Assistive Technology Resources
This is a list of free, low cost, or built-in assistive technology resources that can be utilized by anyone.
Text-to-Speech (text read aloud)
Recommended for users that benefit from having basic text read aloud. These programs will allow you to see text on the screen and hear the text read aloud. These programs also track the words that are read so you stay on pace with the information.
- Natural Reader (online)
- Immersive Reader (Word, OneNote, etc.)
- Does not display images, only reads text information.
- Video guide to Immersive Reader
- Central Access Reader
- Reads Word files, including math!
Screen Readers (reads everything on the screen - no monitor required)
Recommended for users that require audio cues in order to operate computer/laptop functions and have text material read aloud. Extensive training may be required to successfully and fully operate these programs.
- Narrator (Windows screen reader)
- Voiceover (for macOS)
- Voiceover (for iPhone)
- TalkBack (Android phones)
- NVDA Screen Reader (Windows)
Speech-to-Text (type with your voice)
Recommended for users that benefit from being able to speak aloud and have a software program type out what is being said.
- Google Docs (web app)
- Dictation (MS Word)
- Type with your voice (Android)
- Dictation (iPhone)
- Dictation (Mac OSX)
- Voice Typing (Windows)
Captions and Transcription
For users who want to read a text transcription of spoken audio, in a video, or in real time.
- Android Live Transcribe
- Live Caption in Chrome
- YouTube Automatic Captions
- Microsoft 365 Transcription (must have a Microsoft 365 account)
Sign Language Interpreting
- SignUp (interpreting for specific movies)
Audio Recording
Recommended for users that benefit from audio recordings for later reference. Please note class recording requires permission from faculty or accommodations through SDS.
- Voice Recorder (Windows)
- Voice Memos (OSX)
- Voice Recording in iOS
- Rev Voice Recorder (iOS, Android)
- Otter.ai (app)
Reading Tools
- Immersive Reader (Edge)
- Just Read (Chrome)
- Beeline Reader (browsers, iOS, Android, PDFs, ePUB)
- Open source alternative: Waspline Reader for Chrome, Waspline Reader for Firefox
- Bionic Reading (browsers, iOS, Android, can download files)
Writing Tools
- Grammerly (app)
- Hemingway App (web app)
- Wordtune (Chrome)
- Citation Machine (web app)
Note Taking Tools
Multiple Accessibility Features
- Morphic (Windows)
- Goblin Tools (browser, iOS, Android)
Converting Documents into Alternate Formats (Word, ePub, MP3, etc.)
- SensusAccess (web app; automated converter - requires Cornell NetID)
- Calibre (desktop)
Time Management/Focus
- Forest (desktop, iOS, Android)
- Todoist (desktop, iOS, Android)
- Pomofocus.io (web, desktop)
- Pomodoro technique
- Pomodoro Timer Lite (Android)
- Pomodoro technique
- MyNoise (web app)
- Free background noise generator (white noise, other soundscapes)