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Catalog of Accessible Content, Platforms & Tools

This is a non-exhaustive catalog of accessible digital content, tools and resources to support inclusive education in a variety of settings compiled from around the world.

To use the catalog, simply select a resource to learn more about it, and click the link to visit the page. You can filter by one or more categories, or use the keyword search to find an item directly. For more information about any terminology contained, please consult the glossary.

To learn more about the categorization by user needs; vision, hearing, mobility, learning, communication, everyone please refer to the user needs categories.

This portal is regularly updated. Content in the catalog is primarily for knowledge sharing purposes, and does not represent an endorsement.

If you have feedback or believe that any products or companies included in the list are misrepresented, or if you feel a vital product, resource or tool is missing, please SUBMIT TO CATALOG or contact our site administrators at hello@accessibledigitallearning.org

127 Results

Glossary:

ABC Mouse Logo ABCMouse

ABCMouse

Education content library with interactive games and materials.

  • Content library
  • Read aloud
  • Interactivity
  • UDL (universal design for learning)

A screenshot of the ABC mouse web interface

ABC mouse is a library of educational content for ages 2 - 8 including interactive games and learning materials covering a wide range of topics. The resources are engaging and interactive and have been designed following Universal Design for Learning Principles. The activities span a range of topics from reading and writing; math; science and health; social studies; art and music and offers videos, games, and puzzles.

The learning materials are matched to the curriculum and presented sequentially in a guided fashion as the child progresses through the activities. The application tracks the progress of the child and tailors the material it provides.

ABC mouse requires an internet connection and is 100% web-based. Some of the content is available through their "constellation apps" which are available separately.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Early childhood, Primary

Tags:

Intellectual, Interactivity, Read aloud, UDL (universal design for learning)

Adobe Acrobat Logo Adobe Acrobat Pro / Reader

Adobe Acrobat Pro / Reader

Adobe's PDF publishing software with features for accessibility.

  • Authoring tool
  • Accessible PDF
  • Accessibility checker
  • Image descriptions
  • Screen reader support
  • Read-aloud
  • Remediation
  • Free
  • Paid

A screenshot from adobe acrobat pro showing the results of the accessibility checker

Adobe Acrobat is PDF publishing software with support for accessibility. Adobe Acrobat has both free and paid versions that allow you to read or create and edit PDF files. Adobe Acrobat can be useful for educators seeking to make their learning materials more accessible for their students. It can also be used by publishers seeking to convert their materials to accessible PDFs, remediate existing PDFs or check their PDFs for accessibility using the built-in accessibility checker.

The free version, Adobe Acrobat Reader, only allows the user to open and view PDF files. The paid versions, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat PRO allow the user to edit and create PDF files. They have features that can be used to tag documents for accessibility, extract text through OCR (optical character recognition), add image descriptions, make tables accessible and run accessibility checkers to validate documents.

Visit adobe for a complete list of all accessibility features in both the free and pro versions.

Though Acrobat Standard provides some functionality for making existing PDFs accessible, Acrobat Pro must be used to perform more advanced tasks — such as editing reading order or editing document structure tags — that are necessary to make PDF documents and forms accessible.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

PDF, Read aloud, Reflowable, TTS (text-to-speech)

The read beyond logo Aeneas

Aeneas

Automated media overlay generating tool that synchronizes audio and text.

  • Authoring tool
  • Media-overlay
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • ePub
  • Audio

A screenshot of Aeneas allowing you to mark an audio file of speech with time codes

Media-overlays allow you to add real spoken voice to ePubs by synchronizing the speech with the text. The text in the ePub is highlighted as the spoken words are read aloud by the computer. This requires a compatible ePub reader that supports media-overlays like Thorium (referenced in the catalog).

Aeneas is a tool for automatically generating the SMIL files used in synchronizing audio for media-overlays. Aeneas is a Python/C library and a set of tools to synchronize audio and text automagically. aeneas accomplishes this by automatically generating a synchronization map between a list of text fragments and an audio file containing the narration of the (same) text.

This tool is useful to publishers and content creators who want to add read-aloud audio and highlighting to their ePubs. Media-overlays can be helpful for users with print disabilities, including low vision and learning impairments.

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global, Italy

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, Media-overlay, Recording, UDL (universal design for learning)

Akily logo Akily

Akily

Personalized child development app that provides activities for parents to do with children face to face.

  • Content libraries
  • Parent training
  • Mobile app
  • UDL (universal design for learning)
  • Adaptive learning
  • Monitoring
  • Free

an image with three screenshots of akily showing different features of the app. recording observations of your child with screenshots, milestones and watching their development

Akily is a highly personalized child development app that provides activities for parents to do with children face to face. Once an activity is completed, the app asks for feedback on the activity to recommend the next best activity. Parents can create a journal with pictures of the child doing the activity and will be able to see how their child is doing on their dashboard.

Akily activities are intended to be fun as play-based learning and are suitable for children with learning needs.

For:

Parents

User Needs:

Learning

Type:

Content library, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Early childhood, Primary

Tags:

Intellectual

Amazon alexa logo Alexa

Alexa

Amazon's AI powered speech recognition and synthesis technology for command and control of information and devices.

  • Assistive technology hardware
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Voice recognition
  • AI (artificial intelligence)
  • Paid

Alexa is a speaker, microphone and artificial intelligence powered by Amazon. It allows the user to speak using natural language directly and receive responses. As Alexa's AI is connected to the internet, you can ask questions about almost anything, including general knowledge, facts and mathematics. This can be useful for learners with difficulty typing or hand/arm problems as a tool to access information, dictate text or use commands to control functions. It can integrate with a suite of skills that can also control devices in the home.

Alexa is also a channel that can access a range of content in audio format including audiobooks, music, podcasts and more. Audiobooks as an alternative format can be a valuable way for learners with print disabilities to access written material in recorded form. Accessibility features include the ability to speed up and slow down the rate of speaking and jump forward and back in time using voice commands.

Alexa and related products are used widely by people with various needs, including those with low vision and physical needs. The use of voice commands can help complete tasks faster and more accurately.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility

Type:

Hardware, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

TTS (text-to-speech), Voice recognition

Alfanum logo Alfanum TTS

Alfanum TTS

Proprietary text to speech solution for Serbian, Croatian and Macedonian.

  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Natural language processing
  • AI
  • Paid

Proprietary text to speech solution for countries in former Yugoslavia featuring high-quality human-sounding voices. Available in Serbian, Croatian and Macedonian, the Alfanum TTS engine is currently in use by UNICEF as part of the cboard project (an augmentative alternative communication board) and is available to other UNICEF initiatives through private partnership.

In early childhood interventions where children have difficulty with speech, natural TTS engines can have a marked improvement on language acquisition as demonstrated in the cboard initiative.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Communication, Everyone

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication)

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, Android

Connectivity:

Country:

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Natural language processing, TTS (text-to-speech)

Amar Seva Logo Amar Serva

Amar Serva

Training materials and resources for mobility and rehabilitation.

  • Training
  • Resources
  • Services
  • Free
  • Open-source

A large group of children in a courtyard waving. Many of the children are in wheelchairs

Professional training materials and resources for rehabilitation and mobility. Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA) is an organisation in the field of disability management focusing on rural areas, located in Ayikudy Village in Tirunelveli District in South Tamil Nadu. ASSA is a leader in community participatory solutions and change systems for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

For:

Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Mobility

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Universal

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

India

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Image of the amazon kindle Amazon Kindle/eBook reader

Amazon Kindle/eBook reader

ebook reader - available as hardware device or software for phones and tablets.

