Find the right support
Want access to an assistive technology?
Take a look through our list of Assistive Technologies (AT) to see what we have on offer and find information on how to gain access to each technology. If you're feeling a little lost make a Consultation booking and we can chat with you about your needs over the phone or via Zoom.
Want to know how to use your assistive technology?
Please review our online training and support materials as your first course of action. There's lots of support already available to you and this content continues to grow. You can also send your question through to atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au and we will respond when we can. If you have an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan in place then you are also able to book an individual AT Support Session for extra help. We also encourage you to join our CommunATy to learn more, network with other AT users and gain more confidence with using AT to support your studies.
Something not working correctly?
If your issues are software specific we encourage you to make use of our software vendors support services as a first course of action. These services have an international support network so may be available to help outside of University business hours. Their support hubs are listed below for your convenience.
You are also able to contact the IT Service Desk. They are ready to resolve issues with your speakers, microphone, University supported Assistive Technologies, Microsoft software, OneDrive account and more. Anything AT related that they can't resolve they will escalate to an Assistive Technology Specialist.
Minimum specifications for computers running assistive technology
Not sure if your system will support your recommended AT? The lists below outline Windows and Mac specifications that will run University licensed AT alongside our learning platform, vUWS and online meeting platforms, Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate.
The lists provide a range of suitable specifications for items such as processors and RAM as there are many options out there that will work. To help guide you in the purchase of a new computer, if required, we have outlined which items will have the most impact on enhancing performance.
Windows PC:
- Windows 10 operating system
- Solid State Hard drive (SSD) – no smaller than 128GB
- 4GB – 8GB RAM. (Tip: More RAM is better and is the cheapest way to get more out of your computer if you can afford it)
- Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, dual or quad core. (Tip: the more cores the better as it provides better multi-tasking capabilities)
or
AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 processor. (Tip: typically the higher the generation the better)
Mac:
- Catalina operating system (preferred for security reasons but older operating systems will still work with certain AT software)
- Solid State Hard drive (SSD) – no smaller than 128GB
- 4GB – 8GB RAM. (Tip: More RAM is better and is the cheapest way to get more out of your computer if you can afford it)
- Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, dual or quad core. (Tip: the more cores the better as it provides better multi-tasking capabilities)
Note: We do not recommend the use of Chromebook for University studies as it does not allow installation of specialised software. Chromebooks only allow Android apps to be installed, available through the Google Play Store. Whilst apps are available to meet many, varied needs they do not always provide the full support capabilities of the versions available on the Windows and Mac platforms.
Have a general enquiry regarding Assistive Technology or content accessibility?
Please contact our AT Specialists Sally and Natalie at atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au.
Want to make sure you stay informed of any relevant Assistive Technology changes?
Sign up to our mailing list so we can send you targeted emails about changes to the support available and relevant assistive technologies.