This technology helps students who have difficulties reading standard print by converting text into spoken words. Tools like Kurzweil 3000, NaturalReader, and Read&Write can convert written text into spoken word, helping students with dyslexia or visual impairments.
Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology platform designed to support literacy and learning. It provides tools for reading, writing, studying, and test-taking, making it especially helpful for students with learning disabilities. Features include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, translation tools, and interactive study aids. It aligns with Universal Design for Learning principles, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse learners.
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech app that converts written text into spoken audio using AI-powered voices. It supports over 25 languages and offers features like OCR text recognition, which allows it to read text from images or scanned documents. The app is particularly useful for individuals with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, as it provides both auditory and visual text presentation. Users can also customize their experience with options like voice selection, reading speed, and even a dyslexia friendly font.
Read&Write is an assistive technology tool developed by Texthelp to support literacy and learning. It offers a range of features designed to help with reading, writing, and studying. Some of its key tools include Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, Word Prediction, Text and Picture Dictionaries, Audio Maker, and study tools.
These tools read aloud the text displayed on a computer screen, helping students with visual impairments or reading disabilities. Programs like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) read aloud the text displayed on a computer screen, benefiting students with visual impairments or reading disabilities.
JAWS is a widely used screen reader. It is designed to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing text-to-speech output and compatibility with refreshable Braille displays. JAWS enables users to navigate Windows operating system, browse the web, read emails, and work with documents and spreadsheets. It also supports popular applications like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and various web browsers.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader. It is designed to assist individuals who ar blind or visually impaired by providing text-to-speech output and Braille display compatibility. NVDA allows users to navigate the Windows operating system, browse the web, and use various applications like Microsoft Office and web browsers.
Programs like ABBYY FineReader and OmniPage convert printed text into digital text that can be edited and read aloud, aiding students with reading difficulties.
ABBYY FineReader is a powerful Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and PDF software designed to streamline document management. It allows users to digitize, edit, convert, and collaborate on documents efficiently.
OmniPage is a leading Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software designed to convert scanned documents, images, and PDFs into editable and searchable formats with high accuracy.
Apps like Voice Dream Reader, ClaroPDF, and Prizmo can read text aloud, highlighting words as they read, and provide definitions and translations, assisting students with various reading challenges.
Voice Dream Reader is a versatile text-to-speech app designed to make reading accessible and efficient. It allows users to listen to various types of content, including PDFs, eBooks, web pages, and documents, using high-quality AI voices. Words are highlighted as they are read aloud, improving comprehension. Readers can adjust voice, speed, pitch, and visual settings like font size and color.
These resources provide an alternative to traditional reading, allowing students to listen to content. This can be especially helpful for students with reading disabilities. There are several great platforms where you can access these including Bookshare and Learning Ally.
Bookshare is an accessible online library designed for individuals with disabilities, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or physical disabilities that make reading traditional books challenging. It offers a vast collection of over 1.3 million titles, including bestsellers, textbooks, and educational materials. Users can access books in a various formats, such as audio, Braille, or large print, and read them using compatible devices or apps. Bookshare is free for qualified U.S. students and offers affordable subscription plans for other users.
Learning Ally is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, as well as visual or physical impairments that make reading traditional print challenging. It provides human-narrated audiobooks and evidence-based solutions to help struggling readers succeed academically and build confidence.
These tools amplify sound and help students with hearing impairments to better hear their teachers and classmates reading. For example, hearing aids.
Devices like C-Pen Reader scan text and read it aloud, which can be especially useful for students who have difficulty reading standard print.
The C-Pen Reader is a portable assistive device designed to help individuals with reading and learning challenges. It functions as a text scanner and reader, allowing users to scan printed text and have it read aloud instantly. This makes it particularly useful for individuals with dyslexia, visual impairments, or those learning new languages. The C-Pen Reader supports independent reading and learning, making it a valuable tool for students and anyone needing reading assistance.
Tools like Inspiration and Kidspiration help students organize their thoughts and ideas visually, making reading comprehension and retention easier. They are particularly useful for students with ADHD or other learning disabilities.
Kidspiration Graphic Organizer
Kidspiration is a visual learning software that helps learners organize their thoughts and ideas through graphic organizers like concept maps, webs, and Venn diagrams. The software supports various subjects, including reading, writing, math, and science, by providing tools that cater to visual and auditory learners.
Leveled reading materials are texts that are adapted to different reading abilities, allowing students to engage with content at an appropriate complexity level while building comprehension skills.
All in one destination for leveled non-fiction reading, high-interest, English and Spanish, brief quizzes, text and images, writing prompts, etc.
Voice options, reading preferences and literacy level. Supplemental material provided (i.e., jokes). Detailed lesson plans, learning extensions, and offline assessment tools.