7 Essential Accessibility Tools Every Student Should Know

Accessibility tools aren’t designed just for students diagnosed with disabilities; they are for anyone who wants to improve their learning capabilities effectively and comfortably. Whether a student struggles with reading, writing, organization, vision, hearing, or focus, the right tool can remove stumbling blocks and open doors to success.

Here are seven powerful accessibility tools, along with the key features that make each one especially helpful for students.

1. Text-to-Speech Tools (e.g., Read&Write, NaturalReader)

Text-to-speech software reads digital text aloud, making content more accessible for students who benefit from hearing information.

Why it’s helpful:

• Supports students with dyslexia, visual impairments, ADHD, and multilingual learners

• Helps students follow along with complex readings

• Offers adjustable speed and voice options

• Works with websites, PDFs, and digital textbooks

2. Speech-to-Text Tools (e.g., Dictation in Google Docs, Dragon Anywhere)

These tools let students speak their ideas instead of typing.

Why it’s helpful:

• Reduces writing fatigue

• Helps students who struggle with spelling or handwriting

• Gives students a way to capture thoughts quickly before they lose them

• Encourages confidence by letting them focus on ideas, not mechanics

Great for students who think faster than they type.

3. Screen Readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)

Screen readers read everything on the screen including menus, buttons, and images making devices accessible for blind and low-vision students.

Why it’s helpful:

• Converts full screen content into speech or braille

• Supports navigation without a mouse

• Helps students independently explore learning platforms, documents, and websites

4. Closed Captioning & Transcription Tools (e.g., YouTube Captions, Otter.ai)

Captions provide text versions of audio in videos, lectures, and presentations.

Why it’s helpful:

• Vital for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

• Helps multilingual learners follow spoken content

• Makes lectures easier to review later

• Improves focus by pairing audio and text

Turning on captions can instantly make videos more accessible for everyone.

5. Visual Organization Tools (e.g., MindMeister, Inspiration Maps)

Visual learning tools help students organize thoughts, break down tasks, and plan writing.

Why it’s helpful:

• Supports students with executive functioning challenges

• Makes brainstorming more engaging and less overwhelming

• Helps students see relationships between ideas

• Creates clear outlines for essays or projects

Organization doesn’t have to be complicated sometimes it just needs to be visual.

6. Color Contrast & Screen Adjustment Tools (e.g., Windows Ease of Access, Dark Mode, Color Filters)

These built-in features reduce eye strain and support students with visual sensitivities or color blindness.

Why it’s helpful:

• Adjusts contrast, brightness, and color filters

• Reads text more comfortably for students with low vision or light sensitivity

• Helps distinguish colors for color-blind students

• Makes long screen sessions less tiring

A few small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort and readability.

7. Focus and Distraction-Management Tools (e.g., Focus Assist, Forest, Chrome extensions)

These tools create calmer digital environments so students can stay on task.

Why it’s helpful:

• Blocks distracting sites

• Creates timed work sessions

• Supports students with ADHD or attention challenges

With fewer distractions, learning becomes more efficient and less stressful.

Final Thoughts

Accessibility tools give students more control over how they learn. They promote independence, confidence, and success whether a student needs audio support, visual support, writing help, or simply a little more organization. These tools are about empowering every student to engage with the world in a way that fits their needs.

Source

"7 Essential Accessibility Tools Every Student Should Know" prompt. ChatGPT, GPT-4o model, OpenAI, 11 Dec. 2025, chatgpt.com/c/693af315-a120-8326-801d-abcfb06288cc.