Assistive Technology Tool
Description
Examples and Links
What kinds of special needs it
helps with
Optical Character Recognition
(OCR) Software
*Converts scanned, digital,
printed, and handwritten pages
into searchable and editable
electronic text.
*Through word recognition and a
voice synthesizer, reads the pages
out loud.
*Also recognizes text embedded
in graphics.
*Recognizes multiple languages.
Readiris 12
Blind
OpenBook
Visual impairments
Free OCR Software
Dyslexia
SARA – video demo
Reading disabilities
*Transmits speaker’s voice
directly to user’s ear.
*Consists of a wireless
transmitter microphone worn by
the speaker and an earphone
receiver used by the listener.
*Receiver transmits sound to
hearing aid either through direct
audio input or through a looped
cord.
*Keyboards with customized
appearance and function.
*May reduce input choices, group
keys according to color/location,
add graphics to aid
comprehension.
*One handed keyboards.
*Keyboards for those who type
with one finger or a mouth
stick/head pointer.
Easy Listener
Hearing impairments
Hearing Helper, William’s Sound
Attention disabilities
Personal Frequency Modulation
(FM) Listening Systems
Alternative Keyboards
Comtek Communications
FM Systems- Informational video
Intellikeys
Writing disabilities
Intro to Alternative Keyboardsvideo
Motor control disabilities that
affect ability to type
Autism
Communication disabilities
Speech Recognition Software
Talking Calculators
*User speaks into a microphone
and the spoken words appear on
a computer screen as text.
*Responds to voice commands to
control web browser, open
programs, use menus, edit text,
and type.
*Programs train to fit your voice,
speech patterns, and
customizable preferences.
ViaVoice
Writing disabilities
MacSpeech
Visual impairments
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Blindness
Demo video
Motor disabilities that inhibit
effective use of keyboard/mouse
*Built-in speech synthesizer
*Reads out loud numbers,
symbols, and operation/function
keys that a user presses
*Vocalizes answer to problems
*Provides visual and auditory
feedback to help students check
accuracy of input and verify
answers
*Multilingual
Independent Living Aids
Visual impairments
MaxiAids
Blindness
Abledata
Math disabilities
Video: Talking calculator in use