Assistive technology encompasses any tool, device, or software that helps students with disabilities participate fully in their education. Modern assistive technology is powerful, often free, and can dramatically improve academic outcomes. This guide covers the most useful tools available to students.
Categories of Assistive Technology
Reading Support: Text-to-speech, screen readers, reading guides, and font adjustments.
Writing Support: Speech-to-text, grammar tools, word prediction, and organizing software.
Note-Taking: Smart pens, audio recording, and automated transcription.
Organization: Task managers, visual planners, and reminder systems.
Free Built-In Tools
- Windows Narrator: Built-in screen reader for Windows
- macOS VoiceOver: Built-in screen reader for Mac
- Chrome accessibility: Built-in text-to-speech, high contrast, and zoom
- Microsoft Immersive Reader: Reading support in Word, OneNote, and Edge
- Google Docs voice typing: Free speech-to-text built into Google Docs
Reading and Learning Tools
- NaturalReader: High-quality text-to-speech with multiple voices
- Bookshare: Free accessible ebook library for students with documented disabilities
- Learning Ally: Human-narrated audiobooks of textbooks
- BeeLine Reader: Color gradient tool that guides eyes across lines of text
Getting Free Software
Many premium assistive technology tools are available free through your campus disability office or institutional license. Before purchasing any tool, check with disability services, your campus IT department, and library. Common free offerings include Read&Write Gold, Kurzweil, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Writing and Note-Taking Tools
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Professional speech-to-text for papers and notes
- Otter.ai: AI transcription for recording and transcribing lectures
- Grammarly: Grammar and writing style assistance
- MindMeister: Mind mapping for brainstorming and organizing essays
Organization and Planning
- Todoist: Task management with reminders and categories
- Google Calendar: Visual scheduling with alerts and color coding
- Notion: All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and planning
- Focus@Will: Music scientifically designed to improve concentration
Pro Strategy: Do not try to adopt ten new tools at once. Pick one tool that addresses your biggest challenge, learn it thoroughly over 2-3 weeks, and integrate it into your routine. Then add another. Building technology habits gradually ensures you actually use the tools instead of forgetting about them.