Assistive Technology is readily installed on many devices . Below are links to articles listing several different types. Applications listed in the links do not necessarily an endorsement by MCCHS.
Text to speech
Read&Write for Google - link
The "Swiss Army Knife" of extensions with tools including word prediction, dictionary, picture dictionary, text to speech, screenshot reader, speech maker, screen mask, translator, highlighters, voice note, and more. Works on webpages, PDFs, Google Docs, and Google Slides.
Note: There is a paid version with all the tools and a free version with a subset of the tools. Educators can get the paid version for a year at no cost by filling out the form at: http://rw.texthelp.com/drive/home/RegisterTeacher
SpeakIt! - link
Text to speech tool that reads any selected text on web pages or PDF’s that are opened in Chrome. Options that can be adjusted include speaking rate and choice of voice.
Announcify - link
This is another text to speech tool that not only reads a webpage, but also removes distracting elements from the site. The only drawback is the inability to select specific text to read, as the entire page is read aloud.
Speech to text
Voice Recognition - link
Voice recognition app that allows the user to dictate the text of a document, then save the text to Google Drive or send as an email.
SpeechPad - link
Voice recognition app that allows the user to dictate the text of a document, then copy and paste the text to another application as needed
VoiceNote - link
Voice recognition app that allows the user to dictate the text of a document, then copy and paste the text to another application as needed
Readability
Readability - link
Creates a more readable version of a web page by removing all the ads, comments, and other extra distracting items. The user can also adjust the font size and color scheme of the new text.
OpenDyslexic - link
This extension overrides all fonts on webpages with the OpenDyslexic font, and formats pages to be more easily readable.
BeeLine Reader - link
Creates a more readable version of a web page by removing all the ads, comments, and other extra distracting items. Then applies a color gradient to the page text guide your eye from one line to the next.
High Contrast - link
This tool can make webpages easier to read by changing the colors to increase contrast, invert the colors, or switch to grayscale.
ATbar - link
Change the colors and font size for a webpage, have text read aloud, use colored overlays, remove distracting elements from the page, and more
MagicScroll Web Reader - link
Turn web pages into a flippable e-book with easy clickable or keyboard control, as well as control over font size and page color as well.
Readline - link
Although designed as a speed reading tool, you can adjust the speed to the lowest setting and use this extension to easily read text one word at a time.
Visor- link
This screen overlay tool darkens out the page except for a horizontal band you can move up and down as you read, helping the student focus.
Color Enhancer - link
For people who are partially color-blind, this tool can help adjust and improve webpage colors.
Reading comprehension
SummarizeThis - link
Copy and paste any text into the app to get a summarized version of the most important information.
sentiSum - link
Get a summarized version of any webpage.
Google Dictionary - link
Double-click any word on a web page to get a pop-up with the definition and audible pronunciation.
Newsela - link
Current event articles covering many subjects, each written at five different Lexile levels so all students can read the same material at an appropriate level.
Navigation
Click-free Browsing - link
Adds navigation icons to a webpage that can be activated by simply hovering over them, rather than needing to click. Commands include scrolling, backward and forward in page history, opening a link, and more.
Vimium - link - YouTube video
Provides keyboard shortcuts for navigation and control for someone with difficulty using a mouse.
CrxMouse - link
Use mouse gestures to navigate including forward, backward, scrolling, refreshing, switching tabs, and more. The user can even program their own custom mouse gestures to open programs and perform other tasks.
Caret Browsing - link
This extension gives you a movable cursor in any web page, allowing you to move through the text with your arrows keys and select text with the keyboard.
Focus
Simple Blocker - link
This tool helps students to stay focused on their work by blocking distracting websites. The user can choose the sites to block, how long to block them, and optional password protection.
uBlock Origin - link
A simple but powerful ad-blocking extension to help remove distracting ads from websites, making pages less cluttered and easier to read.