At the workshop we learned how technology can make life easier for students with specific needs
Published: on 26.5.2025
The invitation was accepted by Mgr. Mária Stankovičová, PhD., from the Support Centre for Students with Specific Needs at Comenius University, who presented a wide range of assistive technologies and aids aimed at improving access to education.
The workshop entitled Support on the Move: Assistive Devices for Flexible Learning did not live up to its name. Participants learned about RoboBraille, a system that converts electronic documents into alternative formats for users with limited reading skills.
Interested participants learned how to use a Scanmarker Air scanning pen with an application to process scanned text, including reading and translation. Workshop participants were introduced to several technologies and tools that can make work and communication easier for people with special needs.
They learned how to use Foxit PDF Editor for mobile devices (Android, iOS), which allows reading PDF documents using speech synthesis. They also discovered that Microsoft Edge also offers the possibility to read PDF documents directly in the browser, which is especially useful for users with vision or reading disabilities.
Another topic was Office 365, where participants tried out features such as text dictation, automatic transcription of MP3 recordings into text form, an immersive reader to improve reading comprehension, and text translation tools.
The practical part also included working with the Mimiuchi web application, which allows the speaker's voice to be captured from a greater distance. For better sound recording, participants tried using a wireless microphone, which improves the capture of the spoken word even in a larger room.
Finally, the participants were introduced to the function of the Lili lamp for dyslexics - a special device with adjustable flickering light, which helps concentration when reading and is especially designed for dyslexic people.
The training took place on 6 May 2025 and was organised by the Guidance and Counselling Centre for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and students with special needs. The event was part of the Harmonisation and Integration of Guidance and Support project.
