility & Assistive Technology

Accessibility refers to the extent to which the design of products, devices, services or environments allows all users to engage, whether users have a disability, no disability or another kind of need or preference. Assistive technology refers to the tools which can enable users with different abilities and needs, including a wheelchair to get around, software that reads text on screens, alternative colour schemes and other supportive design and devices that can keep the digital world inclusive.

If you rely on assistive technology for access to digital resources, you will already be using these to take this course and if you don't, you may be unaware of what's out there and that many of these tools can be useful to anyone as part of our changing digital world.

Windows and Apple/Mac systems and smartphones all come with inbuilt tools that can make using them easier for a variety of needs. For more information:

For more information on Assistive Technology in general:

In the next few pages we'll look at some of the additional tools which are available as an LSHTM student, but also some which are freely available to everyone. 

LSHTM : Accessibility and Assistive Technologies

  • The Virtual Learning Environment we use at LSHTM, Moodle, is compatible with screen reader software.  
  • As an LSHTM student you will have access to SensusAccess, an automated document conversion service which will allow you to convert files into an appropriate format for your needs. See make it accessible SensusAccess LSHTM for information about accessibility at The School and SensusAccess web page for more information on SensusAccess.  This will be available to you once the academic year has started in October. 

  • If you need more assistance please contact your Programme student support office.   
    • For Clinical Trials contact:- ctsupport@lshtm.ac.uk
    • For Epidemiology contact:- dlsupport@lshtm.ac.uk
    • For Global Health Policy contact:- ghpsupport@lshtm.ac.uk
    • For Infectious Diseases contact:-  idsupport@lshtm.ac.uk 
    • For Public Health contact:- phsupport@lshtm.ac.uk
    • For Health in Humanitarian Crises: hhcsupport@lshtm.ac.uk
  • If you require special arrangements for assessment you should contact Student Support Services, they will advise about learning support arrangements (LSA)

Free External Accessibility Tools

There are some tools available to anyone free of charge, which you might also find helpful.  Here are some we've come across. 

Please make sure you are happy with the terms and conditions before you use any of them.

High Contrast Google Chrome browser extension

Colour contrast between text and background is important on web pages as it can affect some people’s ability to perceive the information. Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers and it has an extension that can change the colours and the contrast, this could help with reading on a screen.



High Contrast via the Google Chrome Web Store may be accessed here 
Google privacy policy may be accessed here


Dark Background and Light Text Firefox browser extension

Mozilla Firefox is one another very popular web browsers,  it also has an extension to assist with perception and reading on the screen.



Dark Background and Light Text via Mozilla Firefox Add-ons may be accessed here
Mozilla Firefox privacy policy may be accessed here


Screen reading software

Screen readers convert digital text into synthesised speech. They empower users to hear content and navigate. NVDA is a highly regarded option. 



NVDA screen reader may be downloaded here
NV Access privacy policy may be accessed here 

Writing Assistant software

Grammar and spell checking software can quickly and efficiently support with proof-reading documents. Grammarly is popular, but there are others available.  You may be familiar with using Generative AI to help improve your writing.  These can be used to correct grammar and spelling, but also to help structure your work. 

A word of caution : The LSHTM has a statement on using Generative AI in preparing assessments. Please check that if you use GenAI tools, you do so appropriately.  Be careful that using a Gen AI tool doesn't impact negatively on YOUR learning, and that the document you finally submit says what YOU want it to say.
 


Voice typing software

Voice recognition can be used as an alternative to typing on a keyboard, providing a fast method of word processing on a computer. Google Docs is a highly regarded option to consider. 


Google Docs may be accessed here
Google privacy policy may be accessed here


Online text to speech software

Our textbooks delivered through Vital source, have a text-to-speech function, but you might want to have other text documents read to you. Natural Reader is one option to consider. 


Natural Reader online reader may be accessed here
Natural Reader privacy policy may be accessed here 


Online language translation software

Translating specific words or sentences into a native dialect may be useful in providing clarity around meaning. DeepL is a highly regarded option to consider. 

DeepL translator may be accessed here
DeepL privacy policy may be accessed here