Assistive Technology Tools for Learning Differences, ADHD, and Executive Function Challenges
My Assistive Technology Toolbox
I use a wide variety of technologies in my practice -- both high-tech and low-tech -- too numerous to mention here. This page lists the tools that I most rely on when working with clients and that I include in my trainings.
Because many software tools perform multiple functions, it's difficult to list technologies by category such as "Technologies for Reading" and "Technologies for Writing" -- certain tools would show up in several places -- so I've chosen to list them in a more eclectic manner that's still fairly logical.
Online Training and Technical AssistanceI offer online training and technical assistance for many of the tools listed below. Sessions are conducted using Join.Me, Zoom.us, and a few other tools so that we can see, and in some cases control, each other's computer remotely. If you are interested, please contact me for more information. |
Listening to Recorded Audiobooks
Audiobooks are recordings of human narrators reading aloud.
- Learning Ally Link (Mac, PC, iOS, Chrome)
- Kindle Fire and Immersion Reading (see e-text highlighted while listening to narrated audiobook)
- Audible app (Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Windows Phone)
- Rakuten Overdrive (borrow digital audiobooks and e-books from local libraries)
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Simple text-to-speech, E-readers with text-to-speech and other tools
- TextAloud (PC)
- GhostReader (Mac)
- NaturalReader (Mac & PC)
- VoiceOver and Speak Selected Text (included in Mac operating system)
- Speak Selection and Speak Screen (included in iOS)
- Speak command for Microsoft Word (PC)
- Bookshare Web Reader (for Chrome on Mac, PC; Safari on Mac; Chromebook)
- Read2Go (iOS app for Bookshare books)
- Voice Dream Reader (iOS and Android app for Bookshare books and other text)
- GoRead (Android app for Bookshare books)
- Darwin Reader (Android app for Bookshare books)
- iBooks (Mac, iOS) - use device's built-in text-to-speech
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Read, Write & Study Software Suites
Software that bundles multiple supports for reading, writing, and studying.
- Kurzweil 3000 (Mac & PC)
- Read&Write (Mac & PC)
- Read&Write for Google (Chrome extension) - multiple reading, writing, and study supports for use in Google Drive & Chrome browser on Mac, PC, Chromebook
- Snap&Read - text-to-speech, convert image to text, translation, text leveling (simplify difficult words), annotation (iPad, Chrome)
- WYNN (PC)
- ClaroRead (Mac & PC)
- Premier Literacy Productivity Suite (Mac & PC)
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Resources for Alternatives to Printed Text - Electronic Text (E-text) and Narrated Audiobooks
- Bookshare (e-text) - eligibility required
- Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic-RFB&D) (audiobooks, some with e-text) - eligibility required
- National Library Service (audio materials) - eligibility required
- Amazon Kindle (e-text) - also see Immersion Reading in "Listening to Recorded Audiobooks", above
- Audible (audiobooks)
- Blio (primarily e-text in proprietary reader)
- Epic! (primarily books for kids)
- VitalSource, including CourseSmart (e-text in proprietary reader)
- Project Gutenburg (e-text)
- NIMAC (e-text) - materials must be secured by school; not available to individuals
- check local digital libraries (e.g., Northern California Digital Library) to borrow downloadable audiobooks via Overdrive Media App or other platforms
- check individual publishers for accessible online or e-text versions of textbooks
- see Digital Content & Media Sources on the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials website
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OCR (optical character recognition) options
OCR software converts image of text (e.g., scanned printed material) to editable text that can be read aloud by text-to-speech software. Some OCR software also permits editing of the OCR results.
- Adobe Acrobat Pro (Mac, PC - use Edit PDF tool)
- Literacy & learning software with built-in OCR (see "Read, Write & Study Software Suites", above)
- Google Docs - in Google Drive, right click file and select Open with > Google Docs
- Snapverter (works with Read&Write for Google Premium)
- ClaroPDF Pro (iOS)
- PDF Expert (iOS)
- Office Lens (Windows, iOS)
- Kami OCR tool (Kami is a PDF reader and annotation tool for Chrome)
- Screenshot readers for on-the-fly OCR of web images (e.g., a map) - included with Read&Write for Google Premium, Snap&Read Universal
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Outliner, Graphic Organizer, and Mind Map Software
Outlining and mapping software can help students organize ideas for writing, take notes while reading, break a large project into smaller individual tasks, understand broad concepts or complex processes -- any information that benefits from a structured framework and clarifying the relationship between the whole and its parts. Some of these programs, apps, and web tools also include ready-made templates (and allow creation of custom templates) to scaffold a student's thinking and learning. While mind map and graphic organizer tools will benefit visual learners, students with nonverbal learning difficulties may find linear text-based outliners more helpful.
