Disability services and facilities

Access Rooms

Bankstown City Access Room - 2 workstations.
Campbelltown Access Room - 3 workstations.
Hawkesbury Access Room - 3 workstations.
Kingswood Access Room - 4 workstations.
Liverpool Access Room - 2 workstations.
Parramatta City Access Room - 3 workstations.
Parramatta South Access Room - 4 workstations.


Access rooms are available on all Western Sydney University campuses and provide students with access to specialist Assistive Technology (AT) and adaptive equipment. Access rooms that are located in the library are open during regular library hours, except during formal exam periods. Access to all rooms is granted by swipe card entry only.

Please speak to your Disability Advisor if you require these services.

Locations

  • Bankstown City - BCC 1.4.18
  • Campbelltown - 1.G.04 (Library)
  • Hawkesbury - G1.G.77 (Library)
  • Kingswood - T.G.22 (Library)
  • Liverpool - 3.2.02
  • Parramatta City - 01.1.02
  • Parramatta South - EN.G.10 (Library)

Technology

Typical AT software on Windows computers

Visit the Assistive Technology Guides - Master List to explore how to get started with the installation and use of the technology listed below.

  • Genio (formerly Glean).
  • Natural Reader.
  • Read&Write (unlicensed, so freely available tools only).
  • OrbitNote (unlicensed, so freely available tools only).
  • Microsoft Office 365 Learning Tools - including access to Dictation, Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, Translation and Transcription.
  • Dragon Professional.
  • Screen Magnification - from log-in screen on certain computers.
  • NVDA screen reader - from log-in screen on certain computers.

Access Room Windows Computer

Typical AT software on Mac computers

Visit the Assistive Technology Guides - Master List to explore how to get started with the installation and use of the technology listed below.

  • Genio (formerly Glean).
  • Natural Reader.
  • Read&Write (unlicensed, so freely available tools only).
  • OrbitNote (unlicensed, so freely available tools only).
  • Microsoft Office 365 Learning Tools - including access to Dictation, Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, Translation and Transcription.
  • VoiceControl.
  • VoiceOver screen reader.

Access Room iMac

Other AT software and hardware

Other technologies available on specific computers and campuses includes:

  • Webcams are available on each computer for online classes and exams.
  • Flatbed scanners are available on some campuses and can be used to digitise content.
  • Optelec Clearview (CCTV enlarger).

Access Room Clearview Magnifier

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workstations

There is a BYOD workstation available in all Access Rooms other than Bankstown and Liverpool. The BYOD workstation is set up to allow students to bring their own device to the Access Room.

We provide a monitor and HDMI cable to allow screen mirroring or extension. Students need to have a HDMI port on their device, or HDMI adaptor to use.

If students require an external keyboard or mouse, please remember to bring these along, and ensure they can work with and connect to the device they are using.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workstation. Single monitor and labelled HDMI cable.

Using the Access Room

Access Rooms are dedicated spaces created to increase the independence and meet the academic needs of students registered with the Disability Service, providing a supportive space to enhance your learning experience.

Access rooms feature computers equipped with screen reading software, text-to-speech tools, and other assistive technologies, as well as adjustable furniture including desks and seating that can accommodate and address student individual needs.

Please note:

  • Only students registered with Disability Service or Educational Support staff can use the Access Room.
  • The Access Room's availability may vary during key academic periods, such as end-of-session and mid-session assessments, to accommodate specific needs. Any closures will be clearly communicated on the door with the relevant dates and times.
  • Students can use the Access Room on any campus - which may be a campus closer to your home rather than the campus where you are studying your program.

Access Rooms play a pivotal role in levelling the academic playing field, fostering and empowering students with disabilities to achieve their educational goals with greater independence and confidence.

Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing the Access Room's environment and services. Please share your thoughts or suggestions by emailing disability@westernsydney.edu.au.

For any queries related to Assistive Technology access, do not hesitate to contact us at atspecialist@westernsydney.edu.au

If you have any questions directly relating to the use of the Access Room on your campus, please contact your Disability Advisor directly.

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