Reading Assistive Technology Resources
(Windows OS only unless specified)
Some software applications have features which make them appropriate across several categories.
Text to Speech Software
Write:Outloud (Mac and Windows)
Cast E-reader (Mac and Windows)
IntelliTalk III (Mac and Windows)
Kurzweil 3000 (Mac and Windows)
WYNN
TextHelp Applications
Text Assist
Premier Programming Applications
Open Book (Scanning Reading System)
WordQ
Writing with symbols 2000
HELPread
ReadPlease - freeware
Text-Edit Plus (Mac)
Type and Read (Mac)
OCR software applications
Text Bridge Pro available off the shelf at office/computer stores (professional version is essential for any accuracy except for very clean copy, one column formatted text)
Omnipage Pro available off the shelf at office/computer stores (professional version is essential for any accuracy except for very clean straight formatted text)
Kurzweil 3000 (Mac and Windows)
WYNN
TextHelp Applications
Premier Programming Applications (scan and read)
Screen Reading Applications
TextHelp Applications
JAWS (Freedom Scientific) This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read)
Outspoken - This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read
Window-Eyes -This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read
E-Text Access and Resources
Adobe Reader www.adobe.com
Microsoft Reader www.microsoft.com/reader/
The Gutenberg Project offers free e-books for download www.gutenburg.org
www.bookshare.org
www.cast.org
www.authorama.com
www.ldresources.com/links [There is information and access to e-text sites at the bottom of the page.]
Audio Books for MP3 or IPod
www.audible.com
http://www.audiobooks.com/
http://www.audiobooksonline.com/
Reading Remediation and Learning Software
This is a sample of software applications that work on reading skills not compensation. There are numerous reading remediation programs on the market. This is a list of some of the more commonly used programs in special education.
Simon SIO (www.donjohnston.com )
Lexia (www.lexialearning.com )
Edmark Reading (www.riverdeep.com )
Earobics (www.earobics.com )
Balanced Literacy (www.intellitools,com )
Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com )
Fast ForWord (www.scilearn.com )
Laureate Learning Systems (www.laureatelearning.com)
Low and Mid Tech Reading Supports
Quicktionary Reading pen
Portable Speaking Spell Checkers – Franklin - http://www.franklin.com
Colored Overlays – www.nrsi.com/nrsi.htm or look for colored transparent folders at office supply stores
EZC Highlighter tape, Reader Highlighter Strips www.reallygoodstuff.com
Bar Magnifiers – www.independentliving.com, http://www.cleansweepsupply.com/pages/skugroup16495.html - Handheld Bar Magnifier
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