Keytools will be carrying out assessments to identify what IT related adjustments can be made for you whilst at work.  This will take into consideration the needs of your environment and your IT equipment at any location.  Following your assessment, Network Rail will be issued with a full report detailing what adjustments can be made to assist and these adjustments will be considered and implemented if applicable.  This report is confidential and only used for the purpose of making your adjustments.  Any training/coaching required will be funded and a voucher to claim this will be provided. IT will be available to support any complex requirements and a dedicated point of contact will be available.

Software

Below is a list of commonly requested software for adjustments. Wherever possible we ask assessors to recommend from this list, but we recognise there will be cases where software that is not on this list is needed. If you cannot find the software you require, please complete this form to request what you need – Business Productivity Software Request (Page 1 of 10). If you have been through an assessment with KeyTools IT will raise this request on your behalf. Please note that the requested software may not be suitable for Network Rail or comply with NR Information Security policies and therefore a suitable alternative may be provided.

Many colleagues will need training on how to use the software. Our provider for this is KeyTools and following an assessment a training voucher will be given to the employee. You can contact the adjustments team to get a voucher.

If you have used assistive technology at a previous employer following an assessment and do not require any training on it, you can simply order it directly from the catalogue here New Software – Service Portal. If you aren’t sure what you need, please contact the adjustments team and we can support you in looking at options and potentially completing a KeyTools assessment to understand your needs.

TextHelp Read & Write Gold by Enabling Technologies

• TextHelp Read and Write v12 GOLD is the world’s leading literacy support software designed to assist users of all ages who require extra assistance when reading or composing text. The software provides users with dyslexia, literacy difficulties and ESL (English as a Second Language) with literacy support throughout their education, from primary through to tertiary level and into the workplace.
• Read and Write v12 GOLD offers support functionality frequently absent in mainstream MS Windows applications. In addition, it provides a host of study features to assist any user with research and composition. The easy to use toolbar that “floats” on top of any open application.
• The software works discreetly with all mainstream Windows applications. This offers users the opportunity to work in an inclusive manner alongside their peers and colleagues.
• The Read&Write toolbar integrates with Windows based tools including Microsoft Word, Office 365 and web browsers. Supporting the user with reading, writing and researching, wherever they’re working.
• Read&Write for Windows Feature Demos

This software is available to all NR employees. It is free of charge and no prior needs assessment is needed. There is a group of superusers on hand to help with any queries you have about the software, and installations guides here – Read&Write Assistive Software

Inspiration

• Inspiration 10 is a simple but powerful visual thinking tool for creating mind maps, concept maps, graphic organizers, outlines and presentations with ease!
• The Inspiration software makes it easy to quickly capture your ideas and visually organize them to communicate concepts and strengthen understanding.
• Transfer your visual diagram to a written outline in just one-click, perfect for structuring writing plans for papers and reports.
• Plus, effortlessly transfer your diagrams and outlines to Word, PowerPoint, PDF, HTML or as a graphics file. Or use the Copy to Clipboard feature to export to Google Docs, OneNote and other apps.
• Inspiration 10 encourages strong critical thinking skills, supports the writing process, and helps you build conceptual understanding to map out your knowledge.
• For more information visit Inspiration
• Licence cost is a one-off payment of ~£100

Dragon Naturally Speaking from NUANCE

• With a next generation speech engine leveraging Deep Learning technology, Dragon adapts to your voice or environmental variations…even while you’re dictating. Create documents and reports quickly and accurately, and zip through computer tasks in record time…all by voice.
• Optimises accuracy for speakers with accents or in slightly noisy environments such as an office cubicle
• Smart Format Rules automatically adapt to how you want abbreviations, dates, phone numbers and more to appear
• Apply formatting by voice, such as bold or underline
• Work within popular business applications
• See Dragon’s fast and accurate dictation at work
• See how to use the auto-texts feature to insert frequently used text and graphics
• Licence cost is a one off payment of ~£600 which includes 1 year maintenance

JAWS from Freedom Scientific

• JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is the world’s most popular screen reader, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse.
• JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC. You will be able to navigate the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations from your office, remote desktop, or from home.
• Licence cost is a one-off payment of ~£1200 which includes 1 year maintenance

ZoomText from Freedom Scientific

• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.
• Licence cost is a one-off payment of ~£500 which includes 1 year maintenance

Glean (previously Audio Notetaker by Sonocent)

• Capture audio, text and slides in a single note-taking workspace.
• Organise and categorise note sets so you can easily return to them.
• Turn your notes into a variety of formats to suit your learning style.
• Improve audio quality and extract only what’s useful.
• Enrich notes with drawings, scribbles and photos – perfect for graphs, equations and diagrams.
• Upload your notes to the software to review and then engage with the new information.

