Accessible Format and Assistive Technology

Learn about accessible format and software and hardware solutions including text-to-speech programs, screen readers, magnification tools, writing software, voice dictation, Braille devices, and more.

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Accessible Format and Assistive Technology

Accessible Format

Accessible reading materials include, but are not limited to, accessible PDFs that can be read by text-to-speech software, audio books, Braille, and tactile imaging.

Accessible PDF
Accessible Word Doc
EPub
MP3 Audio
Braille
Magnification
Tactile

Accessible Format Request Process:

Once approved for accessible format, you will receive an email with instructions on how to request accessible format through Rebel Access. If you still have questions, you can email or make an appointment with the Adaptive Technology Specialist to talk about the accessible format process.

Other Important Accessible Format Notes:

If you have difficulty listening to the accessible format on your device, you may email the Adaptive Technology Specialist for assistance.
Accessible format is processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
Accessible format is considered a free service.
Accessible format does not have to be returned at the end of the semester unless an exception is specifically made by the Adaptive Technology Specialist.

Word

PDF

PowerPoint

Assistive Software

Assistive software changes how a device works to make it easier to use, such as reading text out loud or making words bigger. Explore our list of various assistive software solutions to enhance accessibility across multiple platforms and user needs.

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
		X
		X
	X
		X
	X	X
		X
		X
	X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
	X
		X
	X	X
	X
		X

Enable the Text-To-Speech feature in System Preferences, Dictation and Speech. Select the "Speak selected text when the key is pressed" check box. Highlight the text you want to hear, then click the Option-Esc keystroke to listen to it. To stop listening to the text, click the Option-Esc keystroke again.
VoiceOver is another feature built into a MAC. It is for blind users because it is controlled by the keyboard, but you can use it too. .

Android
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
	X
	X
	X
		X
	X
	X
	X
		X
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
		X
	X
	X
		X
		X
		X

Chrome Browser
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
	X
	X
	X
	X
	X
	X

Safari Browser

Firefox Browser
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
	X

Web Based
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
		X
	X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
		X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
		X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
	X
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
		X

Chrome Browser
Software	Free	Paid
		X
	X
		X

Safari
Software	Free	Paid
	X
		X

Firefox Browser
Software	Free	Paid
		X

Web Based
Software	Free	Paid
		X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
	X	X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
		X

Chrome Browser
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
	X
	X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
	X
		X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
	X
	X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
	X

Mac

VoiceOver is a screen reader built into a MAC. .

Android
Software	Free	Paid
	X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Chrome Browser
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
	X
	X
		X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
		X
	X
	X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X

Web Based
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
		X

Closed Captioning Services
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
		X
		X
		X
		X
		X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
		X
	X
	X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
	X
	X
		X

Microsoft OneNote
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	FREE for Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X Yosemite 10.10 or later, iOS, Android, and Web: .
Features	Capture thoughts, ideas, and to-dos and sync them to all your devices. Store and share your notebooks on OneDrive with your free Microsoft account. Doesn’t expire. Use OneNote for as long as you like. Sort content across notebooks, sections, and pages. Highlight notes with to-do tags. Use a keyboard, stylus, or finger to take notes. Record audio notes, insert online videos, and add files. Use the OneNote Web Clipper to save content with a single click. Share notebooks with anyone.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Windows: Most items are accessible with keyboard navigation using shortcut keys, TAB, and Arrow Keys. However, the Search Box, Right Menu Bar, and Page/Section Tabs are not fully accessible. JAWS Screen Reader offers better support than NVDA. iOS App: Accessibility is excellent with Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver enabled. Great keyboard navigation and focus. Android App: Accessibility is good when TalkBack is enabled.

Glean
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and Linux running supported browsers: .
Features	Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are the only supported browsers. Take notes (called Events in Glean) and record lectures simultaneously. Highlight and add labels to important notes by enabling Lightning Mode. Create tasks to identify important notes such as assignments or exams. Organize notes by class, professor, or any category using Collections. Annotate notes. Add Text Notes while reviewing your notes during playback. Import slides and other content relevant to your notes (PDF format only). Access notes using any device through the Cloud.
Training and Support	.
Accessibility	Windows: The accessibility evaluation of the Windows version of Glean (30-Day Trial) using Google Chrome and JAWS Screen Reader Pro 2019 determined that the application is completely accessible with keyboard navigation and screen reader usage.

Evernote
Category	Details
Compatibility	Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.13 or later, iOS, and Android: .
Pricing	Free and subscription plans: .
Features	Syncs across your devices. Save web pages, articles, and PDFs. Customizable and reusable note templates. Search for text in PDFs, Office docs, images, presentations, and scanned documents in the Premium version. Record audio and attach it to specific notes (limited by total note size and plan type). Collect, organize, and share content with anyone. Scanning capability. Integrates with Google Drive, Outlook, Salesforce, and Slack.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Accessibility is mediocre according to reviews from various websites. Windows: . Keyboard navigation is cumbersome, with limited shortcuts and issues accessing drop-down lists for the account name. The Menu Bar is not fully navigable with a keyboard. iOS App: Mediocre accessibility on iPads, even with Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver enabled. VoiceOver does not read many tools, and certain buttons require touch to operate. Android App: Good accessibility when TalkBack is enabled.