  • Hardware
  • Reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Resizable text

The amazon kindle ebook reader is a low-cost ebook reading tool available as both a hardware device and mobile app for phones and tablets. There are both free and paid ebooks available for the Kindle reader, and they can be acquired directly from the device or app.

It's tightly tied to the Amazon ecosystem and able to play specific files including .mobi files and PDF files. The kindle cannot natively play ePub files and it is necessary to convert these to the compatible .mobi format. To convert ePubs, you can use the free tool calibre.

The kindle has built-in accessibility features like page-turning, text-to-speech and text-resizing and can be a useful device for people who find using traditional books difficult. These can include those with low vision who find large fonts valuable, and those with a physical disability who find that manipulating pages in a printed book is challenging or where carrying large numbers of books is difficult and tiring. The Kindle library of books can also be read-aloud by the mobile app or accessed through Amazon's Alexa.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia

Android logo Android TalkBack

Android TalkBack

Built in screen reader for the Android operating system.

  • Assistive technology
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Mobile
  • Android
  • Sound Feedback
  • Vibration Feedback
  • Free
  • Open-source

Built-in screen reader for the Android operating system. Talkback is widely used by people who are blind or have low vision on android devices to navigate and have printed material (like emails) read out loud. Talkback can be customized to the user's preference including the sound of the voice, speed of narration and verbosity.

Talkback may vary depending on the device model and version of the operating system.

For:

Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, Read aloud, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Braille screen input with 6 numbered zones for finger presses Android Talkback Braille Screen Input

Android Talkback Braille Screen Input

Allows the user to input Braille direct on the touchscreen of the Android devices.

  • Assistive technology
  • Mobile app
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Braille
  • Touch screen
  • Free
  • Open-source

A video of braille keyboard input on mobile

Allows the user to type text by inputting Braille directly on the touchscreen of the Android device. The user puts the phone in landscape mode, and must tap the position of dots (ie. Tap dot 1 to type the letter "A." Tap dots 1 and 2 to type the letter "B." Tap dots 1 and 4 to type the letter "C.") corresponding to braille on the touch screen and use gestures to add spaces, delete characters etc. This can be useful for users who are blind and have low vision as a rapid way to enter text. The individual braille characters are read aloud by Android Talkback while the user is typing.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, Screen reader

Impact transfer logo Ashoka Impact Transfer

Ashoka Impact Transfer

An organization enabling social impact and change.

  • Repository & resources
  • Assistive technologies
  • Inclusive education
  • Open-source

Ashoka Impact transfer is an international organization that seeks to enable the cross-border transfer of solutions that generate social impact. They focus on innovative, system changing solutions with a proven impact and business models, and make these available where they are demanded by local stakeholders.

For:

Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Universal

Connectivity:

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AT Visor logo ATVisor

ATVisor

Provides recommendations based on functional difficulties using natural language to find assistive technologies and tools.

  • Catalog of resources
  • Assistive technology
  • Hardware

A screenshot of the ATVisor interface

ATVisor is a recommendation tool that allows persons with disabilities to find assistive technology devices and products that are matched specifically to their needs. ATVisor links directly to eCommerce providers like amazon for direct to consumer purchase of these products. It includes a range of products from low to high cost.

ATVisor can be used directly by persons with disabilities or can be of value to those making recommendations who would like to be familiar with a wider range of products and options.

For:

Educators, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Audacity logo Audacity

Audacity

Popular free audio file editing software.

  • Authoring tool
  • Audio
  • Editing
  • Free
  • Open-source

A screenshot of the audacity interface showing audio editing tools

Popular free audio editing software. Audacity is a perfect tool for editing audio narration or audiobook recordings. Audacity can enable you to record live audio from a microphone, digitize recordings from other media, apply effects and processing to audio files and export to a variety of formats including wav and mp3. The interface is accessible and can be used through keyboard shortcuts.

Audacity is useful for educators hoping to edit recorded lessons for their students, for publishers who are editing audiobooks and for learners who need to edit audio for assignments.

For:

Educators, Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Recording

Ava logo Ava

Ava

Real time AI powered captions for the deaf.

  • Assistive technology
  • Voice transcription
  • AI
  • Captions
  • Video conference
  • Paid

a screenshot of the ava mobile application showing the transcription of voices by speaker. It also displays a laptop with the caption ava captions your conversations

Real-time AI-powered captions for the deaf - Empowering persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and inclusive organizations with accurate instant captions in any situation. Ava can be used in real-life social settings, classes and in-person meetings, as well as to power closed captions in video conferences.

In a real-world setting (like an in-person meeting), Ava works by connecting devices to the Ava app, that way it can accurately transcribe each individual speaker's voice. This can be particularly helpful in a setting where there is no sign language interpreter present and there are many individuals speaking, which may be challenging for a participant who is deaf. In a video conference, this can be helpful by more accurately transcribing and displaying a group conversation and labelling the individual voices visually.

For:

Educators, Publishers

User Needs:

Hearing, Communication

Type:

Assistive technology, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions

Be my eyes logo Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes

An app that connects blind and low vision users with seeing volunteers via live video.

  • Mobile app
  • Assistive technology
  • Live video
  • Human assisted
  • Free
  • Blind and low vision

Screenshots of the be my eyes mobile app showing a user videoing a milk carton and having it described for them and a panel to say call first available volunteer

A mobile application that connects users who are blind and low vision with a community of volunteers to lend their vision through live video technology. They currently have 3 million volunteers on their platform.

This can be helpful for those with limited vision who may benefit from someone lending their vision remotely. For example, they may require someone to describe the world around them through live video, or read out written text on a product or physical document.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Global symbols logo Board Builder

Board Builder

A freely available authoring tool for creating AAC boards.

  • Authoring tools
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • Symbols
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Free

Screenshot of the global symbols board builder

The global symbols 'board builder' is a freely available authoring tool for creating AAC boards in a variety of languages. You can customize the number of columns and rows, and choose icon, color and text for each tile. They can be exported as OBZ or uploaded from an OBZ file.

Board builder is designed with templates that can be printed for use in settings where connectivity, power or devices are not available. The boards can also be laid out in ways that fit a range of hardware devices allowing a high level of integration and migration between AAC systems.

A part of the global symbols site.

For:

Educators, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning, Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Autism, Read aloud

The benetech bookshare logo Bookshare - Benetech

Bookshare - Benetech

Benetech's repository of close to 1 million accessible eBooks.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Resizable text
  • Offline
  • Free

An image showing children using Benetech's reading solutions

The largest repository of accessible eBooks available in a variety of languages and formats. Children and adults with print disabilities such as blindness, low vision, dyslexia and cerebral palsy can access thousands of accessible books on Benetech’s Bookshare platform.

The library is provided to individuals with disabilities for free or low cost, depending on the support of local partners in your region. Readers must submit proof of disability before being given access.

Bookshare is a Benetech initiative.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Intellectual, Read aloud, Reader, UDL (universal design for learning)

Bookshelf logo Bookshelf

Bookshelf

VitalSource's library of accessible textbooks featuring annotation, highlighting and read-aloud text.

  • Authoring tools
  • Cloud platform
  • Online Reader
  • Read aloud
  • ePub
  • Resizable text
  • Offline
  • Highlighting
  • Annotation
  • Textbooks
  • Paid
  • Requires registration

A screenshot of the bookshelf view with highlighting and annotations.

Bookshelf by VitalSource is a library of accessible textbooks featuring annotation, highlighting and read-aloud. Following registration, Bookshelf allows you to purchase eTextbooks for life and read them either online or offline. New vocabulary is linked to Wikipedia to help students understand unfamiliar concepts. The current library of eTextbooks is over 500,000 books covering maths, science, medical, administration, business, education and psychology.

