Learning Tools
Assistive Technology (AT) is products, equipment, systems, and devices that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities (ATIA). ARC has put together a list of low-cost or free learning tools (if a price isn’t listed, the tool is free) to support individuals’ learning. Everyone can benefit from AT and the items listed can be used by anyone to support their educational goals.
ReadSpeaker: ReadSpeaker has replaced Read&Write. It's a text-to-speech tool embedded into D2L. Login to D2L courses and the icon will be available to use.
- TextAid provides more features, such as:
- Screen Mask & Reading Ruler
- Text Highlighting
- Dictation
- Annotations
- And more!
- Google Chrome extension on any device to access TextAid
To access ReadSpeaker outside of D2L you need to authentic the tool. Use the following steps to complete authentication:
- Navigate to D2L homepage
- Select the Resources drop down
- Find ReadSpeaker from the Resources drop down
- Select ReadSpeaker
- ReadSpeaker web app will open
- You will be authenticated
Once the above is completed, you can use ReadSpeaker as a web app or download the extension and use the browser extension.
If you have questions or want to schedule an AT consult/demo, complete this form to connect with the Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist. If you want to learn more about how you can receive assistive technology accommodations, connect with an accessibility specialist to discuss your needs.
*Unless otherwise noted, all tools work on Android, Windows and Apple devices.
Categories
Provided by Minneapolis College
Libby is a reading app that allows users to borrow books from their local library.
- Audiobooks and ebooks
- Books can be sent to Kindle
Use your school login to access Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Immersive Reader, Reading Coach, and more.
- Immersive Reader: distraction free reading
- Reading Coach: helps improve reading
ReadSpeaker has replaced Read&Write. It’s a text-to-speech tool embedded into D2L. Login to D2L courses and the icon will be available to use.
- TextAid provides more features, such as:
- Screen Mask & Reading Ruler
- Text Highlighting
- Dictation
- Annotations
- And more!
- Google Chrome extension on any device to access TextAid
Anthology Ally: Alternative Formats
Ally allows you to download different formats for course materials on D2L – look for the A under or next to a document to select your preferred document format.
Tutors
Minneapolis College provides access to tutors for a variety of classes and subjects. To learn more, visit the Academic Success Center.
Sensory room
The ARC has a private sensory room that Minneapolis College students can utilize for breaks to support student needs. Reach out to accessibility@minneapolis.edu if you’re interested in reserving time in the sensory room.
Built-in Accessibility
Many devices have built-in accessibility features. Below are links to the built-in features in Android, Microsoft Windows, Mac, and iOS devices.
Reading
Beeline Reader helps improve reading and screen fatigue.
- Available in Ally’s alternative formats
- Free access extensions and phone apps
- Focus mode
Book repository with over 1 million books in various formats for individuals with reading disabilities.
- Free for college students with qualifying disability
- Formats: Word, Daisy, Epub, Audio, and more
- Bookshare Reader: Bookshare’s reader app
Scanning reader pen that reads text on a physical page.
- Price ranges from \$355.00 to \$380.00
Reading app that connects to libraries (Bookshare and others) and can be customized for reading needs.
- Dyslexia options
- Color format options
Reading pen that reads text out loud.
- \$119.00
Text-to-speech browser extension.
Chrome extension that removes clutter, ads, and distractions.
- Supports dyslexia
- Text-to-speech
- Paid premium options available
Scanning pen that reads physical text out loud.
- Prices vary from \$89.00 to \$250.00
- Some versions upload text to a computer to be customized further
Writing
Dictation
There are built-in dictation features in Google Docs, Word, and Pages.
Ergonomic Pens/Pencils
Pens and pencils designed to take pressure off the hand when writing. This includes pencil grips.
Adaptive keyboards can make typing easier. Various types available.
Web extension that supports reading, writing, and accessibility across the web.
- Free to use w/paid premium option ($30.00/year)
- Can be added to Google Docs and Slides
- Dyslexia ruler
- Annotations
- Document editor
- Note organizer
- Voice typing
- Spelling & Grammar
- Word prediction
- Summarize pages
Mind map that can be paired with Meister Task.
- Free to $10.50/month
- Able to create presentations from the mind maps
- Focus mode
Mind map tool that can create outlines.
- Free to $5.00/month
- Variety of mind map templates based on topic
- Create outlines, presentations, and tasks maps
- Export to a variety of format types
Research
Assignment guide that helps break down how much time should be spent on each task.
Minneapolis College Library has access to 100+ research databases and provides librarian support to students.
Citation tool.
Writing guides and citation support.
