Reading and writing support
There are a variety of digital tools, support services and strategies that can make studying easier.
Students who experience difficulties with reading or writing may benefit from listening to literature or accessing text in alternative formats. Course books may be available as talking books or in braille. By using text-to-speech technology, you can have on-screen text read aloud.
Talking books and braille
If you have a reading disability, you may be able to download talking books to listen to your course literature. The SLU Library can help you get started with this service.
Producing new talking books can take time, so start early to find out what has already been recorded. Contact the library to order new talking books or literature in braille (Swedish or English) if needed.
More information can be found on the Talking books and text-to-speech app page.
Text-to-speech for reading text on screen
Text-to-speech technology allows you to listen to articles, compendiums and online text. Printed material must first be converted into digital format to be used with text-to-speech. You can scan documents using SLU’s printers/copiers.
Text-to-speech can also be used to listen to text you have written yourself. This is particularly useful when working on written assignments, as it enables you to hear whether your text sounds correct and flows naturally.
SLU provides the text-to-speech software TorTalk, which allows you to listen to all types of text on a computer or smartphone. You can select the voice, language and speaking speed according to your preference.
Tortalk is available on SLU's student computers. It can also be installed on your personal computer via SLU’s software share, where you log in with your student account.
The Dyslexie typeface
Dyslexie is a typeface specifically designed to make reading easier for individuals with dyslexia. The font can be downloaded from the website of the company that developed it.
More information is available on the Dyslexie Font website.
Writing and language support
Support in academic writing is available at the SLU Library. Whether you are working on an assignment, report or thesis, it can be valuable to receive feedback on language, style, structure and organisation. Please note that language support does not include reviewing scientific content or proofreading.
More information: Booking language support
Study skills and study strategies
University studies require more independence than previous levels of education. With more extensive reading and less teacher-led instruction, you may need to adopt new strategies. This includes developing techniques for effective planning, engaging with course literature and taking notes during lectures.
Using AI tools in your studies
SLU does not have general guidelines regarding AI tools, so you must always check your specific course or assignment instructions. It is essential to clearly indicate any sources used, including AI.
Presenting AI-generated text or images as your own work is considered academic misconduct, just as it would be if you copied from another person.
You can find information about what cheating and plagiarism mean, and how to avoid them, on this page: Avoid cheating and plagiarism
Contact
-
Studying with a disability
You are welcome to contact us to ask questions. We can explain how a disability might affect your studies and guide you through the application process.