These accessible digital textbooks can be helpful for educators who want to provide content for their students with print disabilities.

For:

Educators, Learners

User Needs:

Vision, Learning

Type:

Authoring tool, Content library, Reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web, Universal

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Brailleback icon BrailleBack

BrailleBack

Connect a refreshable braille display to your Android device via Bluetooth.

  • Assistive technology
  • Android
  • Refreshable braille display
  • Free
  • Open-source

A screenshot showing an image of a refreshable braille display to their android phone

With BrailleBack, you can connect a refreshable braille display to your Android device via Bluetooth. BrailleBack works with the screen reader 'Talkback' to provide a combined speech and braille experience. As you use BrailleBack, screen content appears on your braille display, and you can navigate and interact with your device using the keys on the display. You can also input text using the braille keyboard.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille

C3 logo C3 Micro-cloud

C3 Micro-cloud

A complete solution for distributing education clouds to areas with unreliable internet connectivity.

  • Hardware
  • Low connectivity
  • Offline
  • Linux
  • CAP (Content access point)
  • Paid

A screenshot showing the C3 hardware device and the platform running on laptop, mobile and tablet

A complete solution for distributing education clouds to classrooms with unreliable internet connectivity. The C3 is a content access point (CAP) that creates a 'micro-cloud' at a specific location, allowing users to connect directly to the unit in lieu of the internet at large. This allows educators and content providers to load relevant educational content onto the CAP, and send it to the school where it will be used.

It works as a server that will connect to the internet when it is able to download content and keep it stored offline. The students then connect to the device as they do any wireless router, and access the content through any web browser.

Refer to the models distributing content in LMICs for more information.

For:

Educators, Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Hardware

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Linux

Connectivity:

Offline, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

Secondary

Tags:

Calibre logo Calibre

Calibre

Calibre is a free ePub authoring and eBook management tool.

  • ePub
  • Authoring tool
  • Free

Calibre is a freely available authoring tool with powerful publishing features for ePub authoring. It can be used to edit and publish ePubs, convert these to other formats and manage large ebook collections.

The ebook management features can beneficial to those who find the personal organisation of resources difficult. The accessibility features of the ePub format are beneficial for users with print disabilities.

For:

Educators, Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, Reader

CAST logo CAST

CAST

An organization to promote the adoption of UDL (Universal design for learning).

  • Training
  • Learning tools
  • UDL (universal design for learning)
  • Free
  • Open-source

CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Breaking the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day. They do this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation.

You can find a wealth of information regarding UDL (universal design for learning) on their website, and technology products including the Strategic Reader – a technology-based system blending UDL and Curriculum-Based Measurement in a digital learning environment to improve reading comprehension instruction.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Universal

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

cboard logo Cboard

Cboard

Free AAC communication app for children and adults with speech and language impairments.

  • Assistive technology
  • AAC
  • Open Symbols
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Open-source
  • Web
  • Android
  • Offline
  • UNICEF
  • Free

A screenshot of the cboard interface with symbol tiles and symbol folders with a selected symbol phrase

Cboard is an freely available AAC (augmentative alternative communication) board for children and adults with speech and language impairments. Cboard is an open-source project and is available as a web app, or as an android app. Users can create and save their own boards, customize the tiles with familiar images including images of family members or use boards shared by the community. Cboard integrates with accessibility features such as text-to-speech so the selected symbols and words are read aloud. Cboard comes with support for 33 languages.

Cboard was supported by UNICEF innovation fund and was the selected application for an AAC pilot in Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro where over 100 children, parents and professionals were trained in utilizing a digital AAC board. The project utilized Alfanum TTS for natural sounding voices in Serbian and Croatian. Initial results of the pilot show very promising results: read about the project.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication)

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Android, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, TTS (text-to-speech)

Google Lighthouse logo Chrome Lighthouse

Chrome Lighthouse

An accessibility testing solution built-in to the Chrome browser.

  • Authoring tools
  • Testing
  • Accessibility Audit of Website
  • Free

Chrome lighthouse is an open-source, automated tool for improving the performance of web pages. You can run the tool against any web page. It has audits for performance, accessibility, progressive web apps, SEO and more.

To run Lighthouse, open in Chrome DevTools, navigate to Lighthouse and click 'generate report'. It runs a series of audits against the page and then generates a report on how well the page did.

This is very useful for developers and content developers wanting to check their page for accessibility.

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Chromebook logo Chromebook

Chromebook

Google's low-cost laptop computer with Chrome operating system and built-in accessibility features.

  • Hardware
  • Low-cost
  • Chrome
  • Offline

Chromebooks are low-cost computing devices running the Chrome operating system. They can range between $100 and $1000 and for many can provide an affordable solution for accessing online educational content. They can include a range of accessibility features integrated into the operating system, providing access for students with diverse needs, abilities and learning styles. Built-in settings and easy-to-use apps and extensions help customize the learning experience to include and engage every student.

Learn more about the extensive accessibility features in Chromebooks. These include a screen reader, magnification, cursor options, and braille support for those with low or no vision and an on-screen keyboard and keyboard and mouse tuning for those with a physical disability.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Hardware

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Chrome OS

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Ck-12 logo CK-12

CK-12

Ck-12 is an online platform for interactive educational content.

  • Content libraries
  • Authoring Tools
  • MathML
  • Interactive
  • UDL (universal design for learning)
  • Free

Ck-12 is an online platform for interactive educational content. The Ck-12 library is in a format called 'flexbooks' which include interactive exercises and controls. Countries have used the flexbooks format to house their libraries including Chile, Brazil, India and Georgia. Ck-12 materials are accessible with image descriptions and MathML. The flexbooks have a range of display settings to make reading easier for those with print impairments.

Ck-12 has a function that allows you to download some resources into their app to be accessed offline without the need for a browser.

Ck-12 integrates with leading LMSs including Google Classroom.

For:

Educators, Learners, Policy makers

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

claro software logo ClaroRead

ClaroRead

Word prediction and advanced spelling and grammar checker to assist users who have difficulty entering text accurately.

  • Speech synthesis
  • Word prediction
  • Spell checking
  • Switch access
  • Assistive technology

Claro read is a word prediction and advanced spelling and grammar checker to assist users who have difficulty entering text accurately. Claroread offers the ability to read aloud text from a range of formats, highlighting the text as it is read aloud. The read-aloud voice is powered by high-quality human-sounding speech. It reads English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish and twenty-four other languages with 80 different voices and accents. It also offers word prediction that can suggest words as the learner types to help with spelling and writing.

The Spell check function offers support for homophones and easily-confused words like “there” and “their” and “they're” including images to help select the correct word. This includes advanced phonetic, dyslexic and problem spelling corrections like “neel” (kneel) and “necessary”.

Claroread can also adjust the appearance of documents by changing font and text to make it easier to read, or screen colours to reduce contrast and make reading more comfortable.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, TTS (text-to-speech)

CISL logo Clusive

Clusive

A digital reading app that adapts to your unique style of reading.

  • Reader
  • ePub
  • Simple language
  • Glossary
  • Read aloud
  • Resizable text
  • Highlighted text
  • Adaptive learning
  • Web
  • Free
  • Open-source

Clusive is a free, flexible, adaptive, and customizable digital learning environment that adapts to your unique style of reading. Features include read aloud, highlighting, letter spacing, text size, font, and word assist to help you learn words. An onboarding process asks users how well they know certain words, and adapts the article based on their responses to various degrees of language complexity.

Students can use Clusive to read assigned or free-choice books and articles, build their own personal library, and take advantage of Clusive’s growing public library. Clusive’s goal is to help learners build self-awareness through discovering, choosing, and using preferences that help build learning skills.

