University introduces new Morphic software for a more digitally inclusive environment
Mississippi State students, faculty and staff soon will have access to a new assistive technology tool on all university computers with the implementation of Morphic, a free open-source software designed to simplify users’ computer experiences.
Designed to make computers more accessible to all, Morphic will be pushed to all computers supported by the university Information Technology Services on Sept. 6 as the software becomes a part of MSU’s standard computer image.
The program’s main feature is the MorphicBar, a tool bar with one-click, adjustable features including text size, magnifier, snip, read select, contrast, color, dark mode and night mode. Faculty, staff and students also will be able to download Morphic for free on personal Windows and Mac computers.
ITS Director of User Services Teresa McMurray said the university’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability first requested Morphic, and upon investigation ITS staff thought it could be a useful asset throughout the university.
“Morphic is an enterprise application that provides digital equity for MSU’s students, faculty and staff with accessibility challenges on both the Windows and Mac platform,” McMurray said.
The software was created to expand the accessibility and usability of computers amid increasingly more complex computer interfaces and design. It is offered through nonprofit Raising the Floor with the goal of making a digitally inclusive environment for all, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
To utilize Morphic on campus after its Sept. 6 addition to campus, MSU users simply can: 1) Log on to an MSU computer and a Morphic toolbar, or MorphicBar, automatically will appear at the bottom of the screen; or click the Morphic “chameleon” icon located at the bottom of the screen; 2) see that several buttons link directly to helpful accessibility features; 3) visit https://morphic.org/morphic-basic/ to watch helpful videos and see how each button works.
To learn more about Morphic and its benefits, visit https://morphic.org.
MSU’s Information Technology Services is online at https://servicedesk.msstate.edu/TDClient/45/Portal/Home.
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Aspen Harris | Office of Public Affairs
