The following Assistive Technology software programs are available for loan for students who work with the CLASS Office and qualify for use. Some of these items may be checked out for personal and classroom use. For more information, please contact the CLASS Office at 612-330-1053 or at class@augsburg.edu
Reading/Literacy Support:
Kurzweil
Features:
- Literacy software with a Text-to-Speech program built in that will read textbooks, articles and the web out loud
- Includes study skill support including highlighters, dictionaries, and note-taking and study aids
- Includes writing support with mind mapping brainstorming tool
- Available in versions 3000 – for those with sight and 1000 – for those with limited or no sight
- More Information: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html
Cost: Depends on the licensing amount
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Read & Write
Features:
- Literacy software that supports reading, writing, study skills, and research
- Toolbar integrates into many popular computer programs including Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader, and the four major web browsers
- Text-to-Speech, Word Prediction, Mind Mapping, Screen Masking, Dictionaries, and Highlighters are just a few of the almost 25 features
- Available in the web browser as a chrome extension
- More Information: https://www.texthelp.com/products/read-and-write-education/
Cost: $145.00/year
Compatibility: Windows; Mac; Chrome Extension
Voice Dream Reader
Features:
- Text-to-speech app to read books with the ability to customize your screen for preferred reading options
- Read by listening to the text, visually or both at the same time
- Supports PDF, Word Docs, EPUB, DAISY, eBooks, Web pages and more with the ability to integrate your Bookshare books or books in Dropbox, Evernote, Pocket, Gutenberg and more
- Includes multiple language options along with various fonts, including Open Dyslexic font, and voices, including the option to purchase additional voices
- Highlight information in the reading and export it to other programs and apps
- More Information: http://www.voicedream.com
Cost: $14.99 iOS; $9.99 Android
Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch; Android
C-Pen Reader
Features:
- Reading pen that reads text out loud with a digital voice
- Text to speech with a variety of languages to choose from
- Built-in dictionary
- Allows for voice memos
- Transfer scans to PC or Mac
- More information: https://cpen.com/product/readerpen/
Cost: $250
Compatibility: Standalone device, use PC or Mac to upload books
Victor Reader Stream
Features:
- Portable book player for DAISY books
- Download books from Learning Ally and other book libraries
- Record lectures and listen to these and your books while on the go!
- Accessible for students with low vision or who are blind, as well as those students with a Print Disability
- More information: http://www.humanware.com
Cost: $395
Compatibility: Standalone device, use PC or Mac to upload books
Note-taking SUPPORT:
SmartPen by Livescribe
Features:
- Take handwritten notes and record your lecture using the same device
- Written notes are synced with the audio recording using specialized notebooks
- Tap on any written text and listen to your lecture from that exact moment in the lecture or meeting
- Upload your notes to your computer for playback, and ability to search content
- More Information: http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/
Cost: Varies, between $99.99-$179.95
Compatibility: Standalone Device with Supplemental Software for Windows or Mac
Audio Notetaker by Sonocent
Features:
- Type your notes out on your computer while syncing a PowerPoint presentation and the Audio Recording of the lecture, together
- Ability to sync typed notes with audio recording to find corresponding aspects of lecture or notes
- Color annotate typed text notes or recorded audio segments to annotate and flag areas of importance, follow up or further study
- Syncing of text notes and audio make your notes easier to navigate and study from
- Import audio recording and notes from Sonocent Recorder App into the desktop version of the program
- More Information: http://www.sonocent.com/audio-notetaker
Cost: Varies, Approx. $150.00
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Notability
Features:
- Write, type, or annotate using highlighters your notes using the all in one notetaking app
- Ability to take pictures and audio record with the sound being linked to your notes
- Use Google Drive, Dropbox and Box to import, export and share documents such as PowerPoints and take notes directly on them
- Organize all your notes in one place
- More Information: http://www.gingerlabs.com/
Cost: $8.99
Compatibility: Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone
ScanMarker Air
Features:
- Digital Highlighter
- Scan text directly from print material and uploads through Bluetooth or USB connection to a computer
- Allows for gathering of print information in a digital format
- More Information: https://scanmarker.com/
Cost: $79-$119
Compatibility: Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone
Digital Voice Recorders
Features:
- Record your lectures on a portable device
- Listen to your lectures on the device or upload them to your computer using the USB cable (included)
- Folder system allows you to organize recordings by class
Cost: Approx. $60.00
Compatibility: Standalone device, upload recordings to PC or Mac (optional)
Dictation:
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Features:
- Use Dragon, Speech Recognition Software, to turn your spoken words into text
- Create documents, emails, surf the web and more by talking to a microphone on your computer
- Use simple voice commands to execute tasks and control most programs on your computer
- Available in Home, Premium, Professional, and Legal versions
- More Information: http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm
Cost: Varies: $150.00 (home version)-$300.00 (professional version)
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Google Voice Typing
Features:
- Speech to text program
- Uses simple voice commands to assist with typing in a Google Doc
- Built into Google platform
- More Information: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, IOS, Android
Screen Readers/Magnification Software:
FUSION
Features:
- Screen Reader and Zooming software
- Reads aloud what is on the computer screen while zooming in on the computer content
- More Information: https://portal.freedomscientific.com/HomeUse/HigherEd
Cost: $160/year
Compatibility: Windows
JAWS by Freedom Scientific
Features:
- Screen Reader developed for those with vision loss
- Reads aloud what is on the computer screen
- Intelligent tools for accessing and navigating webpages and screen content
- Can be paired with a Refreshable Braille Display for Braille output instead of speech
- More Information: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/
Cost: $90/year
Compatibility: Windows
ZoomText
Features:
- Magnification and Screen Reading Software for students with visual impairments
- Enlarges and enhances text and graphics on a computer screen while keeping clarity intact
- Works with many popular computer programs and applications
- Magnifier/Reader version reads text on a computer screen out loud
- More Information: https://www.zoomtext.com/
Cost: $80/year
Compatibility: PC and Mac
Built-In Accessibility:
Windows
Features:
- Personalize your Windows Computer with any of the build-in Accessibility Features to support ease with seeing, hearing, and mobility interactions with computer
- Features Available Are: Screen Reader/Text-to-Speech (Narrator), Magnification (Magnifier), Keys Commands (Mouse Keys), Speech-to-Text and Voice Control (Speech Recognition), Visual Notification to replace sounds, Keyboard on Screen, Toggle Keys, Adjustable Mouse Settings, High Contrast Schemes, and Ability to Personalize the Appearance of the Computer including text
- Tutorial Videos Available on the websites below
- List of All Features with Comparison Chart: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/chartwindows.aspx
- More Information: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/default.aspx
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Windows
Mac
Features:
- Personalize your Mac Computer with any of the build-in Accessibility Features to support ease with seeing, hearing, and physical/mobility, literacy interactions with computer
- Features include: Text-to-Speech (VoiceOver), Zoom, High Contrast, Sticky Keys, Speech-to-Text and Voice Control (Speech Recognition), Word Completion (Word Prediction), and more!
- More Information: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/osx/
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Mac
Organizational Tools:
Planners
Features:
- Daily, weekly, and monthly organizational planning spaces
- Assists with tracking schedules and classwork
- Portable
Cost: $10
Compatibility: N/A
Google Suite
Features:
- Apps built into Gmail accounts
- Includes access to Google Calendar, Tasks, Keep, Docs, Excel, and more
- Items put into Google Task and Keep can by synched directly to the google calendar to assist with keeping track of items and organizational planning
- More Information: https://gsuite.google.com/
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, IOS, Android
Revibe Connect
Features:
- Assists with transitioning from one task to another
- Reminds a student to stay on task by having them acknowledge the reminder
- Linked with the partnering app
- More Information: https://revibetech.com/pages/revibe-connect
Cost: $149.95
Compatibility: IOS, Android