A library of free books is available from the website.

For:

Educators, Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, Intellectual, Read aloud, Reader

Coughdrop logo Cough Drop

Cough Drop

Open source AAC board for children with speech and language impairements.

  • Assistive technology
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • Open Symbols
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Web
  • Offline
  • Paid
  • Open-source

Cough drop is an open-source AAC board for children with speech and language impairments. Coughdrop is a widely used flexible tool allowing users to create and save their own boards, and view them offline in both the web and app versions. The application uses open symbols and is compatible with TTS engines.

Cough drop is a paid application. There is a free trial available from their website.

For:

Educators

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual, TTS (text-to-speech)

The Daisy Logo DAISY

DAISY

The DAISY Consortium website offers tools, standards, advice and best practices to ensure accessibility for people with print disabilities in published content.

  • Accessibility
  • All ages
  • eBooks
  • Blind
  • Dyslexia
  • ePub
  • Braille
  • DAISY
  • Daisy

The DAISY Consortium is a global consortium of individuals and organizations committed to improving access to published materials for people with print disabilities. The DAISY Consortium website offers tools, standards, advice and best practices for publishing and reading to ensure accessibility for people with print disabilities in both specialist and mainstream formats.

They contribute expertise in standards working groups, develop guidelines and checklists so that best practices are clear and widely available, promote reading systems that ensure the best possible reading experience and support open standards and help develop an inclusive publishing ecosystem for everybody.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Authoring tool, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, ePub

Daisy logo DAISY Pipeline 2

DAISY Pipeline 2

A conversion tool for the creation of documents in accessible formats.

  • Authoring tool
  • Document conversion
  • ePub
  • Free
  • Open-source

DAISY pipeline 2 is an open-source, cross-platform document conversion system focused on making content more accessible for blind and low vision users and other print impaired users. It is available as a windows, mac osx, linux and web application.

It can be useful to publishers seeking to produce materials in accessible formats.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, TTS (text-to-speech)

Delanclip Logo Delanclip

Delanclip

Head tracker to control a device through head movements.

  • Assistive technology
  • Hardware
  • Head tracking

Delanclip is a hardware head tracker. It allows the user to control a device with head movements alone and can be used to replace a mouse, joystick or other controller.

Head tracking is a valuable tool for those with a physical disability which may make use of a standard keyboard or mouse impossible. It is an example of a natural interface that can be used to type when combined with an on-screen keyboard

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Mouse

eKitabu logo Digital Story Time - eKitabu

Digital Story Time - eKitabu

A freely available library of sign language video books in Kenyan Sign Language.

  • Content libraries
  • Sign language
  • Video
  • TV
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Captions

A sign language interpreter stands in front of a green screen wearing a yellow jacket and signing. Text below her reads each story has a title, a body, questions, and a glossary for you to learn.

A library of sign language video books for early grade learners in Kenyan Sign Language. Digital story time features sign language interpreters signing over storybooks that are read out loud with captions. These videos are distributed on eKitabu's website and broadcast through government TV channels during COVID-19 pandemic, through a partnership with the Kenyan Institute for Curricular Development (KICD).

Learn more about digital story time.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, Android, Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Kenya

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Sign language

Easy reading logo Easy Reading

Easy Reading

Easy Reading is a software tool to support the cognitive accessibility of web content.

  • Assistive technology
  • Read aloud
  • Reading Tools
  • Free
  • Open-source

Easy Reading is a software tool to support the cognitive accessibility of web content. Available as a Firefox and Chrome Add-on. The EasyReading software framework is a support tool that users can install on their computer. It will provide help by adjusting web content in real-time based on the user's needs. With the software every user can see a personalized version of any existing web-page. There are three main support features:

  • Adjustment of layout and structure of web pages.
  • Explanation of web content with symbols, pictures and videos.
  • Translation of content into a different language level, e.g. Plain Language or Easy-to-Read, symbol writing systems.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning

Type:

Assistive technology, Learning tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Intellectual, Read aloud, TTS (text-to-speech), UDL (universal design for learning)

Easy talk logo Easy Talk Lite / Pro

Easy Talk Lite / Pro

Voice recognition and speech transcription to help students with hearing impairments follow lectures.

  • Mobile app
  • Transcription
  • Voice recognition
  • Free
  • Paid
  • Android

Features voice recognition and speech transcription. Can be useful to help students who are deaf and hard of hearing follow lectures and lessons.

Easy Talk Pro costs $2.99 on the google play store and adds extra features to the application.

  • phone calls with voice transcription
  • connection using Wifi Direct
  • keyboard input option
  • save or share conversations as text
  • remove or change words
  • bluetooth connection to microphone devices

For:

Educators, Learners

User Needs:

Hearing, Communication

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Voice recognition

EdTechHub Logo EdTechHub

EdTechHub

The EdTechHub is a resource center with information, reports, and a searchable catalog of education technology solutions.

  • Accessibility
  • COVID-19
  • LMICs (low and middle income countries)
  • Remote learning
  • Education technology
  • Low-tech

The EdTechHub is a non-profit partnership supported by UKaid and The World Bank. It has a wide range of education technology resources with a focus on solutions that can be implemented in low- and middle-income countries. It addresses many of the remote learning concerns that were born out of COVID and includes perspectives on girls' education, refugee education and personalized learning. The site features reports, information and two searchable catalogs: one focused on tools, and another focused on evidence.

There is a section dedicated to children with special educational needs and disabilities which includes reports on how educational technology can address the need in low- and middle-income countries. This can be useful for policy Makers and educators looking for ways to reach students with disabilities or special education needs with educational technology solutions.

For:

Educators, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Catalog of resources, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Universal

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

LMICs, UDL (universal design for learning)

eKItabu logo eKitabu

eKitabu

A library of eBooks and accessible digital content, and an ePub reader.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Media-overlay
  • Sign language
  • ePub
  • Free
  • Paid
  • Open-source

Four children smiling and wearing red eKitabu sweaters

eKitabu is an innovative digital publishing company based in eastern Africa. Ekitabu is producing accessible digital materials for all learners. Their studio KSL produces sign language video storybooks, and eKitabu produces books in accessible formats like ePub.

ekitabu produce an ePub reader available on the eKitabu site that includes accessibility features like read-aloud and resizable text for learners with print disabilities.

For:

Educators, Learners, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Mobile app, Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Paid, Open-source

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Kenya

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, LMICs, Media-overlay, Read aloud, Reader, Sign language

ePub logo ePub Test

ePub Test

Free tool for testing the accessibility of different ePub Readers

  • Authoring tools
  • ePub
  • Free
  • Open-source

ePub test is a free tool for testing the accessibility of different ePub Readers. Includes details of tests of a wide range of readers and their different versions to help select one that is suitable for use. The site can be used to find out how an e-reader performs with different features found in eBooks. The data is continually collected from a large group of expert testers from all over the globe who volunteer their time, and testing is coordinated by the DAISY Consortium.

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub

Fenix editorial logo Fenix Editorial

Fenix Editorial

Production pipeline for the creation of digital content in accessible formats.

  • Authoring tools
  • Guidance and training
  • PWA (progressive web app)
  • Accessible PDF
  • Read aloud
  • Highlighted text
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Video
  • Sign language
  • Paid

Fenix editorial is a company dedicated to the conversion of educational materials in accessible formats. Fenix editorial was formed in 2020 to service the educational market in Brazil, and have developed a production pipeline to scale the conversion process. Fenix is an inclusive publishing partner for DAISY.

Fenix has been converting books to accessible formats (DAISY, EPUB3, Braille, HTML) for the last 14 years, as well as providing other services for the publishing market and working as trainers for ABC and DAISY. They are innovating new solutions for digital publishing and accessibility.

Policymakers seeking to work with a local partner in Brazil or Latin America will find a wealth of information and support with Fenix..

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Brazil

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, Read aloud, Sign language, TTS (text-to-speech), UDL (universal design for learning)

Fluid project Fluid Project

Fluid Project

An online community to improve the user experience and inclusiveness of open-source software.

  • Catalog of resources
  • Inclusive design
  • Guidance and training
  • Open-source

Fluid is an open, collaborative project that is dedicated to improving the user experience and inclusiveness of open-source software. The community helps with designing user interfaces, building web tools, teaching inclusive design, and integrating interface components into open-source applications. The community consists of an international team of partners, individuals, and institutions focused on designing flexible, customizable, user-centred accessible interfaces.

This can be helpful for publishers and policy makers seeking to improve the inclusiveness of their online education platforms.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Catalog of resources

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Intellectual, UDL (universal design for learning)

Mobidys logo FROG

FROG

FROG – which stands for FRee cOGnitive ebook, is an accessible ebook reader.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Highlighted text
  • ePub
  • Open-source

FROG – which stands for FRee cOGnitive ebook, is an accessible ebook reader from Mobidys. They have a collection of specially designed children's illustrated books for readers with dyslexia. The menu is always accessible and allows users to control text and audio playback. For instance: highlighting text, highlighting syllabus, dark and light mode on text, letter-spacing, and much more. The books have been produced using the Pubcoder authoring tool.

To learn more about FROG from Pubcoder's social impact initiative page: https://socialimpact.pubcoder.com/.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Paid, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, Intellectual, Read aloud, UDL (universal design for learning)

Global Digital Library logo Global Digital Library

Global Digital Library

A content library of freely available digital storybooks, games and reading materials in over 90 languages.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Online
  • Offline
  • Simple language
  • h5p
  • Open-source

The global digital library (GDL) is a content library with freely available accessible digital storybooks, educational games and other reading materials easily accessible from mobile phones or computers. The GDL is ever expanding and currently features 6500+ books available in over 90 languages. The GDL is organized into levels so teachers can select the appropriate reading materials for their students.

The online reader features read-aloud technology and other accessibility features to make the reading experience more inclusive. This can be particularly useful for learners with print disabilities. The online reader utilizes h5p (the open-source accessible interactive project), and to address offline requirements, the GDL integrates with Kolibri.

The global digital library is an initiative of the Global Book Alliance.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Intellectual, Read aloud

Global symbols logo Global Symbols

Global Symbols

An online repository of open-licensed AAC symbols sets, tools and training resources in a wide range of languages.

  • Content libraries
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • Symbols
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Training

A screenshot of the global symbols library showing symbols sets including arasaac and blisssymbolics

Global symbols is an open repository of open-licensed AAC (augmentative alternative communication) symbol sets. The site includes a searchable database of open symbols from various sources including ARASAAC, Blissymbolics, Mulberry and more. Creators can manage and publish symbol sets, professionals can exchange resources and anyone can discover, mix and match the symbols to personalize their communication boards.

The site includes training and guidance for policy makers and professionals hoping to implement AAC initiatives in their region. Global Symbols works closely with partners to promote the use of AAC symbols that reflect local language and culture, and symbols sets are open-licensed to facilitate the widest possible use.

The site includes Global Symbols Board Builder for easily creating communication boards from the freely available library, or by adding your own.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Communication, Mobility

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Content library, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual

Google drive and docs logos Google Docs

Google Docs

Google Docs is a free online document editor.

  • Productivity
  • Office
  • Documents
  • Writing
  • Spreadsheet
  • Presentation
  • Online
  • Offline
  • Windows
  • Voice recognition

Google Docs allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating with other users in real-time. It is a part of a suite of tools, including Google Sheets and Google Slides, to edit many kinds of documents online. Google Docs is accessible via an internet browser as a web-based application and is also available as a mobile app on Android and iOS or as a desktop application on Google's Chrome OS.

Google Doc Editors are accessible and allow users many ways to write, including; screen reader support, using a braille display, using a screen magnifier, typing with your voice, using keyboard shortcuts and touch input. This can be helpful for users with disabilities who cannot easily see the screen or may have difficulty typing with a keyboard. There is also accessibility checkers available as a plugin for you to check the accessibility of your document before publishing.

Google Docs also supports exporting to accessible formats, including converting your document to an accessible HTML webpage, an accessible EPUB, or an Accessible PDF. Make sure to validate your exported document for accessibility before distributing.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Read aloud, Reflowable, Voice recognition

Google text to speech Google Text-to-Speech

Google Text-to-Speech

Speech synthesis solution that turns text into natural sound speech in over 40 languages.

  • Mobile app
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Read aloud
  • Mobile
  • Free

Google's text-to-speech (TTS) technology can convert text or any on-screen controls into natural-sounding speech with over 220 over in over 40 languages. Google utilizes it's cloud engine and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of the voices and speech synthesis. TTS is accessed as part of the screen reader in an operating system and can help users navigate their device, read aloud a digital book and speak aloud translations. Google's text-to-speech integrates with Android's accessibility solution TalkBack for navigation and spoken feedback on Android devices.

Text-to-speech is particularly helpful for users how are blind or have low vision or users who prefer materials to be read aloud to them to assist their learning. The lifelike sounding voices are helpful for early grade learners who are better engaged by more natural sounding voice technology.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Communication, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Mobile app, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Read aloud, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Grammarly logo Grammarly

Grammarly

Grammarly is an online writing assistant.

  • Spelling and grammar
  • Writing
  • Assistant
  • Online

Grammarly is a writing assistant that integrates into your browser and into popular word processors. It uses artificial intelligence to make spelling and grammar suggestions and can help you to make sure that your writing is clear and concise.

This can be particularly helpful to those with difficulty writing or with learning difficulties like dyslexia.

For:

Educators, Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning, Communication, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Authoring tool, Learning tool

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AI (artificial intelligence), Dyslexia, Intellectual, Natural language processing, UDL (universal design for learning)

h5p logo h5p

h5p

Open-source accessible interactive activities in HTML5 format compatible with online platforms.

  • Authoring tools
  • Accessible interactive
  • Video
  • Web
  • Open-source
  • Paid
  • Free

h5p is an open-source project to develop a library of accessible interactive templates freely available to be integrated into online learning platforms. As interactivity can present accessibility challenges, h5p includes an accessibility table exploring what templates are accessible.

h5p is designed to integrate easily with other platforms and includes a moodle plugin for easy integration, and embed codes to work with all platforms. The Global Digital Library uses an h5p template to power its online reader. There are also paid plans on the h5p site if you want to host the activities with h5p and simply embed them on your website.

h5p activities are great for educators looking to make their digital lessons more engaging for all learners, whilst still ensuring their content is accessible. Policymakers and publishers can use h5p's open-source technology to power their future digital learning experiences.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Reader

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Reader, UDL (universal design for learning)

I libri per tutti logo I Libri Per Tutti

I Libri Per Tutti

"I libri per tutti" (Books for all) are digital books for children with communication difficulties.

  • Content libraries
  • Mobile app
  • AAC
  • Picture Book
  • Mobile app
  • iOS
  • Free
  • Android

Screenshots of I libri tutti showing AAC symbols of the pages of a picture book

"I libri per tutti" (Books for all) brings together publishing and inclusive education experts to develop a series of digital books for readers with communication difficulties. The project was born out of a lack of materials for readers with autism that may struggle with traditional reading material. The books integrate AAC (augmentative alternative communication) symbols into the book to facilitate inclusion for readers with complex communication needs. The text is translated using the Widgit symbol set, and the picture books contain colourful imagery.