- Inspiration (Mac & PC) - Mac version will not work with macOS 10.15 or later
- Inspiration Maps (iOS)
- Kidspiration (Mac & PC) - Mac version will not work with macOS 10.15 or later
- Kidspiration Maps (iOS)
- Webspiration (online) - to be discontinued Oct. 2019
- XMind (Mac & PC)
- Free Mind (Mac & PC)
- MindMeister (iOS, Android, Chrome, online)
- Mindomo (Mac, PC, Linux, Chrome, online)
- Mind42 (Chrome, online)
- MindMup (online)
- LucidChart (Chrome, online)
- SimpleMind (Mac, PC, iOS, Android)
- MindNode (Mac, iOS)
- Scapple (Mac, Windows)
- SmartArt Graphic organization layouts built into Microsoft Word (2007 and later)
- Graphic organizer tools also included in some literacy software such as Kurzweil 3000, and Read&Write (Fact Mapper)
- OmniOutliner (Mac) - robust, flexible organizer across between an outline and a table
- Outline views included in Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors
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Speech recognition (speech-to-text)
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking (PC)
- Dragon Dictate (Mac)
- Windows Speech Recognition (included in Windows operating system)
- Dictation and Dictation Commands (utilities built into Mac OS)
- Dictate and commands (utilities built into iOS)
- Dragon Anywhere (iOS, Android) - syncs custom words and macros with some Dragon desktop editions
- Voice Typing (Google Docs on Chrome browser)
- (also see MathTalk and SpeakQ, below, for other software that employs speech recognition)
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PDF Annotation
Type on PDF version of worksheet, quiz, or other handout vs. handwriting on it.
- Preview annotation toolbar - annotate PDF documents (included in Mac OS)
- Skim - free PDF reader with annotation tools (Mac)
- Adobe Reader version 11 - PDF reader with annotation tools and markups; discontinued 2015, replaced by Acrobat Reader (Mac, PC)
- Acrobat Reader DC - PDF reader w/ annotation tools, markups; replaces Adobe Reader (Mac, PC)
- PDF-XChange Viewer - annotate PDF documents (PC)
- FoxIt Reader - PDF reader with annotation tools (PC)
- ClaroPDF-Accessible Pro and ClaroPDF Lite - PDF reader app w/ annotation tools; Pro has text-to-speech (iOS)
- PDF Expert - PDF reader with annotation tools, text-to-speech (iOS)
- Kami (formerly Notable PDF) - PDF reader with annotation tools (Chrome)
- SnapType for Occupational Therapy - simple app to snap photo and annotate (iOS)
- PDF Reader tool in Read&Write for Google (Chrome extension) and Read&Write-WIndows (PC) - PDF reader with text-to-speech and annotation tools
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Assorted Reading & Writing Supports
Supports for spelling, grammar, word choice, reading level, and visual readability.
- Dyslexie and OpenDyslexic - fonts designed to ease visual aspects of reading for those with dyslexia
- Visual Thesaurus - visual word map (online, Mac & PC)
- Ginger - contextual spellchecker (online, PC)
- Ghotit - contextual spelling/grammar checker with word prediction, other supports (Mac, PC, iOS, Chrome, Android, Linux)
- Grammarian Pro2X - grammar and spelling checker (Mac)
- Co:Writer - standalone word prediction with topic dictionaries (Mac, PC, iOS, Chrome)
- WordQ - word prediction, word lists, abbreviation/expansion (Mac & PC)
- SpeakQ - WordQ plus speech recognition (PC)
- Clicker 7 - custom onscreen keyboards, talking word processor, word prediction, more (Mac & PC)
- Clicker Apps: Sentences, Connect, Docs, Books - each app focuses on a key Clicker 7 feature (iOS)
- DocsPlus - word banks, talking word processor, word prediction, mind mapping (online, Mac & PC)
- BeeLine Reader - text color gradients aid visual tracking, improve reading speed, reduce effort
- Mercury Reader - reduces webpage visual clutter for distraction-free reading (Chrome)
- Reading Focus Cards - virtual index card-like reading guide to aid visual focus (Mac, PC)
- Rewordify - automatically defines, or substitutes simpler words in place on webpages
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Taking Notes & Organizing Notes
- Microsoft OneNote - digital notebook (PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, online)
- Growly Notes - digital notebook (Mac, iOS)
- Evernote - digital file cabinet (online, Mac, PC, iOS, Android)
- Livescribe smartpens - pens link recorded audio to handwritten notes (works with Mac, PC, iOS, Android depending on model: Echo, Sky Wifi (discontinued 2016), Livescribe 3)
- IRISPen - handheld scanning pen captures print text, transfers to computer (Mac & PC)
- C-Pen - handheld scanning pen reads print text aloud, defines/translates words, captures print text for transfer to computer (Mac & PC)
- Notebook Layout w/ Audio Notes - link recorded audio with typed notes in Word (included with Microsoft Word for Mac 2008 & 2011 only)
- Sonocent Audio Notetaker - software integrates audio recording, notes, slides, images, and annotations (Mac & PC)
- Sonocent Recorder - companion app to Audio Notetaker; record and annotate audio (iOS, Android)
- AudioNote - multi-functional notetaker app (iOS, Android, Mac, PC)
- Notability - robust notetaker app (iOS, Mac)
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Math & Science Notation, Graphing & Drawing
- MathType (Mac & PC)
- MathMagic (Mac & PC) and MathMagic Lite (Mac, PC, iOS, Android)
- EquatIO (Chrome)
- FX Equation (Mac & PC)
- FX Graph (Mac & PC)
- FX Draw (Mac & PC)
- FX Chem (Mac & PC) - type chemical equations
- FX ChemStruct (Mac & PC) - type chemical structure diagrams
- GeoGebra (Mac, PC, iOS, Chrome)
- Desmos Graphing Calculator (iOS, Android, Chrome, online)
- Desmos Test Mode (iOS) - restricted test-safe version of Desmos
- MathPad & MathPad Plus (PC - discontinued)
- MathPad by Voice (PC - discontinued)
- MathTalk (PC)
- Panther Math Paper (iOS)
- ModMath (iOS)
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Math Concepts
- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (online, Mac, PC)
- McGraw-Hill Virtual Manipulatives workspace (online)
- Kidspiration-Math View (Mac & PC)
- InspireData (Mac & PC)
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Math Problem Solving and Processes
Apps and resources to help understand and practice multistep problem solving and sequencing steps.
