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)
|
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
|
Windows
MAC |
· Text-to-speech reader
· Converts written text (ex: PDF, MS Word, emails) into spoken language |
Free |
| Central Access Reader
|
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
|
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
|
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 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
|
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 |
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
|
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
|
Windows
MAC |
· Can be used to have papers read aloud, making it easier to identify errors | Free download for Bates students |
| 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
|
Web-based | · Tool for mind mapping, brainstorming, and organize ideas
· Can help people who think and learn visually |
Free |
| 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 |
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 |
| 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 |
HEARING
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| 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
|
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
|
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 |
FINE MOTOR/DEXTERITY
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| 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 |
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 |
| 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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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+
|
Android | · Create, download, and manipulate flash cards in “every subject under the sun” | Free |
| 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
|
Android
iOS |
· Handwriting recognition software that converts your own handwriting to text
· Built-in spell checker and dictionary |
$5 |
| Coffitivity
|
Online resource
Android MAC |
· Recreates the ambient sounds of a café to boost your creativity and help you work better | Free |
Organization & Time Management
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | DESCRIPTION | COST |
| 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
|
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
|
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 |
*Adapted with permission from The Office of Disability Services at Keene State College.