7 Accessibility Tools

    Accessibility Tools plays a huge role in creating an equal academic experience for all students. By providing specialized tools, equipment, and software, accessibility tools supports learners with disabilities or learning differences and helps them overcome challenges in areas like reading, writing, listening, and note-taking. Below are seven cool accessibility tools and how they help students succeed.

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1. Read&Write (Reading and Writing Support)

• Read&Write is a versatile tool that makes digital content much more accessible. Its simple toolbar sits on top of webpages and documents and offers features that many students rely on every day.
• Reads text aloud, which is especially helpful for English Language Learners and students with reading difficulties.
• Supports writing and research with tools that help students proof their work and find information.
• Unlocks written content through high-quality text-to-speech, helping students better understand what they read.

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2. Glean (Note-Taking and Information Management)

• For students who have difficulty keeping up with lectures, Glean provides an organized way to capture and review information.
• Records and organizes lecture content in a clean, user-friendly interface.
• Allows audio annotation, making it easy to highlight important moments.
• Improves focus, helping students study more effectively and retain more information.

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3. JAWS (Screen Reader for Blind and Low-Vision Users)

• JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is one of the most widely used screen readers for students who cannot rely on a mouse or visual cues.
• Provides full access to digital environments, reading screen content aloud.
• Works seamlessly on Windows, especially when paired with the Chrome browser for Google Workspace.

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4. VoiceOver (Built-In Apple Screen Reader)

• Apple’s built-in screen reader, VoiceOver, gives Mac, iPhone, and iPad users a powerful accessibility option without needing extra software.
• Reads menus, icons, and text aloud, making navigation easier.
• Supports low-vision and blind students, and is fully compatible with Google Workspace through Chrome on macOS.

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5. Google Docs Accessibility Features (Inclusive Collaboration)

• Google Docs includes several built-in accessibility features that make collaboration smoother for everyone.
• Works with screen readers for navigation and editing.
• Supports braille displays, allowing students to read and write in braille.
• Offers voice typing, which is extremely helpful for students who struggle with physical writing or typing.

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6. C-Pen Reader (Portable Text-to-Speech Tool)

• The C-Pen Reader is a convenient handheld device for students who need immediate reading support with printed text.
• Scans and reads text aloud in a clear, human-like voice.
• Supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
• Often provided through accommodations, making it accessible to students who qualify.

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7. Mathshare (Math Support for Learning Differences)

• Mathshare helps students who benefit from breaking math problems into manageable steps.
• Lets students organize complex problems into smaller, clearer chunks.
• Improves focus and structure, making math less overwhelming and more approachable.

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    Together these seven tools spreading from literacy, note-taking, screen reading, and math show how powerful assistive technology can be. When used thoughtfully, accessibility tools helps students work more independently, participate fully, and reach their academic potential.

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