Helps collect, organize, reference research in one place.
- Can be exported to document writing into Word with references ready
- Color code source categories
- Take photos of reading and upload
- 1 year license: $120.00
AI-powered research tool for scientific literature.
- Provides search support
- TLDRs of papers
- Allows for filtered searches of over 214 million papers from all fields of science
- Cite tool
- Research Feeds
Research tool that helps collect, organize, annotate, and cite your research.
Note Taking
Microsoft note taking tool – included in school account.
- Annotate, record, and organize notes
- Includes math tools
Apple note taking app.
- Free to $99/year
- Annotate, record with transcripts, different note taking templates
- Notability web (available on any web browser) currently in beta
Digital note taking app.
- Free to $9.99 year, prices vary if you want to use on both Apple and Windows products
- Offers one-time payment option (\$28.99 to \$35.99)
- Handwrite and type in one note
- Annotate and edit PDFs
- Study aids (iOS only)
- Audio transcripts (iOS only)
Audio recorders are physical devices that can record lectures and conversations to be played back at later.
- Various audio recorders are available for purchase.
Note taking pen that records lectures as the individual is writing the notes.
- \$119.95
- Record and replay audio
- Transcribe notes into 27+ different languages
- App that allows physical notes to be converted to an app
Note taking pen that records lectures and meetings, and digitizes handwritten notes.
- \$59.00-\$169.00
- App that offers digital notes
- Ability to take notes during a virtual lecture
- Digital writing plate sold separate
Focus/Attention
Music tracks that are made to synchronizes with brainwaves to increase brain power.
- Evidence based
- Free 14 day trial, \$9.99/month or \$69.99/year
- 20% discount for students
- Has different focus types for different activities and brain types
Ambient noise generator.
- Web-based
- Free to $10.00/month
- Noise blocker
- Motivation sounds, sleep sounds
- Built-in timer and text editor
Online background noise generator.
- Built-in timers
- Weather sounds, animal sounds, and more
- Can share mixes
Tool that removes distractions and blocks notifications across devices.
- Free to $4.99/month
- Morning routine feature
- Custom habit routines
- A focus on structured deep work time with breaks
Do not Disturb settings
Do not disturb settings can be found in the notification settings of most devices (phones, tablets, iPads, and computers).
Math
Free digital calculators
- Graphing, Scientific, Four Function, Matric, Geometry and 3D
Digital calculator designed to support individuals with dyscalculia
- Web app and Android app
Web tool that helps understand math problems, identify plants, and more.
Physical keyboard that can be used to type math problems into documents
- School rentals (\$10.00 to $30.00)
- \$59.00 to $299.00
- Various keyboards available
- Calculus keyboard, Numpad full math keyboard
- Keyboard app for iOS
- Web app for math formatting
Digital graph paper to help complete math problems.
- Simple math to complex algebraic equations, geometry, and calculus
- Free to $29.99 (various subscription options available)
Modified Paper
A variety of physical paper that has been modified (bold lines, enlarged, raised lines, graph paper) that can make it easier to complete math problems.
Study Skills/Aids
App that helps organize to-do lists and helps remember to complete the tasks.
- Free to \$49.99/year
- Automate tasks, integrate with Gmail
- Attach files to tasks
- Apple Watch and Siri integration
Web app that uses pomodoro study method to structure time worked on a task.
Physical timers that display a visual difference to help with time management.
- Various prices across timers
Mobile and Chrome extension that uses a tree as a visual representation. Set the time to stay focused and plant a tree. Stay focused and watch the tree grow.
- \$3.99
Time management app that helps support focus and task completion.
- Free to \$1.49/month
Schedule exams and keep track of how much time is left before each one.
- Free to Premium (\$2.99/month to \$4.99/year)
App that helps create flashcards to study from.
- Free to subscriptions (\$29.99/year to \$99.99/lifetime)
Communication
Open-source app for individuals with speech and language impairments.
- Symbols
- Text-to-speech
- 45+ languages
- Free to \$8/month
Keyboard app for iPad and iPhone.
- $24.99
Communication app using typing, drawing, or tapping.
- Natural voice options
- Sentence building features
- Word predictions based on the user
- Free to download with premium options (\$6.49/month to $249.00/lifetime)
Hearing
Vision
Real-time visual assistance via a network of volunteers that provide live descriptions, product support, and guidance.
Turns visual information into speech and answers questions about texts or scenes.
Windows based screen reader.
Talking camera that narrates the world around the user.
Mobile camera application that uses VoiceOver functions to identify what the camera is focused on.