Student Resources - Mobile Device Applications

Apps for Android / Apple iOS

The following list of apps (for phones or tablets) is a combination of solutions specifically with accessibility in mind, as well as every day general use. (We also have a web page dedicated to hardware products, such as CCTVs). Most apps are free. Each app listed features direct links to the Google Play site for Android and / or the Apple App Store for Apple iOS products. (Updated 1/24/24)

• VoiceAloudReader - PDF reader with basic text-to-speech functions. Load PDFs from just about anywhere - cloud storage services such DropBox, iCloud Drive or your phone or tablet. Can open other file types with premium (paid) features. (FREE, premium features PAID)
  Apple iOS (Optimized for iPad) 
• Natural Reader -  Text-to-speech app that reads text, PDF, webpages, and eBooks aloud to you with quality, natural-sounding voices (FREE, premium features PAID)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• tive - With tive, you can instantly connect over live video on-demand to a sign language interpreter anywhere, anytime for anything through your mobile device (FREE app, service may be for pay)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• Seeing AI - Microsoft Seeing AI uses your iPhone/iPad camera to describe objects, scenes, currency, and OCR handwriting, which helps BLV users navigate their environment. (FREE, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS   
• BeMyEyes - This free app lets individuals with low vision or blindness connect with a sighted volunteer and receive real-time feedback for the task at hand. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• Aira Explorer - Aira helps users connect to sighted and trained individuals to get a variety of tasks done. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• TapTapSee - Utilizes the device's camera and voiceover functions to take a picture or video of anything and identify it aloud. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS     
• Notability -  Easily annotate PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, GIFs, and more. Mark up imported textbooks, documents, lecture slides, class assignments, and images. (FREE, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS     
• Otter - Record and take meeting notes in real time, so you can stay focused on the conversation and rest assured that information and actions are captured, easily searchable, and shareable.
  (FREE; licenses are available for DSPS students! Email tdowrie@chabotcollege.edu for access!).
  Android | Apple iOS   
• AudioNote2 - Although not a tradionally considered an app for AT, Google Maps does have a feature that gives detailed voice guidance to visually impaired users. (FREE, Pro version $9.99, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS   
• Google Maps - Although not a tradionally considered an app for AT, Google Maps does have a feature that gives detailed voice guidance to visually impaired users. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS    
• BlindSquare - BlindSquare is used to navigate unfamiliar areas and identify intersections and points, helping users form a mental map. (PAY - $39.99, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS    
• Cash Reader - Cash Reader identifies banknote denominations for the largest number of currencies.
  Point your camera to the money in hand and hear, see or feel its value. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS      
• Rogervoice - Rogervoice subtitles phone calls. Call anyone, and get a real-time transcription of the conversation. Meet the fastest, most reliable and versatile call captioning app on the market. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS    
• Pen to Print - Pen to Print is the first handwriting to text OCR app converting scanned handwritten notes into digital text available for edits, search and storage in any digital platform. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS     
• iTranslate - iTranslate is the leading free translator / traductor and dictionary app. Easily translate text or start voice-to-voice conversations in over 100 languages. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS