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
The Read&Write Desktop app is a toolbar students can download to their personal laptop. Read&Write includes many literacy tools including read aloud (text-to-speech), dictionary, picture dictionary, and highlighting. Read&Write is most commonly used by students with alternate format textbooks, but can be used with many desktop applications including Microsoft Office products. Read&Write is available for all SUNY Oneonta students free of charge.
Download for PC:
- Go to the Microsoft Store Read&Write Download.
- Click Install.
- Once downloaded, double click the desktop icon to open.
- Choose Log in with a Microsoft Account.
- Type in your SUNY Oneonta email address. You will be redirected to Single Sign On (SSO).
- Once logged in, the toolbar should open. If you get a pop-up that prompts you to activate with a code, click Skip Activation.
Download for Mac:
- Go to the Read&Write website.
- Scroll down and click the pink Try Read&Write Today button.
- Under the button, click Mac OS.
- Download Read&Write. You may need to click on the download to open the installer once it is complete.
- Install Read & Write following the directions in the installer.
- Once installed, launch Read&Write from your Launch Pad if it does not open immediately.
- Click Log in with a Microsoft Account.
- Type in your SUNY Oneonta email and click Next.
- Log in using Single Sign On (SSO).
- Once logged in, the toolbar should open. If you get a pop-up that prompts you to activate with a code, click Skip Activation.
Read&Write for Chrome is a Google Chrome extension that works on websites, PDFs, and other files opened within Google Chrome. This is especially useful for students who have quizzes or exams on Brightspace and would like the questions read out loud.
Please note: you must download and use the Google Chrome browser for Read&Write for Chrome to work.
To Install:
- Go to the Read&Write for Google Chrome download page.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Once installed, the Read&Write icon should appear on the upper-right of your browser.
- Click the Read&Write icon.
- Click Log in with Microsoft.
- Type in your SUNY Oneonta email address and hit next.
- Log in using Single Sign On (SSO).
- The extension should now be installed and activated. To launch, click the Read&Write icon.
Glean is a desktop and mobile note-taking app that allows students to records lectures, highlight and categorize audio, annotate, and important PDFs or PowerPoint slides.
Glean is only available for eligible students registered with Accessibility Resources. If you are eligible or would like to inquire about Sonocent, please email sds@oneonta.edu.
Echo Desktop is a desktop application to accompany the Livescribe Smartpen Echo. Smartpen users store, review, archive, and organize written and recorded material on Echo Desktop.
To Download:
- Go to the Echo Desktop download page.
- Click Download for PC or Download for Mac depending on your operating system.
- The download may take a few minutes. Once downloaded, click on the file to open the installer.
- Proceed through the installation menu.
- At the end of the installation, click Finish. The window will close and Echo Desktop is now installed.
- For PC users, the icon is now on your desktop. For Mac users, navigate to the icon in your Launch Pad.
Mobile and Tablet
The Sonocent Link app is available for eligible students registered with Accessibility Resources who already have a Sonocent account. If you are eligible to use Sonocent and would like more information about setting up an account, please email sds@oneonta.edu.
Voice Dream is an iOS app that reads PDF and Word documents out loud. In Accessibility Resources, students who are taking an exam they need read aloud will get a locked iPad with a copy of their exam on Voice Dream. Voice Dream is available in the App Store for anyone who would like to purchase it.
Real-time transcription app for individuals or teams. Transcribe lectures, assign speakers and transcribe conversations, and add key words to create meeting notes.
Visit the Otter website for more information and downloads.
Hardware
The Smartpen (Echo) 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.
Read & Write Gold
Features
- Text-to-speech software that can read aloud Word, PDF, and DAISY files.
- Easy-to-use toolbar sits at the top of the screen and does not obstruct viewing of other apps or software.
- Includes literacy tools such as a writing guide, picture dictionary, and pronunciation guide.
- For more information, visit Read & Write online.
Cost
Free to SUNY Oneonta students.
Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS
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
Voice Dream Writer
Features
- Make fewer mistakes, use the right words and organize your writing.
- Text-to-speech and voice-to-text help to proofread to avoid grammatical mistakes.
- Dictionary, Phonetic Spell Checker, and Word Finder help to use the correct words when writing.
- Paper outline allows for better structure and ease when restructuring your paper.
- Visit the Voice Dream Writer website for more information.
Cost
$9.99
Compatibility
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
Trello
Features
- Task management app for managing big projects, semester-long goals, or organizing daily tasks.
- Available as desktop or mobile app.
- Can sync across devices.
- Collaborate with others by creating teams and assigning tasks.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
iOS, Android, most web browsers
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
Be My Eyes
Features
- App that connects people who are blind with sighted volunteers around the world.
- Using video chat, volunteers help people who are blind with a variety of tasks as they serve as the person who is blind’s eyes.
- For more information, visit the Be My Eyes website.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
iOS, Android
Turn Off The Lights
Features
- 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.
- See the Fokus website for more information.
Cost
Free
Compatibility
Google Chrome, Firefox
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