The book has been developed using Pubcoder and can be downloaded in a mobile app as a paid purchase. They were particularly well-received during the COVID-19 pandemic where the books were downloaded over 100,000 times.

Read about Pubcoder's social impact initiatives.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Content library, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Italy

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual, UDL (universal design for learning)

Istem logo I-Stem

I-Stem

A technology startup providing assistive services and document conversion technology for students and institutions.

  • Authoring tool
  • OCR (optical character recognition)
  • Auto Captioning
  • AI (artificial intelligence)
  • Open-source
  • Web
  • Remediation
  • Open-source

A tech startup founded in India and supported by UNICEF innovation fund and Microsoft Accessibility for AI fund with several products in development. Of note is I-Stem's online platform for converting learning materials into accessible formats. They have AI-powered solutions including document OCR (optical character recognition) and auto-captioning of videos (speech recognition). In addition, they have an accessibility management portal providing human-assisted remediation of documents access to services for students with disabilities.

I-Stem can be particularly helpful for students with print disabilities and students with hearing impairments who require captioning of video content.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Communication

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global, India

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AI (artificial intelligence), Captions

IDRC logo IDRC - Inclusive Design Research Center

IDRC - Inclusive Design Research Center

The Inclusive Design Research Center is an international community of open source developers, designers, researchers, educators and designers who work together to proactively ensure that emerging technology and practices are designed inclusively.

  • Catalog of resources
  • Inclusive
  • Guidance and training
  • Open-source

Inclusive Design Research Center is an international community of open source developers, designers, researchers, educators and co-designers who work together to proactively ensure that emerging technology and practices are designed inclusively. Their website contains content and resources on how to design software for inclusion and open source tools to make content more accessible.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Catalog of resources, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web, Universal

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Intellectual, UDL (universal design for learning)

The immersive reader logo Immersive Reader

Immersive Reader

A text-to-speech technology that will read aloud and highlight any text in compatible programs.

  • Reader app
  • Read aloud
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Highlighting
  • Free

A screenshot of the immersive Reader with text highlighted and grammar color coded

Immersive Reader is a freely available learning tool integrated into many Microsoft products that assist with reading and comprehension of written material. It uses TTS (text-to-speech) technology that can read aloud any text, highlighting word by word as it does so. The user can also choose the voice that reads aloud to them and customize the view to highlight grammar. Immersive Reader will also remove distractions, like tools and menus, from the screen so that the user can focus on the text. To assist with new vocabulary acquisition, Immersive Reader displays pictorial definitions when specific terms are highlighted.

The Immersive Reader is built-in to the Microsoft Edge browser and Microsoft Word. You can see what other products immersive Reader is integrated into.

Immersive Reader can be particularly useful for people who have learning difficulties (including dyslexia) or difficulty focusing on content and prefer text read aloud to them.

For:

Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Learning tool

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Read aloud, TTS (text-to-speech)

The InAble logo InAble

InAble

InAble is an organization committed to providing access to digital resources for children with disabilities in Eastern Africa.

  • Africa
  • Blind
  • Assistive Technology
  • Training
  • LMICs
  • UDL (universal design for learning)

student in a computer lab for the blind

Through the use of assistive technology, digital skills training, and commitment to inclusive education, inABLE supports the educational advancements that blind and visually impaired students can achieve when given the opportunity to learn through the use of technology.

InAble is based in Kenya, and to date has:

  • Established assistive technology computer labs in six schools for the blind in Kenya
  • Provided more than 35,000 hours of assistive technology computer skills training
  • Enrolled over 8,000 visually impaired students, ages 6-25, and 150 teachers
  • Hired 15 assistive technology instructors
  • Provided HTML and JavaScript Coding skills training to more than 120 students
  • Developed accessible computer training manuals
  • Partnered with the Kenya Ministry of Education Science and Technology

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Kenya

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

Adobe Indesign Logo InDesign

InDesign

Digital publishing tool for authoring print and digital publications.

  • Authoring tools
  • ePub
  • Semantic structure
  • Accessible PDF
  • Image Descriptions
  • Paid

Widely used digital publishing tool for authoring print and digital media. Accessibility features include the ability to add image descriptions, and exporting in reflowable ePub format. InDesign integrates well with other widely available Adobe products such as Acrobat, Photoshop and Lightroom, with features to enable the easy creation of Accessible PDFs.

Despite requiring a high level of technical ability, some of these products have also been used by students who find presenting ideas as text challenging but can demonstrate their understanding visually.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, PDF

Apple logo iOS Voiceover Braille Screen Input

iOS Voiceover Braille Screen Input

Allows the user to input Braille directly on the touchscreen of the iOS device to type text.

  • Assistive technology
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Braille
  • Touch screen
  • Free
  • Keyboard

Allows the user to input Braille direct on the touchscreen of the iOS device to type text. The user must tap the position of dots corresponding to braille on the touch screen and use gestures to type text. The individual braille characters are read aloud by iOS VoiceOver.

This can be a life-changing feature for entering text for learners who are blind or have low vision.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

iSpring logo iSpring Suite

iSpring Suite

Authoring tool for the publication of eLearning materials with accessible features.

  • Authoring tools
  • Accessibility mode
  • Simple design
  • High contrast
  • Paid

gif showing ispring content switching to simple design mode for screen reader compatibility

Authoring tool for the publication of eLearning materials with accessibility features, and tools for section 508 compliance. The suite is formed by a robust PowerPoint-based toolkit for creating courses, quizzes, role-plays, and video lessons. Teachers can record video lectures, watch-and-repeat tutorials, software simulations, and other visual content that will motivate learners to complete courses. iSpring Suite delivers accessible content through an accessibility mode which includes perceivable texts, clear fonts and high contrast to make it easier for a person with a visual impairment to read the text on the screen.

In the accessibility mode, courses created with iSpring Suite feature the comfortable sans-serif typeface and uses a minimalistic layout where courses and quizzes include only the most necessary elements, which keeps the interface clear of distractions. If course slides include animations, transition effects, and elements set to AutoStart, they won't appear in the accessibility mode. Such slides are then easier to navigate for those who use only a keyboard to work on a computer.

The accessibility mode also supports screen reader-friendly content which allows users to navigate with the keyboard, jump between elements, select checkboxes, and fill in fields. This way, people with visual impairments can use the coursework without anyone’s assistance.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

Jabtalk JABtalk

JABtalk

JABtalk helps non-verbal children communicate through an AAC (augmentative alternative communication) app.

  • Mobile app
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Mobile
  • Free

JABtalk is a free Android application designed to help non-verbal children and adults communicate. It offers an easy and effective AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) solution, combining personalized voices and images in a simple user interface. Originally designed as a communication tool for children with disabilities, JABtalk has evolved into a communication tool used by stroke patients, toddlers, speech-language pathologists, and others.

JABtalk has over 100,000 users located in over 100 countries around the world and is available in the Google Play Store.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual, TTS (text-to-speech)

JAWS logo JAWS

JAWS

Screen reader software for Microsoft Windows.

  • Assistive technology
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Windows
  • Paid

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader software for Microsoft Windows that helps blind and visually impaired users to navigate the screen using a keyboard with text-to-speech output or braille display. JAWS is a well established and robust screen reader that is widely used but carries a higher cost than alternatives like NVDA.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, Read aloud, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Jellow logo Jellow AAC Communicator

Jellow AAC Communicator

A free AAC application to aid learners with speech and language impairments.

