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 1/24/24)

 

Application Name

App Type

Free or Paid

Platforms

Natural Reader

Text-to-Speech

Free / Paid for premium features

Mac / Windows PC / Chromebook / iOS / Android.  #1 rated TTS software. Requires internet connection.

Balabolka

Text-to-Speech

Free

Windows PC only

Helperbird

Text-to-Speech, UI Customization (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

$139/year

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