Immersed

• Spawn 5 virtual monitors in VR to optimize focus & productivity, whether solo or collaborating with your team!
• Has been used for people with autism to allow them to block out surrounding distractions.
• Licence cost is monthly ~£15

Microsoft Accessibility tools for learning

• Microsoft applications provide support as follows: –
• Applications that can help increase focus, concentration, and understanding—and include tools to improve reading and writing skills. This page linked below lists learning-related accessibility tools to help all Microsoft Windows and Microsoft 365 users and offer support for people who have learning disabilities and dyslexia or anyone who wants to make the learning experience on their device easier.
  • Support for the following: –
• Writing quality
• Reading comprehension and skills
• Math skills
• Communication with confidence and inclusiveness
• For further details see Accessibility tools for learning – Microsoft Support

These accessibility features do not require an assessment to enable you to use them. For further details see Accessibility tools for learning – Microsoft Support

Hardware

Below is a list of commonly requested IT hardware for adjustments. Wherever possible we ask assessors to recommend from this list, but we recognise there will be cases where IT hardware that is not on this list is needed. If you cannot find the software you require, please complete this form to request what you need. If you have used assistive technology at a previous employer following an assessment, you can simply order it directly from the catalogue. If you aren’t sure what you need, please contact the adjustments team and we can support you in looking at options and potentially completing a KeyTools assessment to understand your needs.

All employees must also complete their Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment before ordering any ergonomic equipment, again, unless this has been used at a previous employer following an assessment.

Wired vertical mouse (left or right-handed)

The patented shape supports your hand in an upright neutral posture that generally avoids forearm twisting. Many users, including medical doctors, ergonomists and physical therapists said the Evoluent Vertical Mouse provides superior comfort and even relieved their wrist pain. It can be purchased here – Accessories – Employee Center

Rollerball wireless mouse

Other than minimizing the footprint and maximizing efficiency and desk space, using a trackball mouse has a number of medical benefits by being inherently better at preventing Repetitive Strain Injury issues like tendon pain, wrist pain, and the infamous Carpal Tunnel. A trackball is ideal for users with shoulder discomfort. Since the trackball mouse remains stationary, you don’t have to move your shoulders. It can be purchased here – Accessories – Employee Center

Ergonomic keyboards – wired and wireless

An ergonomic keyboard is a simple solution to improve your comfort while working. It can solve many hand and arm strain problems and also support better posture. Ergonomic boards provide much better comfort and can reduce the chances of having arm and wrist pains as well as carpal tunnel. Items can be purchased here – Accessories – Employee Center

ReMarkable 2

A digital notebook designed for tasks that demand focus. For an organized, focused, and paperless workflow. Annotate directly. Read comfortably. Paper-like sketching. True paper feel. Weeks of battery. Organize your thoughts. Share your notes by email. Before accessing this software we recommend an assessment with KeyTools to understand if this is the right equipment for you.  They can then be ordered through this form – Non standard Hardware request – Service Portal

Live scribe Echo digital pen

The LiveScribe Pen is a smart pen that allows you to take written notes, wherever you go, which then appear on your personal computer device. It is a potentially great tool for people with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Advantages of Smartpens: –

• Easy to use
• Integrate with a variety of applications and exports in a range of formats
• Backs up your written notes

Before accessing this software we recommend an assessment with KeyTools to understand if this is the right equipment for you.  They can then be ordered through this form – Non standard Hardware request – Service Portal

Noise Cancelling Headsets (wired and wireless)

Noise-cancelling headphones are a special type/kind of headphones which suppress unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. Noise cancellation makes it possible to listen to audio content without raising the volume excessively. Before accessing this software we recommend an assessment with KeyTools or Occupational Health to understand if this is the right equipment for you.  They can then be ordered through this form – Non standard Hardware request – Service Portal

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for please contact the adjustments team via their shared inbox – AdjustmentsTeam@networkrail.co.uk .