Assistive technology is any hardware or software that aids a person with a disability in completing tasks related to learning, working, or activities of daily living (ADL). Some examples of common AT include mobility aids like wheelchairs, hearing aids, adaptive switches or buttons, software to read text out loud, closed-captioning, and screen readers.
Students registered with Accessibility Resources may use Assistive Technology (AT) to improve their access to academic material. See the list below for more information about the AT we use and download instructions for AT available to all SUNY Oneonta students.
If you have questions about AT available to students registered with Accessibility Resources, please contact our AT Specialist at 607-436-2137.
Desktop
Fusion combines the screen magnification and visual enhancements of ZoomText® with the powerful screen reading capabilities of JAWS®, delivering the best of both worlds. With a single installer and license, users can access ZoomText, JAWS, or the fully integrated Fusion experience—tailored to meet diverse visual accessibility needs.
Genio Notes is a desktop and mobile note-taking app that allows students to record lectures, highlight and categorize audio, annotate, and import PDFs or PowerPoint slides.
Genio Notes is only available for eligible students registered with Accessibility Resources. If you are eligible or would like to inquire about Genio Notes, please email sds@oneonta.edu.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is the world’s leading screen reader, designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision and cannot use a mouse or see screen content. It delivers speech and Braille output, making it possible to access and interact with popular computer applications.
Livescribe+ Desktop is a desktop application to accompany the Livescribe Smartpen Echo 2. Smartpen users store, review, archive, and organize written and recorded material on Livescribe+ Desktop.
To Download
- Go to the Livescribe downloads page (windows) (Mac).
- Click Download for Windows or Download for Mac.
- Open the download and proceed through the installation instructions.
- Once the installation is finished, the Livescribe+ Desktop icon will be on the desktop (for Windows) or in the Launchpad (for Mac).
Setup
- Open Livescribe+ Desktop and plug in the Smartpen.
- When the Smartpen registration prompt shows up, skip it.
- The Smartpen will automatically start to backup to Livescribe+ Desktop.
- Once complete, click on the notebook and view the page.
- To archive, right click on the notebook title from the column on the left and click Archive Notebook.
- Once the notebook is archived, you can revisit and listen to the notebook in Livescribe+ Desktop.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated solution designed for individuals with low vision. It magnifies and enhances everything on your screen, provides audio feedback as you type or navigate programs, and reads documents, web pages, and emails aloud—making your computer easier to see, hear, and use.
Mobile and Tablet
1.Go to the app store on your smartphone and download the Livescribe+ app.
2.Open the Livescribe+ app after it finishes downloading.
3.Press the power button on the smartpen.
4.Gently tap the device pairing box on the smartpen controls card with the smartpen.
5.Follow the instructions on the Livescribe+ app to complete the pairing process. (Pairing is successful when the Bluetooth icon stops blinking on the smartpen.)
Jamworks is a desktop and mobile note-taking app that allows students to record lectures, highlight audio, annotate, and import PDFs or images to add to your notes.
Jamworks is only available for eligible students registered with Accessibility Resources. If you are eligible or would like to inquire about Jamworks, please email sds@oneonta.edu.
Hardware
The Smartpen (Echo 2) is a self-contained ink pen with an on board camera and microphone. Users can capture audio and written notes at the same time. When it's time to review, just tap any written note and the Smartpen will play what was recorded when you wrote that note.
Other Assistive Technology - Apps
Assistive Technology (AT) is widely used, not just by students with disabilities. Desktop and mobile apps are available to help with a variety of academic needs. Many programs, like Office products, Mac OS, Windows, and Microsoft 365, have built-in accessibility functions that can be used by anyone.
Natural Reader Online
Features
- Online text-to-speech tool that can read aloud Word, PDF, EPUB and OCR-scanned images.
- Customize reading voice and speed for your readings.
- Large-print, highlighted text appears as you read.
- Optional purchase of desktop app.
- For more information, visit the Natural Reader website.
Cost
Free online tool. See website for desktop app pricing pricing.
Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android
Voice Dream Reader
Features
- Text-to-speech app.
- Supports PDF, Word, EPUB, DAISY, web pages and more.
- Can integrate with Bookshare, Google Drive, Drop Box, Evernote, Gutenberg, and more.
- Includes multiple language and voice options.
- Includes several fonts including Open Dyslexic font.
- Highlight information in the reading and export it to other programs and apps
- Visit the Voice Dream website for more information.
Cost
Full version - $9.99, Voice Dream Lite - free.
Compatibility
iOS, Android
Bee-Line Reader
Features
- Displays text in a color gradient that eases eye tension and improves focus while reading on screens.
- Includes Open Dyslexic font.
- Available as a browser extension, mobile app, or Adobe plug in.
- Reads PDF, Word, web pages, and more.
- Visit the Beeline Reader website for more information.
Cost
Free browser extension, mobile apps starting at $1.99.
Compatibility
Chrome, Firefox, Adobe DC, iOS, Android, ePUB by ReadMe!
Speechify
Features
- Text-to-speech using natural human voices.
- Compatible with PDF, Word, web pages, and more.
- Sync your current reading across devices.
