AccessApps is an initiative supported by the JISC Regional Support Centres and JISC TechDis. It consists of over 50 Open Source and freeware Windows applications, running from a USB stick. Access Apps provides a range of solutions to support writing, reading and planning as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties.
Portable applications are software programs that run directly from an external drive (e.g. USB stick) without needing to be installed on the host computer. This means that a learner who needs to use text-to-speech software, change screen colours, magnify the screen or use an alternative mouse/keyboard could carry their software around in their pocket for use wherever they happen to be, and are not limited by the restricted access often in place in their institution. The use of freely available portable applications also offers learners the opportunity to try out assistive technologies and assess their suitability without the financial outlay necessary for commercial applications. While some learners will need more functionality than the free version provides, by trying the free version they gain a clearer idea of what they want to look for in a commercial version, and can make informed intelligent choices.
Portable applications can provide effective tools for all users - staff and students alike - whether or not they have a disability. For those with disabilities they are excellent cost effective ways of providing independent support that can work on almost any PC in any context. They particularly benefit users needing to access different PCs across different sites - for example work-based or adult community learning. AccessApps has generated a great deal of interest from a variety of education providers, including those from the Offender Learning, Work-Based Learning and Adult and Community Learning sectors as well as mainstream HE and FE due to the flexibility, ease of use and low cost of the technologies.
To download AccessApps visit the Registration Page. Registration is free and will allow you to download the whole collection (The Works), a smaller collection of key applications (Lite), or to select the most appropriate applications for you (Pick n Mix).
Using AccessApps with a screen reader
For more useful free and open source technologies see the JISC TechDis guidance Inclusive Practices ( - 208 KB).
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