  • Assistive technology
  • Mobile app
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • Communication
  • Switch control
  • Free
  • Open-source

screenshot of the jellow communicator app with aac symbols in a mobile device

The Jellow Communicator is a free Android app that can be used for communication by those learning to speak or those having difficulty with speech. Jellow is an AAC (augmentative alternative communication) app and uses icons/images to aid learners with communication. Jellow can also be used by early grade learners to learn words and concepts frequently used in their daily lives.

Jellow’s colourful and friendly icons can help children develop an association between pictures and their corresponding word labels. Jellow has a simple, visually appealing and easy-to-learn interface organized into basic category buttons that make it easy for the user to access and find desired icons.

The user can make the app speak out sentences by simply clicking on any of the category buttons followed by any of the expressive buttons. Jellow has around 1000 icons and over 10,000 lines of pre-programmed text. In addition, using the 'keyboard' feature, the user can generate new sentences and use the app to speak them out aloud.

The current version of the app allows the user to choose languages such as English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Spanish, German and French and multiple English accents (Indian, American, British, Australia).

Jellow was a recipient of UNICEF’s innovation fund for AAC applications.

Source: Google play store listing

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Assistive technology, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global, India

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual, TTS (text-to-speech)

Khan Academy logo Khan Academy

Khan Academy

An open library of standards-aligned content and lessons covering K-12 through early college.

  • Content libraries
  • Accessible features
  • Video
  • Open-source
  • Free

Free for learners and teachers, Khan academy is an open library of standards-aligned educational content and lessons covering K-12 through early college. Browsing the Khan academy library is accessible, and there are features for adjusting media for specific user preferences.

Khan Academy offers personalized learning allowing students to practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning. It seeks to provide access to trusted content that is created by experts. Khan Academy’s library of lessons covers math, science, and more. It empowers teachers to identify gaps in their students’ understanding, tailor instruction, and meet the needs of every student.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

ePub, PDF

Kitaboo logo Kitaboo

Kitaboo

Cloud based digital platform for authoring, hosting, distributing and consuming eBooks.

  • Authoring tools
  • Cloud platform
  • Online Reader
  • Read aloud
  • Media-overlay
  • ePub
  • Resizable text
  • Paid

Cloud based digital platform for authoring, hosting, distributing and consuming eBooks. Kitaboo offers the opportunity to create interactive eBooks designed for personalized learning that will suit various learning styles and personal preferences and needs. Kitaboo publishing tools extend beyond traditional eBooks and seek to increase student engagement by embedding multimedia and interactivity features such as video, audio, images, assignment widgets, read aloud to facilitate learning. These features can be particularly helpful for students with learning difficulties who prefer visual formats and text read aloud to them.

For:

Educators, Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global, India

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

ePub, Media-overlay, Read aloud

Kolibri logo Kolibri

Kolibri

A solution for digital learning in offline and low-connectivity settings.

  • LMS
  • Offline
  • LMICs
  • Offline
  • CAPs
  • Free
  • Open-source

Kolibri is an adaptable set of open solutions specially developed to support learning for the half of the world without Internet access. Centred around an offline-first learning platform that runs on a variety of low-cost and legacy devices, the Kolibri Product Ecosystem includes a curricular tool, a library of open educational resources, and a toolkit of resources to support training and implementation in formal, informal and non-formal learning environments.

Kolibri is being used in over 200 countries and territories around the world, and is serving millions of learners and educators living in underserved contexts where the internet is costly, unreliable, or simply beyond reach.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Guidance and training, LMS (learning management system)

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Online, Offline, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

LMICs, LMS (learning management system)

Landbot logo Landbot.io

Landbot.io

Easy to use interface for building chatbots for education.

  • Authoring tools
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Chat
  • Whatsapp
  • Chat bot
  • Scripting
  • Paid

Landbot.io has a web-based graphical user interface for building chatbots for business and education. Landbot includes support and guides for building education-focused chatbots. Chatbots can be used by teachers to create interactive learning materials for their students.

Landbot.io has a whatsapp integration that can be used for educational purposes, allowing teachers to interact with their students directly through Whatsapp.

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Communication, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Messaging

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Learning passport Logo Learning Passport

Learning Passport

A learning management system to power education in low and middle-income countries.

  • LMS (Learning management system)
  • Content libraries
  • Video
  • Mobile app
  • Offline
  • UNICEF
  • Free

The Learning Passport is a learning management system and content delivery platform powered by Microsoft technology to enable continuous access to quality education. The learning passport works in online and offline modes and has been designed to work in environments with low connectivity and on low-cost devices. Learning Passport is accessible through any browser, and has a mobile app to power learning on low-cost cell phones. It is highly flexible and adaptable, allowing countries to easily and quickly adopt the Learning Passport as its national learning management system or use it to complement existing digital learning platforms. Learning Passport can also be run on a micro-cloud for deployment in low-connectivity environments to reach underserved learners.

The platform serves local, contextualised content as well as global supplementary resources to support learners and improve learning outcomes. Learning Passport is currently collating a library of Open Educational Resources (OERs) and content donations by leading private companies to offer a variety of supplementary content for localisation and use by implementing offices.

The learning passport is developed with accessibility at its core and is compatible with built-in accessibility features in modern browsers like screen reader navigation. The learning passport is supported by and developed through partnership between UNICEF and Microsoft.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, LMS (learning management system)

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online, Offline, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

ePub, LMS (learning management system), PDF

Let me hear again logo Let Me Hear Again FREE - Deaf

Let Me Hear Again FREE - Deaf

The app acts as a deaf assistant or virtual ear using speech recognition and talk-back.

  • Mobile app
  • Speech recognition
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Transcription
  • Free

Let me hear again acts as a deaf assistant or virtual ear by using speech recognition technology to capture lectures and transcribe them into words. This can be useful to learners who are deaf and hard of hearing when there is no sign language interpreter present.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

TTS (text-to-speech)

The libre office logo LibreOffice

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free suite of document editing and publishing tools.

  • Productivity
  • Writing
  • Office
  • LMICs
  • Open-source
  • Word
  • Presentations
  • Read aloud
  • Reflowable
  • UDL (universal design for learning)

Screenshots showing the various applications that make up LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free and powerful office suite, and a successor to OpenOffice.org (commonly known as OpenOffice). LibreOffice includes several applications that make it a versatile Free and Open Source office suite: Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics and flowcharts), Base (databases), and Math (formula editing).

LibreOffice is compatible with a wide range of document formats such as Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), Excel (.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx) and Publisher. But LibreOffice also offers native support for a modern and open standard, the Open Document Format (ODF). LibreOffice, offers control over both data and content, and can export your work in many different formats including PDF.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Read aloud, Reflowable

Livox logo Livox

Livox

An artificial intelligence AAC (augmentative alternative communication) app to help autistic or non-verbal children to communicate.

  • Assistive technology
  • AI (artificial intelligence)
  • AAC (augmentative alternative communication)
  • Paid

Livox is an artificial intelligence AAC (augmentative alternative communication) app to help autistic and non-verbal children communicate. Livox adapts according to disability or learning level, with vision adjustments such as high contrast and size of cards. If users have difficulties touching the screen, Livox corrects imperfect touch. If eye control is preferred, the technology can respond to a blink of the eye. This can be useful for users with mobility impairments who have difficulty touching the screen. Livox will also customize its display by only showing users the appropriate cards according to time and place. Livox can be useful for persons with speech difficulties and respond through text-to-speech technology.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication, Mobility

Type:

AAC (augmentative alternative communication), Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global, Brazil

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, AI (artificial intelligence), Intellectual, TTS (text-to-speech)

Read beyond logo Menestrello

Menestrello

eReader which supports ePub format books with real audio narration.

