Assistive Technology (AT) is any object, device, or tool used to make life easier.
Assistive Technology Devices and Software
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Natural Reader (free online version)
NaturalReader Online is a text-to-speech web application with high quality premium voices for personal use only. Login from any computer to convert any written text such as MS Word, PDF files, non-DRM eBooks, and web pages into spoken natural sounding speech. Voice typing in Google Docs1. On your computer or mobile device, you can use voice typing in a Google Document. a. Open a Google Doc.
b. Click on "Tools" / "Voice typing", and then click the microphone icon, and you're good to go. c. For voice typing commands, hover your cursor over the microphone icon, then click on the question mark in the lower right corner of the box. See Why type when you can use your voice to make notes? Using Siri - Quick and Quicker!Quick: It's Siri simple! Use Siri to open a note or email. Then dictate your note.
Quicker: Try this shortcut to quickly make an audio recording on your phone. 1. Download and install the Just Press Record app (Note: this is a paid app.) 2. Create a Siri Shortcut. (Example: "Record") 3. Launch an audio recording with Siri . ("Hey, Siri. Record") 4. Your audio recording starts on command. After you stop recording, the audio is automatically transcribed. See Why type when you can use your voice to make notes? LiveScribe Smart Pen
(Source: Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity) The Livescribe smartpen captures everything that you write and everything that is spoken. Inside the pen is a camera that takes a picture of your notes as you write them. It also has a built-in microphone that lets you record what is being said. Once the pen is turned on, which requires the click of a button, the pen will begin taking a picture of the notes that you write. Read more. See current price on Amazon. Dragon Naturally Speaking Source: Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity) Dragon Naturally Speaking for PC users and Dragon Dictate for Mac users is another technological aid that facilitates the learning process for the dyslexic student and creates greater efficiency at the workplace. For those who have word-retrieval difficulties, grapho-motor weaknesses, or problems committing ideas to paper in a timely fashion, Dragon may be just the tool needed in order to improve writing skills. Read more. See current price on Amazon Kindle Fire
(Source: Soundbooks.org) The 2018 Kindle Fire HD 10 is Amazon’s largest member of the Kindle Fire Family and their answer to Apple’s iPad and is 10.3″ x 6.3″ x 0.4″, with a 10.1″ HD screen with lovely colors. The screen is just slightly smaller than a comics floppy. It is a solid-feeling and durable tablet that lacks the somewhat flimsy feel that some older kindle fires and newer netbooks have. See current price on Amazon Samsung Galaxy Tablet (Source: SmartPrix) The market for tablets has been continually shrinking, but Samsung is still registering growth in the segment and sporadically keeps addressing the need for portable extra-large displays. The South Korean giant recently launched a new A-series tablet, the Galaxy Tab A, which is a mid-range option primarily focused on delivering a captivating multimedia experience. It’s more of a fun tablet and not the kind that you’d attach a keyboard to or use as a laptop alternative. While tablet options are definitely scarce, will it be worth it to invest your money on the new Galaxy Tab? Read more. See current price on Amazon Mini 4
(Source: PC Magazine) Farewell, iPad mini 3, we hardly knew ye. Casually announced at the end of Apple's iPad Pro presentation, the iPad mini 4 replaces last year's mini 3 as the company's high-end small-screen tablet. The iPad mini 4 is a lot like its predecessor in many ways, save for some key hardware upgrades that make it feel faster. It's a great small tablet that runs smoothly, with a fantastic app experience and a premium feel... See current price on Amazon Amazon Echo
(Source: Amazon product description) Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker you control your voice. Echo connects to the Alexa voice service to play music, ask questions, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, news, sports scores, weather, and more - instantly. All you have to do is ask. Echo has an enhanced speaker that now features Dolby processing for improved immersive sound. It has seven microphones and beemforming technology so it can hear you from across the room -even while music is playing. When you want to use Echo, just say the week word “Alexa”, and Echo responds instantly. See current price on Amazon. Amazon Echo Dot (Source: Amazon Product Description) Our most popular Echo is now even better. With a new speaker and design, Echo Dot is a voice-controlled smart speaker with Alexa, perfect for any room. Just ask for music, news, information, and more. You can also call almost anyone and control compatible smart home devices with your voice. See current price on Amazon. Amazon Echo Plus (Source: Amazon Product Description) Echo Plus features premium speakers for powerful 360° sound, and a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and temperature sensor. Just ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, make calls, and provide information, news, sports scores, weather, and more. With the built-in hub, starting your smart home is easy. See current price on Amazon. Amazon Echo Show
(Source: Amazon Product Description) The all-new Echo Show features a new look, a vibrant 10.1” HD screen, built-in smart home hub, and improved speakers. Just ask Alexa to show you a recipe, watch live TV and sports with Hulu, make video calls, or see who’s at the front door. Echo Show’s new speakers feature dual 2” premium drivers, a passive bass radiator, and Dolby processing to deliver expansive stereo sound with deep, powerful lows and crisp highs. Adjust the treble, mid, and bass levels using only your voice, or set up multi-room music to play music across compatible Echo devices throughout your home. See current price on Amazon |
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