Free and Low-Cost Assistive Technology Resources
Reading |
Writing |
Visual |
Hearing |
Fine Motor/Dexterity |
Communication |
Study Tools |
Organization & Time Management |
READING
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| Adobe Reader (Read Out Loud Feature) | WindowsMAC | · Text-to-speech tool that reads PDFs aloud· Instructions for how to use the feature are available on the Adobe Accessibility Features page | Free |
| Microsoft Reader | WindowsMAC | · Text-to-speech reader feature embedded in Word· Instructions for how to use the feature can be found on the Microsoft website | Built-in feature in Microsoft Word |
| Read & Write | WindowsMAC
Google Chrome |
· Simple to use text-to-speech reader· Reads PDFs, Bookshare files, websites aloud
· Built-in study tools and other features |
Free download for Bates students. Contact us at accessibility@bates.edu so we can activate your account |
Central Access Reader |
WindowsMAC | · Text-to-speech application designed specifically for people with print-related disabilities· Reads MS Word, PDF, math and logic equations
· Flexible MP3 output |
Free |
VoiceOver |
MAC | · Built-in screen reader· Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen | Free |
Bookshare |
Web-based | · Web-based library of digital books in accessible formats· Membership is free with a documented print disability (contact Accessible Education and Student Support for assistance)
· Books are available in the following formats: Daisy, BRF, MP3, Bookshare WebReader (customized reading tool for members) |
Free |
Learning Ally |
WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Audio books· Access to nearly 80,000 titles, including world’s largest library of audio textbooks
· Annual membership fee but application for partial fee waiver is available |
$119 per year |
| OpenDyslexic Font | WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Open source font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia·Free for commercial and personal use | Free |
Google Dictionary |
Google Chrome Extension | · View definitions easily as you browse the web· Double-click any word to view its definition in a small pop-up bubble
· Includes audio pronunciation
|
Free |
WRITING
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Dictation Feature |
MACiOS | · MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature· Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text | Free |
Voice Note II- Speech to Text |
Google Chrome | · Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text· Have the option to speak punctuation or use the punctuation buttons to insert them | Free |
Audio Note |
WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Synchronized note taking and audio recording· Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear
· Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms · Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation |
$4.99 |
Popplet |
Web-based | · Tool for mind mapping, brainstorming, and organize ideas· Can help people who think and learn visually | Free |
Ginger |
WindowsMAC
Android iOS |
· Robust spelling and grammar checker· Will make suggestions for rephrasing sentences
· Can help ensure you are using the word and the correct spelling (ex: there, their, and they’re) |
Free |
VISUAL
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
NVDA Screen Reader |
Windows | · NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is an open source screen reader· Allows users who are blind or have low vison to access computers running Windows
· Has ability to run entirely from USB drive with no installation |
Free |
| VoiceOver |
MAC | · Built-in screen reader· Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen | Free |
Thunder Screen Reader |
Windows | · Allows users who are blind or have low vison to access computers running Windows· Can be installed in several different languages | Free |
HEARING
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| Audio Note |
WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Synchronized note taking and audio recording· Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear
· Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms · Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation |
$4.99 |
Notability |
iOS | · Create, share, and manage notes· Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs | $7.99 |
FINE MOTOR/DEXTERITY
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| Dictation Feature |
MACiOS | · MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature· Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text | Free |
| Voice Note II- Speech to Text |
Google Chrome | · Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text· Have the option to speak punctuation or use the punctuation buttons to insert them | Free |
| Audio Note |
WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Synchronized note taking and audio recording· Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear
· Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms · Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation |
$4.99 |
| Notability |
iOS | · Create, share, and manage notes· Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs | $7.99 |
Communication
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
iSpeech |
iOS | · Mobile app with open source text-to-speech· Simply enter text and iSpeech will instantly read what you’ve written | Free |
My Talk Tools Mobile Lite |
iOS | · Allows users with communication difficulties to express their needs and desires to those around them· Communicate through a variety of images, pictures, symbols, video and audio files including human voice
· Full version available for $99 |
Free |
Study Tools
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| Audio Note |
WindowsMAC
Chromebook Android iOS |
· Synchronized note taking and audio recording· Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear
· Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms · Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation |
$4.99 |
| Notability |
iOS | · Create, share, and manage notes· Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs | $7.99 |
Quizlet |
Online resource | · Create powerful learning tools, like interactive games, flashcards, and practice tests· Mobile version also available | Free |
Khan Academy |
Online resource | · Collection of micro lectures and tutorials teaching mathematics, history, healthcare, finance, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, economics, cosmology, organic chemistry, American civics, art history, microeconomics, and computer science | Free |
gFlash+ |
AndroidiOS | · Create, download, and manipulate flash cards in “every subject under the sun” | Free |
Evernote |
WindowsMAC
Android iOS |
· Create or upload notes, to-do lists and images that are synched across all of your devices· Plus and Premium versions with additional features available | Free |
Coffitivity
|
Online resourceAndroid
MAC |
· Recreates the ambient sounds of a café to boost your creativity and help you work better | Free |
*Adapted with permission from The Office of Disability Services at Keene State College.