{"id":472,"date":"2016-07-19T13:55:11","date_gmt":"2016-07-19T17:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/accessible-education\/?page_id=472"},"modified":"2023-03-28T11:04:20","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T15:04:20","slug":"free-and-low-cost-assistive-technology-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/accessible-education-student-support\/assistive-technology\/free-and-low-cost-assistive-technology-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Free and Low-Cost Assistive Technology Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Reading<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Writing<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Visual<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Hearing<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Fine Motor\/Dexterity<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Communication<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Study Tools<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Organization & Time Management<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

READING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adobe Reader<\/a> (Read Out Loud Feature)<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00a0\u00b7 Text-to-speech tool that reads PDFs aloud<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for how to use the feature are available on the Adobe Accessibility Features<\/a> page<\/td>\n

\u00a0Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Microsoft Reader<\/td>\nWindows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Text-to-speech reader feature embedded in Word<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for how to use the feature can be found on the Microsoft website<\/a><\/td>\n

Built-in feature in Microsoft Word<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Read & Write<\/a><\/td>\nWindows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Google Chrome<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Simple to use text-to-speech reader<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Reads PDFs, Bookshare files, websites aloud<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Built-in study tools and other features<\/td>\n

Free download for Bates students.\u00a0 Contact us at accessibility@bates.edu so we can activate your account<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Natural Reader<\/a><\/p>\n

\"nat\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Text-to-speech reader<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Converts written text (ex: PDF, MS Word, emails) into spoken language<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Central Access Reader<\/a><\/p>\n

\"CAR\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Text-to-speech application designed specifically for people with print-related disabilities<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Reads MS Word, PDF, math and logic equations<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Flexible MP3 output<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VoiceOver<\/a><\/p>\n

\"voiceover\"<\/a><\/td>\n

MAC<\/td>\n\u00b7 Built-in screen reader<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bookshare<\/a><\/p>\n

\"bookshare\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Web-based<\/td>\n\u00b7 Web-based library of digital books in accessible formats<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Membership is free with a documented print disability (contact Accessible Education and Student Support for assistance)<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Books are available in the following formats: Daisy, BRF, MP3, Bookshare WebReader (customized reading tool for members)<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Learning Ally<\/a><\/p>\n

\"learningally\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Audio books<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Access to nearly 80,000 titles, including world\u2019s largest library of audio textbooks<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Annual membership fee but application for partial fee waiver is available<\/td>\n

$119 per year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OpenDyslexic Font<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Open source font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia<\/p>\n

\u00b7Free for commercial and personal use<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Google Dictionary<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Google<\/a><\/td>\n

Google Chrome Extension<\/td>\n\u00b7 View definitions easily as you browse the web<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Double-click any word to view its definition in a small pop-up bubble<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Includes audio pronunciation<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/h1>\n

WRITING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME<\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dictation Feature<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dictation<\/a><\/td>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for use<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for iPhone and iPad<\/a><\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voice Note II- Speech to Text<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Voice<\/a><\/td>\n

Google Chrome<\/td>\n\u00b7 Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Have the option to speak punctuation or use the punctuation buttons to insert them<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audio Note<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Audio<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Synchronized note taking and audio recording<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation<\/td>\n

$4.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Read OutLoud<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Read<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Can be used to have papers read aloud, making it easier to identify errors<\/td>\nFree download for Bates students<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ideament<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ideament\"<\/a><\/td>\n

MAC<\/td>\n\u00b7 Ideament lets you easily draw a diagram – mind map, concept map, or flow chart – and convert it to a text outline, and vice versa<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Ideal for brainstorming new ideas, illustrating concepts, making lists and outlines, planning presentations, creating organizational charts, and more<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Popplet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Popplet\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Web-based<\/td>\n\u00b7 Tool for mind mapping, brainstorming, and organize ideas<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Can help people who think and learn visually<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ginger<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ginger\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Robust spelling and grammar checker<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Will make suggestions for rephrasing sentences<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Can help ensure you are using the word and the correct spelling (ex: there, their, and they\u2019re)<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

VISUAL<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NVDA Screen Reader<\/a><\/p>\n

\"NVDA<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/td>\n\u00b7 NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is an open source screen reader<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Allows users who are blind or have low vison to access computers running Windows<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Has ability to run entirely from USB drive with no installation<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VoiceOver<\/a><\/p>\n

\"voiceover\"<\/a><\/td>\n

MAC<\/td>\n\u00b7 Built-in screen reader<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thunder Screen Reader<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Thunder<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/td>\n\u00b7 Allows users who are blind or have low vison to access computers running Windows<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Can be installed in several different languages<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DanKam: Colorblind Fix<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DanKam<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Designed to help people who are color blind distinguish between colors they normally could not<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Images can be taken in real-time from the devices camera and the image can be adjusted to make hues easier to detect and differentiate<\/td>\n

$2.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

HEARING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audio Note<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Audio<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Synchronized note taking and audio recording<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation<\/td>\n

$4.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Notability<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Notability\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Create, share, and manage notes<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs<\/td>\n

$7.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AUD1<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AUD1\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Assistive listening software<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Processes sound received by the microphone on your device in real-time, then delivers the processed sound via headphones.<\/td>\n

$6.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

FINE MOTOR\/DEXTERITY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dictation Feature<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dictation<\/a><\/td>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for use<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Instructions for iPhone and iPad<\/a><\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voice Note II- Speech to Text<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Voice<\/a><\/td>\n

Google Chrome<\/td>\n\u00b7 Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Have the option to speak punctuation or use the punctuation buttons to insert them<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fleksy<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Fleksy\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/p>\n

Android<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Text input system that allows you to quickly and easily type of touch screen phones and tablets<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Allows users to type text on the familiar keyboard layout, by tapping on the screen and swiping<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Powerful autocorrect feature that can detect what you meant to enter even if multiple characters are incorrect<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audio Note<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Audio<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Synchronized note taking and audio recording<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation<\/td>\n

$4.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Notability<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Notability\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Create, share, and manage notes<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs<\/td>\n

$7.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

Communication<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
iSpeech<\/a><\/p>\n

\"iSpeech\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Mobile app with open source text-to-speech<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Simply enter text and iSpeech will instantly read what you\u2019ve written<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
My Talk Tools Mobile Lite<\/a><\/p>\n

\"My<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Allows users with communication difficulties to express their needs and desires to those around them<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Communicate through a variety of images, pictures, symbols, video and audio files including human voice<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Full version available for $99<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

Study Tools<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audio Note<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Audio<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Chromebook<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Synchronized note taking and audio recording<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Tap notes to seek in the audio, taking you instantly to what you want to hear<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Automatic audio amp for recording in large classrooms<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Must have instructor permission or be approved for permission to audio record lectures as an accommodation<\/td>\n

$4.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Notability<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Notability\"<\/a><\/td>\n

iOS<\/td>\n\u00b7 Create, share, and manage notes<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs<\/td>\n

$7.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quizlet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Quizlet\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Online resource<\/td>\n\u00b7 Create powerful learning tools, like interactive games, flashcards, and practice tests<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Mobile version also available<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Khan Academy<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Khan<\/a><\/td>\n

Online resource<\/td>\n\u00b7 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<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
gFlash+<\/p>\n

\"gFlash+\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Android<\/a><\/p>\n

iOS<\/a><\/td>\n

\u00b7 Create, download, and manipulate flash cards in \u201cevery subject under the sun\u201d<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evernote<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Evernote\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Create or upload notes, to-do lists and images that are synched across all of your devices<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Plus and Premium versions with additional features available<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WritePad<\/a><\/p>\n

\"WritePad\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Handwriting recognition software that converts your own handwriting to text<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Built-in spell checker and dictionary<\/td>\n

$5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coffitivity<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Coffitivity\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

Online resource<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Recreates the ambient sounds of a caf\u00e9 to boost your creativity and help you work better<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

Organization & Time Management<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
NAME <\/strong><\/td>\n COMPATIBILITY<\/strong><\/td>\n DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/td>\n COST<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
iStudiez Pro<\/a><\/p>\n

\"iStudiez<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/p>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Award winning student planner<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Allows you to manage and organize assignments, manage your calendar, and set notifications for deadlines, and more<\/td>\n

$10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
30\/30<\/a><\/p>\n

\"3030\"<\/a><\/td>\n

Android<\/p>\n

iOS<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Time management app based on the 30-minutes of work, 30-minutes of rest concept<\/p>\n

\u00b7 May be particularly helpful for students with ADHD or who struggle with time management and focus<\/td>\n

Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focus Booster<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Focus<\/a><\/td>\n

Windows<\/p>\n

MAC<\/td>\n

\u00b7 Based on the Pomodoro time management technique<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Get deep understanding of your work cycles and further improve productivity<\/td>\n

$3\/month or $33\/year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top of Page<\/a><\/p>\n

*Adapted with permission from The Office of Disability Services at Keene State College.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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