This facility is solely intended for use by people with special needs. It contains a large range of equipment and software intended to make the academic challenge that bit easier for those with physical or other disabilities

Services available include:

• Specialist software for those with visual, reading and motion difficulities
• Scanners to enable text enlargement and manipulation
• Equipment to help those with sensory disabilities to access print and computers
• 2 high spec PCs with cd/rw capability
• Photocopying

Specialist equipment available here includes:

• Aladdin Genie Pro personal reader
• Quicklink pen for scanning lines of text
• Large keys keyboard
• Roller Ball Plus Range trackball
• Roller Ball Plus Range Joystick
• Earpiece headsets
• Olympia Portable Magnifier
• Intelikeys keyboard

Specialist software in the ILU includes:

• Kurtzweil 1000: an advanced scanning and reading solution for the blind and visually impaired
• Kurtzweil 3000: this is the leading writing and reading solution for individuals of all ages with learning difficulties like dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and other literacy difficulties
• TextHelp Read and Write: this product will read aloud as you type or read any document. It works with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email and the Internet
• Zoomtext Level 2: this is adaptive software that integrates multiple technologies to achieve a total low-vision solution. It combines a fully integrated magnifier (which can be adapted to suit the level of low vision) with speech output, designed specifically for the low-vision computer user
• Dragon Naturally Speaking Dictation Software: Dictation software which allows users to speak naturally and works with all PC applications
• Microsoft Office suite of products

User groups

The Independent Learning Unit may only be used by those individuals with a defined need for assistive products and support. Queries on the services and products available in the Independent Learning Unit should be addressed to the, Systems Librarian on ext. 2784

Any student who feels he or she has a genuine requirement in this area should register with the college Special Needs Tutor, Anne Owen-Jones (ann.owen-jones@gmit.ie) ext. 2375, in the Student Services department

Download the Independent Learning Guide (pdf)