Notability
Category	Details
Compatibility	Apple devices only: .
Pricing	Free and paid versions: .
Features	Combine handwriting, photos, and typing in a single note. Wide range of note-taking and sketching tools. Add and annotate PDFs. Record audio and sync it with written notes. Customize handwritten notes and sketches. Combine sketches, outlines, and typed text. Share notes via Google Drive, AirDrop, Email, and Dropbox. Markup photos, annotate PDFs, or create original content. Sync notes using iCloud.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Accessibility is good for low vision but mediocre for other disabilities according to reviews from various websites. iOS App: Using the Free Starter Edition, accessibility is mediocre when Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver are enabled. Some tools, like Help and Notability Plus near the Settings tool, are not accessible via keyboard or VoiceOver. VoiceOver does not acknowledge these tools, though all other tools are accessible. These limitations make the app only partially accessible.

Apple Notes
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	Apple only. Comes pre-installed for free with any Apple device.
Features	Create text notes of all kinds. Easy-to-use and clean interface. Pin important notes for quick access. Create folders, organize notes, draw, create checklists, scan and sign documents, and add attachments. Save notes to iCloud for access across all Apple devices.
Training and Support
Accessibility	iOS App: Accessibility is good. Most features are accessible with shortcut keys, and enabling VoiceOver provides a seamless experience. With Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver enabled, navigation becomes intuitive using Arrow Keys and Return key on a smart keyboard.

Google Keep
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	Free for iOS, Android, Google Chrome, and Web: .
Features	Syncing notepad connected to Google Drive. Supports photo notes, voice notes, and checklists. Universal search for titles and note contents.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Web-Based: Good with keyboard navigation and screen reader. Google Chrome Extension: Good. iOS App: Accessibility on iPad is excellent when Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver are enabled, allowing smooth navigation and precise keyboard focus. Android App: Accessibility is good when TalkBack is enabled.

Notability
Category	Details
Compatibility	Apple devices only: .
Pricing	Free and paid versions: .
Features	Combine handwriting, photos, and typing in a single note. Wide range of note-taking and sketching tools. Add and annotate PDFs. Record audio and sync it with written notes. Customize handwritten notes and sketches. Combine sketches, outlines, and typed text. Share notes via Google Drive, AirDrop, Email, and Dropbox. Markup photos, annotate PDFs, or create original content. Sync notes using iCloud.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Accessibility is good for low vision but mediocre for other disabilities according to reviews from various websites. iOS App: Using the Free Starter Edition, accessibility is mediocre when Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver are enabled. Some tools, like Help and Notability Plus near the Settings tool, are not accessible via keyboard or VoiceOver. VoiceOver does not acknowledge these tools, though all other tools are accessible. These limitations make the app only partially accessible.

Zoom Transcription
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux: .
Features	Automatic transcription of audio saved to the cloud. Option to display transcription in video similar to captioning. Transcript divided into sections, timestamped, and editable. Utilizes the Otter.ai transcription service. Supports English only.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Windows: The Zoom Desktop Client for Meetings works well with JAWS Screen Reader Pro 2019 and keyboard navigation. Minor accessibility issues include poor keyboard focus when navigating the Meetings, Contacts, and Settings navigation bars using a keyboard.

Otter.ai
Category	Details
Compatibility and Pricing	Web-Based, iOS, and Android: .
Features	Create notes for any voice conversation. Powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Can function as a stand-alone recorder and transcriber or integrate with Zoom meetings. Convert existing audio files into text.
Training and Support
Accessibility	Web-Based: Accessible using Google Chrome with JAWS Screen Reader, which enhances keyboard focus. However, links below the 3 fields in the Home tab of Account Settings, as well as links in the Apps and Notifications tabs, are not fully accessible via keyboard navigation. iOS App: Excellent accessibility with Full Keyboard Access and VoiceOver enabled. Provides great keyboard navigation and VoiceOver integration. Android App: Good accessibility when TalkBack is enabled, ensuring effective navigation and functionality.

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
		X
		X
		X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Mac
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Android
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Windows
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X

iPhone, iPad, & iPod
Software	Free	Paid
		X
		X
	X

Web Based
Software	Free	Paid
	X

Assistive Hardware

Assistive hardware is special equipment, such as a bigger keyboard or a screen you can touch, to help people use technology. Explore our list of assistive hardware options designed to improve accessibility for a variety of user needs.

Stand-Alone Devices:

Braille Displays/Notetakers:

Tactile Devices:

Desktop/Portable Magnifiers:

Calculators (Talking/Big Key/Big Display):

Frequency Modulation Systems:

Other Communication Devices:

(FREE)
(FREE)

Windows:

Mac:

Android:

iPhone, iPad, & iPod:

Pointers/Switches:

Livescribe Echo Smartpen
Category	Details
Compatibility	Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later (for Echo Desktop software): .
Features	Record everything you hear, say, and write while syncing audio to your notes. Tap a specific location in your notes to play back audio recorded at that time. Organize and play back interactive notes with Echo Desktop software. Share notes and pencasts as images. Dot Paper is required for note-taking. Uses replaceable ink refills.
Training and Support
Semester Check-Out	SDS offers this device for semester-long checkouts. For inquiries, contact the Adaptive Technology Specialist, Jim Weier.

Revolabs xTag USB Wireless Mic
Category	Details
Compatibility
Features	Plug-and-play setup doesn’t require the installation of drivers. Charges through the computer’s USB port. Impervious to GSM noise from other wireless electronic devices. 128-bit encryption for HIPAA compliance. Wireless design. Mic gets paired with base for wireless communication between presenter and recipient. Plug base (receiver) into computer via USB, lecturer wears the transmitting mic, audio wirelessly gets transmitted to base (receiver), remote transcriber can hear audio and create a transcript of audio in real time for individual requiring captioning services through Skype, Zoom, or other web conferencing application.
Training and Support
Semester Check-Out	SDS has this device available for check out. If interested in checking out one of these devices for the semester, please contact the Adaptive Technology Specialist, Jim Weier.

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