Student Resources - AT Computer Applications
Windows and Mac Applications
The following table of links are for computer applications and other assistive technology related solutions for both Windows and Mac platforms. The table includes the application name, what type of application it is, whether it's free or paid, and what platform(s) each works on. (Updated 8/13/24)
|
Application Name |
App Type |
Free or Paid |
Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Reader |
Text-to-Speech |
Free / Paid for premium features |
All platforms. #1 rated TTS software. New features incl. conversion of screen shots and ability to clone voices. Requires internet connection. |
|
Text-to-Speech, Custom UI settings |
Free - embedded in Canvas courses |
All platforms. Developed by Microsoft, this tool is built into all Canvas Courses. Requires internet connection (Canvas). |
|
| Helperbird |
Text-to-Speech, custom UI settings (for Dyslexia in particular) |
Free / Paid for premium features |
Mac / Windows - browser-based extension (works with Chrome, Safari, etc.) Online-based service. |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader |
PDF Reader w/basic text-to-speech capability |
Free |
Mac / Windows PC / iOS / Android. Although not considered a text-to-speech program, the basic read features will work to get anyone started. |
| Kurzweil 3000 / 1000 |
Comprehensive Assistive Technology Application. Text-to-Speech + study tool (Scan / Read / Write) |
Free access when enrolled in LNSK 102, or provided access via DSPS, otherwise, paid. |
Mac / Windows PC / Standalone and web versions Kurzweil 3000 is for sighted users; 1000 is for non-sighted users. |
| Speechify |
Text-to-Speech / Cloud Based |
Free / Paid versions |
All devices and platforms. Powerful, high-quality TTS program with proprietary AI based voices. Anything saved in your Speechify library syncs across all device types. |
| JAWS |
Screen Reader |
Free with use of Chabot (educational) email account. |
Windows PC only
|
| NVDA | Screen Reader | Free |
Windows PC only |
| ZoomText | Magnification / reading program | Free with use of Chabot (educational) email account. |
Windows PC only |
| Fusion | JAWS + ZoomText combo install | Free with use of Chabot (educational) email account. | Windows PC only |
| CAR (Central Access Reader) |
Specialized e-text reader for math equations |
Free |
Windows PC / Mac (Mojave OS) |
| Equatio |
Math equation creator |
Paid |
Mac / Windows / Android / iOS |
| Read & Write |
Text-to-Speech / study helper / Web-based |
Paid |
Mac / Windows (using Google Chrome extension) (reads web-based documents including PDFs) |
| Read Aloud |
Text-to-Speech / web-based |
Free |
Google Chrome (reads web-based documents including PDFs) |
| Speechelo |
A.I.-based Text-to-speech audio generator |
Paid (price varies) |
Cloud-based solution, works from any connected device (PC, Mac, phone/tablet). Uses advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) / high-quality synthesized voices including natural inflections and breathing. Not an e-text reader; only for generating advanced-quality digital audio (MP3s) from text. |
| Dancing Dots |
Read / Write / Record music for visually impaired |
Paid |
Windows PC only. (suite of different systems and applications). Some apps require additional equipment, i.e. a MIDI keyboard and MIDI interface. |
| Accessible Periodic Table |
Screen reader friendly table of elements with flexibility over viewing mode and access speed. |
Free |
Windows PC only |