- To download and for more information, visit the Speechify website.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Google Chrome, Mac OS, iOS, Android
Grammarly
Features
- Eliminate writing mistakes and contextual errors, spelling errors, and poor vocabulary usage.
- Find the right words to use with synonym suggestions.
- Learn from your mistakes to avoid them in the future.
- Grammarly works anywhere you use Google Chrome including emails, essays, social media posts and more.
- Visit the Grammarly website for more information and download instructions.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Google Chrome
Dragon Dictation
Features
- Dictation, or speech-to-text, mobile app.
- Dictate words into text messages, emails, social media, or paste into other apps and programs using the clipboard feature.
- Hands free use.
- Visit the Dragon Dictation website for more information.
Cost
Subscription-based, visit website for more information.
Compatibility
iOS, Android
Microsoft Word Dictate
Features
- Built-in dictation function in Microsoft Word and Word 365.
- Set language preference and dictate in several languages.
Cost
Free for SUNY Oneonta students with Microsoft 365 account.
Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, wherever you use Word.
One Note
Features
- Type notes, add in drawn diagrams and pictures, and record audio on one screen.
- Import audio or written notes.
- Divide notes by class, date, sections, etc.
- Search notes to easily find what you need.
Cost
Free for SUNY Oneonta students
Compatibility
Most web browsers.
EverNote
Features
- Collect notes, web pages, images, and audio in one place.
- Search function to find your information easily.
- Collaborate with others on projects using the sharing features
- Visit the EverNote website for download instructions and more information.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Blackberry
iAnnotate
Features
- Annotate PDF, Word Doc, PowerPoint, and image files.
- Use the typewriter, pen, highlighter, stamp, note, underline, photo, voice and other tools to annotate your document.
- Import PDFs or compress and export for secured sharing with others.
- Visit the iAnnotate website for more information.
Cost
Android - free, iOS - $9.99
Compatibility
iOS, Android
MindMeister
Features
- Mind Mapping/Brainstorming tool for use on personal devices and the web.
- Collaborate in real time with other people.
- Use the program to present your work.
- Free and paid premium versions available
- Visit the MindMeister website for more information.
Cost
Light version - free, Premium version - $6.00 monthly
Compatibility
iOS, Android, most web browsers
Cmap Tools
Features
- Available as a desktop or mobile app.
- Create concept maps and knowledge maps.
- Sync across devices.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS
Insight Timer
Features
- Guided meditation app with largest library of free guided meditation.
- Includes guided meditation, meditation timer, and a 7-day starter course for those new to meditation.
- Guide to getting a better night sleep.
- Track and view your daily sleep and meditation patterns.
- Visit the Insight Timer website or search in your app store for more information.
Cost
Free, premium version available.
Compatibility
iOS, Android
Calm
Features
- Guided meditation, sleep stories, and mood tracker app.
- Customize your recommended guides based on your mental health goals.
- View more information on the Calm website.
Cost
Free, premium version available.
Compatibility
iOS, Android, most web browsers
Momentum
Features
- Browser extension that creates a relaxing, positive space in each new tab you open.
- Customize your new tab page with weather, daily goals, relaxing images, and positive quotes.
- View more information on the Momentum website.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Google Chrome, Firefox
ThinkUp
Features
- Mood app that helps build positive self-talk.
- Daily positive affirmations, stress management guides, and can sync with your favorite music.
- View more information on the ThinkUp website.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
iOS, Android
NVDA
Features
- NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free, open source screen reader built for Windows based operating system computers.
- Download to your computer directly or to a USB drive and run on any computer without installation.
- Works with many popular applications such as web browsers, email, and Microsoft Office programs.
- Ability to convert text into a Braille using Refreshable Braille Display.
- To download and for more information, visit the NV Access website.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Windows
Otter
Features
- AI-powered transcription app available for desktop and mobile.
- Live transcription of conversations, meetings, lectures, and more.
- Otter learns and transcribes better the more you use it.
- Ability to identify and name multiple speakers in a conversation for better communication.
- 600-minutes free per month with the basic version.
- Visit the Otter website to use or for more information.
Cost
Free, premium versions available.
Compatibility
iOS, Android, most web browsers
Sign 4 Me - American Sign Language Learning and Interpretation
Features
- Learn sign language using this app with over 11,500 words.
- 3D avatar characters can be zoomed in or out or rotated to give you the best viewing of every sign.
- Type in a sentence, phrase, word or alphabet for visual playback with the Signed English translation.
- May not provide correct grammatical structure of signed sentences.
- Visit the Sign 4 Me website for more information.
Cost
$9.99
Compatibility
iOS
Microsoft Translator
Features
- Set your native language and begin translating in real-time.
- Use with others to create conversations. Translator will translate conversations into each users native language.
- Plug in for PowerPoint live captions lectures and presentations.
- Use on mobile while travelling and have access to all desktop functions offline.
- Visit the Microsoft Translator website for more information.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon
Goblin Tools
Features
-
Type in a complex task in the Magic ToDo tool and have it broken down into easy steps.
-
Time estimates can be added to each step of the task.
Cost
Free to use web-based version. Premium mobile app version available for purchase.
Compatibility
iOS, Android, most web browsers