Curtin University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for our students, staff and visitors with a disability. This page provides information about accessing information on the Curtin website by using assistive technologies inbuilt into the browser or operating system you are using, or available for download or purchase.
The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan details Curtin's strategies to equitable access to our programs, services and facilities. Access the plan here.
Features built into browsers
Magnify using keyboard commands
- Windows XP: Control+ (plus key)
- Apple OSX: Command+ (plus key)
Invert screen colours using keyboard commands
- Windows XP: Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen
- Apple OSX: Control + Option + Command + 8
Using a built-in screen reader
The following commands will activate a screen reader built into your computer's operating system.
Windows Narrator
To turn on: Start menu > programs > accessories > accessibility > narrator, or Windows key + U
Apple OSX Voiceover
To turn on: Command (Apple key) + F5
To set preferences: System Preferences > Universal Access.
Using Browsealoud
The Curtin website has been enabled for use with Browsealoud. Browsealoud is a free program that provides a wide range of features to make browsing the Curtin website easier.
Visit http://www.browsealoud.com/ to download the Browsealoud toolbar for Windows and Mac (works on Safari only).
Note: Browsealoud version 6 supports Adobe Acrobat Reader 9 and above for reading PDF files. Download the latest version of adobe reader from the Adobe website
Other assistive technologies
Screenreaders to assist people with disabilities browsing the Internet on their home computer, are available from various software developers. Whatever the disability there are a wide range of alternative approaches other than traditional mouse-and-screen-based browsers. Some of the more popular options are listed below.
Jaws Screenreader 
(Windows)
JAWS is the most popular screen reader worldwide. You can download a free demo from the Freedom Scientific website but there is a fee to download the full version.
Window-Eyes
(Windows)
Window-Eyes is a powerful screen reader with features and a pricing structure similar to JAWS.
NVDA (now on all computers in our labs!)
(Windows)
NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows. It includes support for over 35 languages and the ability to run entirely from a USB drive. It's installed on all computers in the Curtin computer labs.
Fire Vox
(Mac, Windows and Linux running Firefox)
Fire Vox is a free, open-source screen reader designed especially for Firefox. It works as a browser plugin.
Further links can be found on Vision Australia’s website
Assistive technology room
The assistive technology room on Level 3 of the Curtin library is available to registered students referred by Curtin's Disability Counsellor. Learn more about the room.
