Introduction to Assistive Applications

Assistive or Accessible technology has been constantly developed since humans have existed. This technology can be as simple as a stick to lean on, or as complicated as an eye-controlled Augmentative or Alternative Communication tablet (AAC). With the advent of smartphones and tablets, some costs have come down, allowing many more people to experiment with assistive applications. This page includes some free/low-cost applications that can be installed on your laptop or phone. 

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Laptop Software

  • Balabolka - convert text into mp3s, similar to Read & Write Gold (Free, PC)
  • Cephable - Create your own alternative controls for your computer, including facial movements, head movements, vocal commands, dictation, switches, etc. (Free, PC, Mac)
  • ColorVeil - color filter for a computer screen (free, PC)
  • Enable Viacam - Mouse alternative, uses the webcam to allow mouse control with your head (Free, PC)
  • f.lux - blue-light filter which adapts automatically to the time of day (free, PC)
  • Goblin Tools - Includes a todo task breakdown, formalizer for text, judge for reading the tone, and braindump compiler (free, browser-based)
  • NaturalReader - text to speech (browser-based)
  • NVDA - Screenreader (free, PC)
  • Obi - audio editor for creating DAISY/Accessible audiobooks in a fully accessible format (free, PC)
  • PangoBright - screen dimming and color-control, works with multiple monitors (free, PC)
  • Speechify - Text to speech (free, PC, Mac)

For Intro to Disability Studies: Get a free premium account with Natural Reader through the SDS until February 18, 2025. To join: 

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Mobile Apps (iOS and Android)

Apps with an asterisk* are paid apps, or require a payment to unlock some functionality.

Text-to-Speech/eBook Read-aloud apps

Apps that will read text aloud.

Speech-to-Text/Dictation apps

Apps that allow you to dictate or will convert spoken words to text.

Mobile Scanning Apps

Take a picture of a text and create a PDF or OCR'd text.

  • Many newer Android phones and iPhones include cameras that can automatically scan and OCR documents. 
  • Adobe Scan (Android, iOS)
  • ClaroSpeak and Plus* (uses the ABBYY engine to translate scanned books to text) (iOS, Android)
  • FineReader (iOS)
  • Google Drive (Android)
  • Google Lens (Android, iOS)
  • Microsoft Lens (iOS, Android)
  • Prizmo (iOS)

Screen Reader apps

Apps that will read aloud what is on the screen; an alternate way to access your phone or tablet.

  • VoiceOver (iOS)
  • Google TalkBack (Android)

Screen Magnification/Magnifier

Apps that will enlarge your mobile device's screen, and/or will add extra magnification to your camera.

Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)

Apps that allow augmentative or alternative communication; type or press buttons to have a mobile device speak for you.

Accessible Directions

GPS or map apps that allow verbal walking directions

Mind Mapping

Create visual outlines or diagrams to visually organize information

Handwriting-to-Text

Apps that convert your handwriting to machine-readable text

Audio Enhancement Apps

Apps that will amplify or otherwise adjust audio to fit your hearing profile.

Note Capturing apps

Apps for handwritten notes, diagrams and doodles.

Facial Mouse

Apps that allow you to control a mouse pointer on your mobile device with your head movements.