Free and Low-Cost Assistive Technology Resources

READING

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
Adobe Reader (Read Out Loud Feature)

 

Windows

MAC

 · 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 Windows

MAC

· 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 Windows

MAC

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
Natural Reader

nat

Windows

MAC

· Text-to-speech reader

· Converts written text (ex: PDF, MS Word, emails) into spoken language

Free
Central Access Reader

CAR

Windows

MAC

· 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

voiceover

MAC · Built-in screen reader

· Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen

Free
Bookshare

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

learningally

Windows

MAC

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

 

Windows

MAC

Chromebook

Android

iOS

· Open source font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia

·Free for commercial and personal use

Free
Google Dictionary

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

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WRITING

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
Dictation Feature

Dictation Feature

MAC

iOS

· MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature

· Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text

· Instructions for use

· Instructions for iPhone and iPad

Free
Voice Note II- Speech to Text

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

Audio Note

Windows

MAC

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
Read OutLoud

Read OutLoud 3

Windows

MAC

· Can be used to have papers read aloud, making it easier to identify errors Free download for Bates students
Ideament

Ideament

MAC · Ideament lets you easily draw a diagram – mind map, concept map, or flow chart – and convert it to a text outline, and vice versa

· Ideal for brainstorming new ideas, illustrating concepts, making lists and outlines, planning presentations, creating organizational charts, and more

Free
Popplet

Popplet

Web-based · Tool for mind mapping, brainstorming, and organize ideas

· Can help people who think and learn visually

Free
Ginger

Ginger

Windows

MAC

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

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VISUAL

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
NVDA Screen Reader

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

voiceover

MAC · Built-in screen reader

· Allows complete control over the computer without needing to see the screen

Free
Thunder Screen Reader

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
DanKam: Colorblind Fix

DanKam Colorblind Fix

iOS · Designed to help people who are color blind distinguish between colors they normally could not

· 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

$2.99

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HEARING

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
Audio Note

Audio Note

Windows

MAC

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

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
AUD1

AUD1

iOS · Assistive listening software

· Processes sound received by the microphone on your device in real-time, then delivers the processed sound via headphones.

$6.99

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FINE MOTOR/DEXTERITY

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
Dictation Feature

Dictation Feature

MAC

iOS

· MAC devices have a built-in dictation feature

· Say out loud what you want to write and it will convert your words into text

· Instructions for use

· Instructions for iPhone and iPad

Free
Voice Note II- Speech to Text

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
Fleksy

Fleksy

iOS

Android

· Text input system that allows you to quickly and easily type of touch screen phones and tablets

· Allows users to type text on the familiar keyboard layout, by tapping on the screen and swiping

· Powerful autocorrect feature that can detect what you meant to enter even if multiple characters are incorrect

Free
Audio Note

Audio Note

Windows

MAC

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

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

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Communication

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
iSpeech

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

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

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Study Tools

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
Audio Note

Audio Note

Windows

MAC

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

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

Quizlet

Online resource · Create powerful learning tools, like interactive games, flashcards, and practice tests

· Mobile version also available

Free
Khan Academy

Khan Academy2

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+

gFlash+

Android

iOS

· Create, download, and manipulate flash cards in “every subject under the sun” Free
Evernote

Evernote

Windows

MAC

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
WritePad

WritePad

Android

iOS

· Handwriting recognition software that converts your own handwriting to text

· Built-in spell checker and dictionary

$5
Coffitivity

Coffitivity

 

Online resource

Android

MAC

· Recreates the ambient sounds of a café to boost your creativity and help you work better Free

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Organization & Time Management

NAME COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION COST
iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro

Windows

MAC

Android

iOS

· Award winning student planner

· Allows you to manage and organize assignments, manage your calendar, and set notifications for deadlines, and more

$10
30/30

3030

Android

iOS

· Time management app based on the 30-minutes of work, 30-minutes of rest concept

· May be particularly helpful for students with ADHD or who struggle with time management and focus

Free
Focus Booster

Focus Booster

Windows

MAC

· Based on the Pomodoro time management technique

· Get deep understanding of your work cycles and further improve productivity

$3/month or $33/year

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*Adapted with permission from The Office of Disability Services at Keene State College.