TOP PICKS | 15 TOOLS
Best Assistive Technology for Reading in the Classroom
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Bookshare
Unique digital library gives access to those with print disabilities
Bottom line: This fantastic digital library service provides a powerful sense of independence for students.
Learning Ally Audiobooks
Digital library offers handy supports for readers
Bottom line: This is a great option for students that need extra support, and, while the library is smaller than competitors, the human-voiced narration is a serious upgrade.
Read&Write
Useful text-to-speech app and extension unlocks the written word
Bottom line: A valuable tool to make classroom use of websites and digital documents more accessible to all students.
Read2Go
Customizable reading tool offers access to texts in Bookshare
Bottom line: Although it doesn't contain its own learning content, Read2Go opens doors for kids who struggle with reading.
Scan and Read Pro
Easily scan, read, and study texts regardless of reading level
Bottom line: This is a powerful tool to support students' independence in reading, studying, and test-taking at any level.
Seeing AI
Free app uses AI to communicate the world to visually impaired kids
Bottom line: Students who are blind or have visual impairments will likely find this multifunctional tool to be a welcome and useful shift from more limited apps.
Universal Reader Plus
Text reader and summarizer with translation for eight languages
Bottom line: Software for struggling readers supports comprehension and also includes a translator.
News-2-You
Draw kids into weekly news with powerful symbols and voice narration
Bottom line: Students can expand literacy skills, learn about the world, and get involved with discussion questions and activities.
JAWS
Screen reader gives kids who are blind access to digital world
Bottom line: Powerful screen reader requires lots of patience to learn, but rewards with total access to the digital universe.
NaturalReader
Natural text-to-speech tool helps kids with reading difficulties
Bottom line: The simple interface and natural-sounding voice can empower many types of kids, those with difficulties in reading or those with cognitive disabilities.
Rewordify
Text-leveling tool gives every student access to complex readings
Bottom line: This utilitarian differentiation tool is useful enough to be in every teacher's toolbox.
VoiceOver
Mac screen reader provides access for students with visual impairments
Bottom line: A screen reader that rewards training with access to today's digital world.
BeeLine Reader
A surprisingly simple tool to improve reading
Bottom line: This is a unique, easy-to-implement reading fluency and comprehension aid that's gaining some evidence of effectiveness.
Microsoft OneNote
Note-taking giant built for flexible, collaborative work
Bottom line: A powerful (and free) tool for thinking and organization that's making smart strides in the education space.
Voice Dream Reader - Text to Speech
Versatile tool makes text accessible to kids with visual impairment
Bottom line: Customization and accessibility to texts set Voice Dream Reader apart from similar tools.