Tool

Information

Google Chrome

• Increasingly accessible web browser
• Access facilitated by extensions and 'apps' created by Google and by third-party developers
• Click HERE for more information

SpeakIt!

• Google Chrome extension
• Text-to-speech for reading web content in Google Chrome
• Select text, click icon, listen; or right-click selected text and choose Speakit

Voice Search

• Google Chrome extension
• Use speech-to-text for Internet searches
• Click icon, speak search term
• Works with multiple search engines

Speech Recognizer

• Google Chrome App
• Text-to-speech that collects phrases and/or sentences in text box
• Text can be copied and pasted for use anywhere 

Readability Redux

• Google Chrome extension
• Remove clutter from websites (ads and distracting graphics)
• Set margins, select style and adjust font size
• Can be activated by keyboard shortcut set by user

ChromeVis

• Google Chrome extension
• Magnify and change the color of any text selected
• Use mouse or keyboard to move selection
• Click HERE for ChromeVis manual

Google Dictionary

• Google Chrome Extension 
• Double-click on words on webpage for definitions, with audio pronunciation
• Definitions can be read aloud with Speakit
• Click on icon for search box to find defintion of any desired word 

Split Screen

• Open multiple windows in Chrome
• View multiple websites simultaneously
• Note-taking window(s) available onscreen with website(s)
• Windows may be tiled horizontally or vertically 

TalkTyper

• Speech-to-text for Google Chrome, not an extension, but a site that functions only in Chrome
• Text-to-speech available for dictated text

Chrome on a USB Flash Drive

• Run Google Chrome from a USB flash drive, without installing browser on the computer
• Install add-ons on portable version of Chrome, so these can be used on any PC computer
•  Click HERE for more information 

Access Firefox

• Information about installing and using Firefox
  
• Information about add-ons that facilitate access for people who need additional supports
• NOTE: Some Firefox add-ons work only on earlier versions of Firefox, which can be downloaded HERE

MITS Collections

• Collection of add-ons to make Firefox more accessible--from Ira Socol
  
• Separate collection for Firefox on Mac
  

Theme Font & Size Changer

• Firefox add-on that changes font and adjusts font size of theme options, eg. address bar or menus
  
• Access from 'Tools' menu, or install button on toobar
  

Smart Spell Checker in Google Docs

Ghotit

• Online contextual and phonetic spell checker and grammar checker
• Helps correct misused and confused words
  
• Text-to-speech available via Speakit in Chrome
  

Read The Words

• Versatile online text-to-speech option
• Multiple high quality voices available
  
• Type text, upload documents, or copy online content
• Download audio or embed file elsewhere online

vozMe

• Online text-to-speech
• Bookmarklet for reading online content
• Choice of ale or female voice
  
• Create mp3 audio files
  

YAKiToMe

• Online text-to-speech
• Convert text from pdf, MS Word, text files, html
  
• Use with RSS subscriptions
• Create mp3 audio files
  

Tool

Information

After the Deadline

• Contextual spell checker, grammar checker, and style checker
• Firefox add-on and Google Chrome extension for online writing (Facebook, blog entries, etc)
• Extension for OpenOffice Writer for off-line writing

Natural Reader

• Text-to-Speech for websites and other applications, eg. email
• Can be used as floating toolbar
• For Mac and Windows
  
• Free version opens with ad for Natural Reader
• Click HERE for more information 

Getting Started: Apple Tech for Diverse Learners

• Extensive document (pdf) from Apple outlining accessibility and other learning options built into and available for Apple products

Video demos of Windows 7 Accessibility

• Excellent built-in features to support learning challenges
• Watch video overview of features HERE
• Tutorials for using Windows 7 accessibility features HERE
• Watch video demos of accessibility features HERE
  

eType

• Word prediction/auto-completion software for the pc
• Dictionary, thesaurus, and translation features
• Choose 'Advanced' installation to avoid installation of 'Incredibar' search toolbar 

Virtual Magnifying Glass

• Free versatile screen magnification software
• Magnifies from 1X to 32 X
• Keyboard shortcuts and zoom factor can be controlled by mouse scroll wheel
• Adjust page color schemes
  
• For Windows/Mac/Linux

Large Pointers

• Extensive set of cursors to meet wide range of needs
• Designed specifically for individuals who need additional support 
• Windows only

Mouse Locator

• Software to help track the cursor
• Mac OSX 10.4 and up only

Click-N-Type

• Accessible onscreen keyboard, with word prediction
  
• Windows only

Point-N-Click

• Virtual mouse for anyone who has difficulty clicking a physical mouse
• Works with trackball, eye-pointing, etc.
• Windows only

Mousketeer

• Mouse clicking replacement software
• Options for left click, right click, double click, highlight then drag n drop

Vu-Bar

• Onscreen "slotted ruler" that covers all but one line of text
• Adjusts to font size and width of line
• Windows only
• [Several other helpful programs available from the same website.]

MyStudyBar

• Toolbar with set of applications to support reading, writing, planning and vision
• Install on computer, or run from USB drive
• Click HERE for demonstration of using MyStudyBar with Windows 7 Speech Recognition 
• Video tutorials HERE for tools on MyStudyBar
  
• Windows only
• Click HERE for more information 

Access Apps

• 60 open source apps that run from a USB drive
• Tools to support writing, reading, planning, graphics and much more
• Helpful tutorials available for installing software on the USB drive and for using the applications
• Click HERE for more information 

MITS Freedom Stick

• "Americanized" version of open source apps that run from a USB drive (similar to Access Apps)
• Designed to run in any Windows or Linux computer 

Tool

Information

WordTalk

• Text-to-speech toolbar for MS Word
• Highlights text as read
• Talking spell checker
• Creates audio files (wave and mp3)
• Windows only
• Click HERE for more information 
• If WordTalk does not install properly into Word 2007 or 2010, instructions in this video 

Equation Editor

• Toolbar offering mathematical symbols and notation for doing math in MS Word
• Built into MS Word from Word 97 onward
• Windows only
• Click HERE for more information  

Math Add-on for MS Word

• Add-on for Word 2007 and 2010 that makes mathematical symbols and notation available conveniently in MS Word 
• Click HERE for more information 

Microsoft Mathematics 4.0

• Free standalone program from Microsoft
• Powerful and versatile math tool
• Graphing calculator (2D and 3D)
• Equation solver
• Formulas and equations library
• Unit conversion tool 

Equation Editor in Google Docs

• Write equations and complete math assignments/projects in Google Docs 
• Mathematical symbols and notation can be inserted conveniently from built-in pallettes
• Click HERE for more information 

PowerTalk

• Text-to-speech add on for PowerPoint
• Windows only
• Click HERE for more information 
• CAUTION: During installation, be careful to de-select the boxes that read "Use PowerTalk when opening PowerPoint slideshows / presentations.

PowerTalk with Tar Heel Reader

• PowerTalk works extremely well with Tar Heel Reader books when downloaded as PowerPoint files
• Click HERE for more information