- Algebra Touch (iOS)
- Long Division Touch (iOS)
- Math 42 (iOS)
- Esa Helttula Math Apps (iOS)
- Khan Academy (online)
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Assorted Aids for Managing Digital Distractions
- Isolator - dims, blurs, or hides all but frontmost window to reduce visual distractions (Mac)
- HazeOver - dims or hides all but frontmost window to reduce visual distractions (Mac)
- Dropcloth - dims or hides all but frontmost window to reduce visual distractions (PC)
- ScreenRuler - dims entire webpage except for movable horizontal reading ruler to aid visual focus and tracking (Mac, PC)
- Screen Masking tool in Read&Write for Google - dims entire webpage except for movable horizontal reading ruler (Chrome)
- Screen Masking tool in Read&Write - dims entire webpage except for movable horizontal reading ruler (Mac, PC)
- Mercury Reader - reformat "main article" text on webpage, removes visual clutter (ads, images) (Chrome)
- Simplify Page tool in Read&Write for Google - reformats "main article" text on webpage, removes visual clutter (ads, images) (Chrome)
- AdBlock - browser extension prevents ads from loading to webpages (Safari, Chrome browsers)
- Text Mode - replaces webpage images and videos with gray rectangles for uncluttered, text-only reading (Chrome)
- SelfControl - restricts access to selected websites for preset times (Mac)
- StayFocusd - restricts access to selected websites for preset times (Chrome)
- Cold Turkey - restricts access to selected apps, websites for preset times (Mac, PC)
- RescueTime - tracks time on apps, websites (Mac, PC)
- Forest – plant trees, watch forest grow as evidence of “non-phone” time
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Assorted Aids for Attention and Executive Functioning
- VibraLite - watches with multiple customizable vibration alerts
- WatchMinder - watch with multiple customizable vibration alerts, messages
- Reminders - simple but capable to-do list with alerts included with Macs and iOS devices
- Wunderlist - task manager app (online, Mac, PC, iOS, Android)
- DropTask - visual task manager app (online, Mac, PC, iOS, Android)
- Trello - visual taskboard for managing tasks and workflow (online, iOS, Android)
- Habitica - "gamified task manager" to help accomplish goals, be organized, and stay motivated
- Assignment Calculator - break down large projects into manageable chunks (online)
- Research Project Calculator - break down large projects into manageable chunks (online)
- CoPilot - breaks assignments into sequence of tasks and schedules them on calendar according to learning style and study preferences (online)
- 30/30 - task timer app employs a modifed very of the Pomodoro Technique (iOS)
- Brili Routines - "routine manager" with prompts to assist staying on task (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Pebble, online)
- Octopus by Joy - icon-based task scheduler watch designed for young kids (shipping late summer 2017) (iOS, Android)
- Also see "Assorted Aids for Managing Digital Distractions", above
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Assorted Aids to Support Mental Health and Wellness
Many kids with learning and attention challenges also deal with psychological and emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. These might be separate conditions, or they might be a product of having to cope with their learning and attention challenges. The following are a sampling of apps and online tools to help students with sleep, exercise, social connections, managing stress, and balancing their life. Many of these have been evaluated and recommended by students who found that they improve emotional well-being and resilience.
- SleepBot - monitor sleep movement, wake to gradual alarms, track sleep data over time
- White Noise - generate ambient noise, create your own sound “mixes” to relax, meditate, aid sleep
- Calm - practice meditation and mindfulness to reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep
- Stop, Breathe, & Think - practice mindfulness and reduce stress with guided meditations
- Wysa - anonymous chatbot to help work through anxiety, practice mindfulness, track mood
- Pax, the OCD bot - anonymous Facebook “chatbot” to cope with uncomfortable feelings, intrusive thoughts
- K’Bro (as in “You OK, bro?”) - Helps boys anonymously assess & track their emotions, receive guidance
- MyFitnessPal - track exercise progress, get regular feedback on exercise and nutrition
- MapMyRun - running tracker provides motivation to sustain good practices & decision-making, get results
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