Reading and research
Support with reading long documents, understanding course materials, using text-to-speech, gathering key points and managing heavy reading lists.
DSA and university support
Assistive Technology Training for Students
Helping you use your study tools with confidence, clarity and independence.
Assistive technology can make studying easier, but only when it feels useful, familiar and connected to the way you actually work.
Calling All Minds provides online Assistive Technology Training for disabled and neurodivergent students, including students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mental health conditions, sensory needs, mobility differences and long-term health conditions.
Training may be funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance, arranged through your university support team or accessed through another support route. However support is arranged, our aim is the same: to help you use your software, apps and digital tools in real study situations.
Making technology feel manageable
Many students receive assistive technology but are not sure where to begin. Some tools feel complicated. Some have too many features. Others sound useful in theory but feel hard to use when deadlines, lectures and assignments are already demanding.
Your training gives you time to slow down, ask questions and practise.
We do not try to teach everything at once. We focus on the tools and features that will make the biggest difference to your studies, so technology starts to reduce pressure rather than add to it.
What we can help with
Training is shaped around the real study tasks you need to complete, not a generic tour of every feature.
Writing and proofreading
Support with planning essays, drafting ideas, using speech-to-text, checking written work and building a clearer writing process.
Notes and lectures
Support with note-taking tools, lecture recordings, organising key information and turning notes into something useful for revision.
Planning and organisation
Support with calendars, task lists, reminders, assignment planning, deadlines, routines and managing competing demands.
Focus and attention
Support with tools and strategies that reduce distraction, break tasks into manageable steps and help you stay on track.
Revision and exams
Support with revision planning, memory tools, flashcards, mind mapping and ways to make revision less overwhelming.
What your sessions feel like
Your sessions are practical and personalised. You might bring a reading list, an assignment brief, lecture notes or a task you are finding difficult. Your trainer will help you work through it using the technology available to you.
A session might involve:
- setting up a tool properly
- learning only the features you need first
- practising with your own course materials
- creating a workflow for reading, writing or planning
- troubleshooting what is not working
- finding ways to reduce unnecessary steps
- building confidence using technology independently
- saving simple shortcuts you can use again
You do not need to be confident with technology before you start. We meet you where you are.
Tools we may support
The exact tools depend on your DSA recommendations, university support package or personal setup.
Training may include support with:
Text-to-speech
For reading course materials, articles, webpages and longer documents.
Speech-to-text
For getting ideas down, drafting written work and reducing the pressure of typing.
Note-taking tools
For lectures, seminars, recordings and organising information.
Mind mapping and planning tools
For essays, revision, projects and breaking complex tasks into steps.
Proofreading and writing tools
For reviewing structure, grammar, clarity and flow.
Referencing and research tools
For managing sources, citations and academic reading.
Built-in accessibility features
For making your laptop, browser or device easier to use.
AXS Toolbar, where available
For cognitive accessibility support, including reading, simplification, summarisation, image description, visual comfort and voice navigation.
Who this training is for
Assistive Technology Training may be right for you if:
- you have received assistive technology through DSA
- your university has recommended software or study tools
- you have tools on your laptop but do not use them confidently
- reading, writing, planning or organisation feels harder than it should
- you struggle with attention, memory, processing or overwhelm
- you want practical ways to study more independently
This support is designed for students with a wide range of access needs, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mental health conditions, sensory needs, mobility differences and long-term health conditions.
How training is arranged
Through DSA
Many students access Assistive Technology Training through Disabled Students’ Allowance if it has been recommended in their entitlement letter.
Through your university
Training may be arranged through your university’s disability, inclusion or student support team.
Other support routes
Some students access training through research council funding, NHS bursary routes, university hardship funds or self-funded sessions.
If you are not sure which route applies to you, contact us and we can help you understand the next step.
For a fuller explanation of DSA, read our Disabled Students’ Allowance guide.
How to get started
1
Check your support letter or recommendation
This might be a DSA entitlement letter, university support plan or other recommendation.
2
Contact Calling All Minds
Tell us what support has been approved or recommended. If you are unsure, we can help you understand it.
3
Book your online session
We will help arrange a session with the right trainer.
4
Start using your tools with more confidence
Sessions focus on practical study tasks, so you can begin applying what you learn straight away.
Ready to get started?
If Assistive Technology Training has been recommended through DSA, your university or another support route, contact us and we will help you arrange the next step.
Get startedRelated support
If you are exploring student support, these pages can help you understand your options.
Support for Students
A simple overview of student support, DSA-funded sessions, study skills and mentoring.
Support for StudentsDisabled Students’ Allowance guide
A clear guide to DSA, eligibility, needs assessments, funding and arranging support.
Disabled Students’ Allowance guideSpecialist Study Skills Support
Support with note-taking, academic writing, time management, revision, critical thinking and independent study.
Specialist Study Skills SupportSpecialist Mentoring
Support with anxiety, stress, motivation, routines, confidence and study-related wellbeing.
Specialist MentoringAssistive Technology Guide
A practical guide to assistive technology tools, features and support options for study.
Assistive Technology GuideEducation Support
Our wider education services for disabled and neurodivergent students.
Education SupportFrequently Asked Questions
Answers about DSA, online sessions, study tools and how Assistive Technology Training works.
Assistive technology means software, apps, devices or built-in accessibility features that help you study more effectively. It can support reading, writing, planning, note-taking, organisation, focus, revision and communication.
Assistive Technology Training helps you learn how to use your recommended tools in practical study situations. Rather than just showing you features, your trainer helps you connect the technology to real tasks such as reading, writing, planning, taking notes and managing deadlines.
Yes, if Assistive Technology Training is recommended in your DSA entitlement letter. Your letter should explain what has been approved and how to arrange support.
Yes. Training may be arranged through your university, usually through a disability, inclusion or student support team. If this applies to you, your university will normally explain how to access or book your sessions.
Yes. Some students access training through university support, other funding routes or self-funded sessions. Contact us if you are unsure which route applies to you.
That is exactly what training is for. Many students receive software but need help understanding how to use it in a way that fits their course and study habits.
Yes. We support students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mental health conditions, sensory needs, mobility differences, long-term health conditions and cognitive processing differences.
Yes. All Calling All Minds student Assistive Technology Training sessions take place online, so you can access support from university, home or another place where you feel comfortable and able to focus.
No. You do not need to be confident with technology before starting. Sessions are paced around you and focus on clear, practical steps.
The tools depend on your DSA recommendations, university support package or study needs. Training may include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, note-taking software, mind mapping, planning tools, proofreading tools, referencing tools, screen reading, visual support, focus tools, built-in accessibility features and AXS Toolbar where available.
No. Assistive Technology Training focuses on helping you use software, apps and digital tools. Specialist Study Skills Support focuses on academic strategies such as planning, reading, writing, revision, organisation and critical thinking. Many students benefit from both.
Yes. If you have received your entitlement letter and are unsure what has been approved, contact us and we can help you understand the next step.