BRIC Assistive Technology Spotlight
May 2023: Assistive Reading Tools & Tech
Assistive Reading Tools
For people who struggle to read text, technology can be a lifeline. An audiobook, for example, allows them to read a story they might not be able to read with a traditional book. A highlighter can make a text passage understandable.
Assistive technology (AT) tools for reading are inexpensive and easy to find. These tools exist on computers, smartphones, and other devices. But there are also low-tech options. Some of the most useful AT tools for reading are not digital.
Remember that using AT won’t prevent people from learning to read. Experts say audiobooks can actually help kids become better readers. Plus, using AT can help people become more confident and independent.
Types of assistive technology tools for reading:
Text-to-speech (TTS): lets you see text and hear it read aloud simultaneously. To use this tool, you click on or highlight words, and the terms are read by a computer-generated voice. TTS works with any digital text.
Examples:
Natural Reader - Drag and drop files, or type, paste, and edit text. Natural Reader is a professional text-to-speech program that converts any written text into words.
Both paid and unpaid
Desktop or mobile apps available
Speechify - Speechify is the #1 text-to-speech program that turns any written text into spoken words in a natural-sounding language. You can use the text editor, Google Chrome Extension, iOS app, Mac Desktop app, or Android app.
Both paid and unpaid
Audiobooks and digital text-to-speech books: let you hear books read aloud. Audiobooks are read by human voices.
Examples:
Optical character recognition (OCR): reads aloud text from pictures and image files. You can use OCR with worksheets and paper documents by scanning or taking photos of them. Like TTS, OCR uses computer-generated voices.
Graphic organizers are visual tools that help you keep track of information as you read. Graphic organizers can be digital or pen and paper.
Other tools to try:
Annotation tools let you take notes and write comments while reading.
Display control changes the font, font size, color, and spacing of text on screens.
Dictionaries and thesauri let you look up words you don’t understand when reading..
Reading aids such as highlighters, see and read reading guides, etc.
How to get started:
To best use AT tools for reading, start by understanding what kinds of tools are available. It’s helpful to get the big picture.
Then try to understand what the reading challenge is and match the right tool. If you don’t know where to start, try text-to-speech. Find out why one expert suggests text-to-speech as the first AT tool to try.
Watch a mom and expert explain how text-to-speech and other AT tools helped her son with dyslexia.
Contact Shelby Dukek
Email: sdukek@bric.k12.mn.us
Website: www.bric-k12.com
Location: 1615 5th Street Northwest, Bemidji, MN, USA
Phone: 218-751-6622