Reading and Writing Support
The following free or low cost assistive technology software programs are available for anyone to use. The following programs, software, websites and apps focus on different forms of reading and writing support.
Software Programs
Reading and Literacy Support
Natural Reader
Text-to-Speech software which converts Microsoft Word, Webpages, PDFs, and Email into spoken text
Customize reading voice and speed for your readings
Floating toolbar to read text in other applications
Online Text-to-Speech program with options to input text from various sources on your computer
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Windows; Mac OS; Online Resource
Rewordify
Rewordify replaces higher-level vocabulary with words that are
easier to understand
Help build understanding within readings and builds vocabulary
Difficult words are replaced and highlighted
Click on the words that were replaced to see the original word in
the text
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Online Resource
Voice Dream Reader
Text-to-speech app to read books with the ability to customize your screen for preferred reading options
Read by listening to the text, visually or both at the same time
Supports PDF, Word Docs, EPUB, DAISY, eBooks, Web pages and more with the ability to integrate your Bookshare books or books in Dropbox, Evernote, Pocket, Gutenberg and more
Includes multiple language options along with various fonts, including Open Dyslexic font, and voices, including the option to purchase additional voices
Highlight information in the reading and export it to other programs and apps
More Information:
Cost: $9.99; VoiceDream Reader Lite(Free)
Compatibility: iOS; iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
Spritz
Test your reading speed using Spritz to find your optimum reading speed to use in partnership with Readsy
Increase or decrease the test reading speed to find your balance of speed and comprehension
Spritz custom interface called the Spritzlet, adjusts word position and red letter placement for increased focus, attention and comprehension
Various website and apps have the Spritz Spritzlet embedded in it
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Web; iOS; Android
Beeline Reader
Monochrome color text reader with Open Dyslexie Font
Read PDF files, webpages and convert ebooks to PDF files to be read with this program
Monochrome color text helps eyes to track lines of text for easier, faster reading by eliminating “line transition errors.”
Various monochrome color schemes for personalized use
More Information:
Cost: $1.99 -iOS app; browser extensions free
Compatibility: Browser Extension: Chrome & Foxfire; iOS: iPad, iPhone, Desktop
vBookz PDF Reader
Read PDF files with this app
Interactive cursor allows readers to follow along with text
Use annotation tools such as highlighting, text, notes, and bookmarks to help support your reading
Read books in text mode with the option for Dyslexie Font
Import PDFs using email, Dropbox, or through iTunes
More Information:
Cost: $4.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad; iPhone, iPod touch
Prizmo
Convert documents and webpages into text-to-speech
Upload documents from Dropbox, Google Drive, Clipboard, Instapaper, or Web Browser
Listen to document immediately or save it to your playlist for future listening
Adjust speech rate along with the choice of built in voices; additional voices for purchase
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch; Windows and Mac Browser Extensions
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Free PDF reader if PDF documents are readable PDFs
Listen to readings instead of reading them yourself
Tagged PDFs are read in order in structure tree, untagged are read in logical inferred reading order
Tagged PDFs will read alternative text descriptions
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Windows; Mac OS
Book Share
Largest online library of accessible reading materials for people with print disabilities
Accessible books, textbooks, newspapers and magazine are available
Individuals with Print Disabilities can sign up for a membership
Books available for download can be read on DAISY players, with Screen Readers, Refreshable Braille Displays, and other Assistive Technology Programs
More Information:
Cost: Free with Print Disability
Compatibility: Online Resource
NaviDys
Adapt and adjust webpages to your own reading preference settings
Adjust the font to one of 10 available fonts including Dyslexie font
Adjust font size, letter spacing and line spacing of the webpage you’re reading
More Information:
Cost: $2.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad
Yuzu (formerly Nook Study
Read your textbooks on the go – anywhere
Annotate your readings with highlights, sticky notes, and flags in your textbooks
Filter your notes and highlights onto one screen
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iPad: Web App; Windows App
Fokus
Highlight only the text you want to read while Fokus dims and darkens the rest of your Chrome or Firefox window with an overlay
Highlights the paragraph you’re reading with the ability to change the opacity of the background overlay
Easy to install extension with the ability to turn the feature on or off
More Information: or
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Chrome and Foxfire Add-On
CamScanner
Use your camera phone to scan documents, notes, whiteboards, business cards or any other document
Use the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature to convert images to readable text
Add annotations to your scanned documents
Sync documents across devices
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone; Android; Windows Phone 8
Writing Support
Ginger Grammar Checker and Spell Checker
Checks your spelling and grammar and fixes it according to the context of your text in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome
Suggests different and better ways to express your sentences (Premium)
Provides training to improve your mistakes (Premium)
Reads your text out loud (Premium)
More Information:
Cost: Free; Premium $5.10- $11.20/Month
Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch; Chrome and Safari Extension
Ghotit
Online Contextual and phonetic spell checker along with grammar and punctuation checker
Copy text into web page and program will check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
More Information:
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Online Resource
Voice Dream Writer
Make fewer mistakes, use the right words and organize your writing better with this app
Text-to-speech and voice-to-text help you to proofread to avoid awkward sentences or grammatical mistakes
Dictionary, Phonetic Spell Checker, and Word Finder help you use the correct words when writing
Outline of paper allows for better structure and ease when restructuring your paper
More Information:
Cost: 9.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
Co:Writer
Word Prediction app that gives you suggestions of words as you type with the option of reading your word options out loud with a swipe of your finger
Built-in text-to-speech reads back what you’ve typed
Grammar and spelling support
Export files to Dropbox, Google Drive, and other programs
Create topic dictionaries from websites and Wikipedia links
More Information:
Cost: $19.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, Ipod touch
iWordQ
Context-based word prediction tool; including homonyms
Make your own custom abbreviation to simply your writing
Text-to-Speech function with breathing space added allows for you to listen to your writing to hear any mistakes and make changes and catch up as you proofread
More Information:
Cost: $24.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPad touch
TextExpander
Type more with less effort using this custom keyboard shortcut app
Create custom abbreviations called snippets of frequently used words and phrases for easy, quick entry into your documents
Insert snippets by simply touching on them on your screen
Use Dropbox to sync your snippets across devices
More Information:
Cost: $4.99
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPad touch