Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office 2019 is the supported office suite software on campus.  The Read Aloud tool is available on the Review Tab as a text reader and for proofreading.

WYNN Wizard

WYNN Wizard is a scan-and-read system. This software allows users to scan printed material, such as books and journals, and have the text read out loud. Numerous visual enhancements and study tools enhance learning. In addition to reading scanned material, WYNN Wizard can also read word processor documents, Adobe PDF documents, email, and web pages. Scanners are available in most campus labs and in the libraries.

Windows Magnifier

Windows Magnifier screen magnifier allows users to magnify a computer video display up to 16 times the normal size.

JAWS Screen Reader

JAWS screen reader is designed to allow blind and low vision users to access and use a computer. JAWS reads text, screen objects, application menus, word processor documents, Adobe PDF documents, email, web pages. Compatible with supported third-party software.

NVDA Screen Reader

NVDA screenreader is designed to allow blind and low vision users to access and use a computer. NVDA reads text, screen objects, application menus, word processor documents, Adobe PDF documents, email, web pages, supports many applications that are not supported by JAWS. NVDA supports both keyboard navigation, and use of a mouse. Freeware.

Inspiration

Inspiration helps students create a writing project by using a graphical organizer. Concepts are represented graphically in a diagram. An outline is generated and exported to a word processor.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Allows users to dictate text and voice-command the computer.

Read Aloud tool in MS Word

Reads text of a Word document out loud, useful for review and proofreading

Balabolka

Text reader for Windows. Reads text out loud, creates MP3 audio from text, screenreader accessible. Freeware.

Blackboard Ally

Integrated into GVSU Blackboard, allows download of posted documents in alternate, accessible formats

Voiceover (Mac)

Voiceover screen reader is integrated into Mac OS, and is designed to allow blind and low vision users to access and use a computer. Voiceover reads text, screen objects, application menus, word processor documents, Adobe PDF documents, email, web pages.

Zoom (Mac)

Screen magnifier integrated into Mac OS, allows users to magnify a computer video display up to 40 times the normal size.

Natural Reader

Text reader for both Windows and Mac computers. Reads text from DSR alternate format textbooks, documents, and web pages. Available in free and commercial versions.

Livescribe Smartpens (Windows, Mac, apps for iOS, and Andoid)

Pens that link recorded audio with handwritten notes, and allow a student to easily review lecture recordings from any point by tapping on selected written notes. Echo pens synchronize with desktop software on Windows or Mac. Aegir, and Symphony pens pair via Bluetooth with the Livescribe+ desktop app for Windows and Mac computers, or Livescribe+ mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Sonocnet Glean (Chrome browser, Chromebook, apps for iOS and Android)

Cloud-based notetaking platform requires Chrome browser, allows students to synchronize typed notes with recorded lectures. Lecture recordings can be reviewed from any point. Glean mobile apps can also be used for notetaking.

Read Aloud (Chrome browser, Chromebook)

Chrome extension that adds text to speech functionality. Reads text from web pages and online documents, including PDF. Freeware.

Select and Speak (Chrome browser, Chromebook)

Chrome extension that adds text to speech functionality. Reads text from web pages and online documents, including PDF. Freeware.

Voice Notebook website (Chrome browser, Chromebook, apps for iOS and Android)

www.voicenotebook.com website transcribes dictation.  Text can be copied into a word processor.  Free to use. The iOS and Android apps also function offline. Freeware.

Speechnotes (Chrome browser, Chromebook)

Chrome app for dictation, allows users to dictate text into an online document. Freeware.

Google Voice Typing

Dictation tool available in Google Docs, requires Chrome browser.

Otter.ai

Web service useful for transcription.  Apps are available for iOS and Android devices.  Free plan offers 600 minutes of transcription per month.  Paid subscription plans are available that offer additional transcription minutes.

Voice Dream Reader (iOS, Android)

Text-to-speech app allows the users to listen to textbooks scanned by DSR, Word documents, accessible PDF documents, and eBooks downloaded from DropBox, Google Drive, Bookshare and Project Gutenberg. VoiceOver accessible.

Voice Dream Scanner (iOS, Android)

Allows user to take a photo of print materials and have the text read out loud. Documents can be saved to the Voice Dream Reader app. Voiceover accessible.

Easy Reader (iOS, Android)

Text to Speech app allows the user to listen to books from a number of accessible online libraries, including Bookshare and Project Gutenberg. VoiceOver accessible. Freeware.

@Voice Aloud Reader (Android)

Text-to-speech app reads files saved on device or imported from DropBox or Google Drive. Freeware.

ezPDF Reader (Android)

Text to speech app reads accessible PDF documents on device or imported from DropBox or Google Drive. Allows annotation of PDF documents.

SimpleMind (iOS, Android)

Mind mapping app that helps students organize ideas for a paper. Free version of app allows diagram creation, Paid version allows creation of outline that can be exported or emailed.

Live Transcribe (Android)

Transcription - useful for class and conversation.  Freeware

Otter.ai (iOS and Android)

Transcription - useful for class and conversation.  Free plan offers 600 minutes per month.  Paid plans offer additional transcription minutes.

Microsoft OneDrive (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android)

Cloud storage for files shared between devices. Current GVSU students, faculty, and staff have access to OneDrive. Log in with your GVSU email address and password. OneDrive offers 1 TB of data storage. Files can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Dropbox (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android)

Cloud storage for files shared between computers and mobile device. Free for 2GB storage, paid subscription plans for additional storage.

Google Drive (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android)

Cloud storage for files shared between computers and mobile device. Each Google account is allocated 15 GB free storage, paid subscription plans for additional storage.

This list is intended to advise students and parents regarding assistive technology at Grand Valley State University, and is provided for informational purposes only. The software discussed in this guide is supported by Disability Support Resources. Numerous assistive technology applications are available from various sources.