  • Reader app
  • Media-overlay
  • Free
  • Read aloud
  • Mobile app

eReader which support ePubs with real audio narration. This can be useful for people with print impairments including vision loss, cognitive needs and physical impairments. The app can be used for both reading and listening to audio-eBooks with real audio narration. Menestrello is available for free and produced by ReadBeyond.

For:

Learners, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Mobile app, Reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Italy

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, Media-overlay, Read aloud, Reader

Merlot logo Merlot

Merlot

Merlot is a catalog of resources to support online learning.

  • Catalog of resources
  • Assistive technology
  • Inclusive education
  • Open-source

Merlot provides access to a catalog of resources including curated online learning content, support materials, content creation tools, and guidance and training resources, led by an international community of educators, learners and researchers. The Merlot collection consists of tens of thousands of discipline-specific learning materials, learning exercises, and content builder webpages, together with associated comments to support the teaching experience of using these resources. These items have been contributed by the Merlot member community, who have either authored the materials themselves, or who have discovered the materials, found them useful, and wished to share with others in the teaching and learning community. They also allow users to tag and search by the accessibility features of materials.

For:

Educators, Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Catalog of resources, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Microsoft Editor Icon Microsoft Editor

Microsoft Editor

Editor is a writing assistant that can be used in word processors, email and the web.

  • Writing
  • Dyslexia
  • Reading
  • Learning
  • Spelling
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Grammar

Microsoft Editor is an AI (artificial intelligence)-powered service that enables users to write with confidence in over 20 languages. It can be helpful in a range of settings such as documents, emails, and social media sites. Anyone can access the Editor capabilities, such as spelling and basic grammar in Microsoft Word, in Outlook.com, and on the web for free with a Microsoft sign-in.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers have access to advanced grammar and style refinements. Clarity, conciseness, formal language, vocabulary suggestions, and other features are included with the subscription.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Intellectual

Microsoft windows logo Microsoft keyboard and mouse tuning

Microsoft keyboard and mouse tuning

Windows settings to adjust the response of a keyboard or mouse.

  • Assistive technology
  • Keyboard
  • Windows

Settings are found within Microsoft Windows to be able to customize the way a keyboard or mouse behaves to account for a tremor and unintentional movement.

These can be especially valuable to users with physical needs, or with tremors including those arising from ageing, and can help them type or control a pointing device more accurately, reducing frustration caused when typing or attempting to click on a small area on a screen.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Microsoft Powerpoint Logo Microsoft Powerpoint

Microsoft Powerpoint

Authoring tool for presentations with accessibility features.

  • Authoring tool
  • Auto-captioning
  • Image descriptions
  • Screen reader support
  • Presentation

Microsoft Powerpoint is a powerful authoring tool for presentations that has accessibility built at its core. Powerpoint allows users to add image descriptions, set logical reading order for screen reader compatibility and auto-caption while you are presenting. Powerpoint allows users to combine different forms of media on slides to share ideas and facilitate learning.

PowerPoint is especially valuable in allowing students to use the tool to present their ideas and understanding in a visual way, where they m

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

Microsoft teams logo Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams

An accessible video conferencing application that integrates with a variety of platforms and learning tools.

  • Video conferencing
  • Accessible
  • Free

Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing solution that comes with a range of accessibility features including live closed captions, pin a meeting participants window (useful for sign language interpreters), limit distractions in do not disturb mode, auto language translation, visual optimizations, recording (to share with users after the meeting), visual customizations and compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and switch access.

You can read accessibility tips for how to use Microsoft teams to run inclusive meetings.

For:

Educators, Learners

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Conferencing, Messaging

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Recording

Microsoft windows logo Microsoft voice recognition

Microsoft voice recognition

Microsoft's AI powered speech recognition and synthesis technology for command and control of information and devices.

  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Voice recognition
  • Mobile
  • AI

Microsoft's AI powered speech recognition and synthesis technology for command and control of information and devices. Speech recognition in Windows 10 enables users to dictate text and control a computer using only their voice. This can be especially valuable for those with physical disabilities but is also widely used by those facing other writing challenges including cognitive needs or dyslexia. Dictation can be found as an option in Microsoft Word or built into the operating system and is activated through the ease of access centre.

Those who experience pain and discomfort when typing also use recognition to reduce their use of a keyboard to allow them to remain productive for longer. A good headset microphone is essential for speech recognition.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions, Dyslexia, TTS (text-to-speech), Voice recognition

Microsoft windows logo Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts

Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts

Key combinations for windows to control a device using a keyboard.

  • Assistive technology
  • Keyboard
  • Windows

Key combinations for windows to control a device using a keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide a way to do something on a computer that you’d typically do with a mouse.

Such shortcuts are used extensively by people who find using a mouse difficult, such as those with little or low vision, those with a physical condition that makes controlling a mouse difficult. They can also help reduce the risk of pain and strain caused by excessive use of a mouse.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

The Microsoft Word logo Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

Microsoft's text editing and publication software with over 1 billion users worldwide.

  • Text editor
  • Accessibility
  • Screen reader support

Microsoft Word is used all over the world as a text editing and publication tool. It is almost a default application on many laptops and desktops in a variety of operating systems. Many users have access to Word in some form if they are part of an institution, in a school, in a company etc. This generally means that there is a high likelihood that the target user will be able to open the document if you are publishing documents as an accessible Word file (.doc, .docx). The drawback with distributing Word files is you are providing a file that other users may be able to edit and re-upload, so be mindful of copyright concerns and related issues.

Word will also allow you to export your document in other formats including .txt, .htm, .PDF depending on the accessibility requirement. Through extensions you can also convert WORD directly to .ePub using the DAISY WordToEPUB tool listed in the catalog.

Word has a number of integrated features that can be of help to people who have difficulty with writing. These include the ability to magnify the page, a focus mode, use of dictation tools and spelling and grammar checkers. Word has accessibility at its core like many Microsoft products and offers a range of offline accessibility features for authoring including: image-descriptions, logical reading order, semantic structure (ie. headings, paragraphs etc.) and an advanced accessibility checker that can be accessed from Tools > Check Accessibility. This can help users who are blind or low vision as you can make your word documents compatible with screen readers.

Both the offline and online versions also offer integration with Microsoft's "immersive reader" which hides distractions and using a synthesized TTS (text-to-speech) voice to read aloud the text. This can be great for users who have difficulty focusing or learning and prefer to have text read aloud to them.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Read aloud, Reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Moodle logo Moodle

Moodle

Moodle is an open-source Learning Management System (LMS) that is used to power education clouds around the world.

  • LMS (learning management system)
  • Interactivity
  • Read aloud
  • Open-source
  • Free

Moodle is an open-source Learning Management System (LMS) that is used to power education clouds around the world. Moodle's flexibility, free cost and extensibility make it a popular choice for government and education institutions to host their content. The interface is accessible, and the system can be extended through the addition of plugins.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, LMS (learning management system)

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

Interactivity, LMS (learning management system), Read aloud

Microsoft windows logo Narrator

Narrator

Windows Narrator is a free screen reader built into Microsoft Windows.

  • Assistive technology software
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Windows
  • Free

Narrator can read aloud text on the screen, describe events such as notifications and calendar appoints and can enable you to use the PC without a display.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Read aloud, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Nahi Disha Logo Nayi Disha

Nayi Disha

A list of services and information resources for children with disabilities.

  • Training
  • Resources
  • Services
  • Open-source

Nayi Disha is an organization based in India with a mission to empower and equip families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with information and knowledge to support their children in achieving their true potential.

For:

Parents

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

India

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual

Library of congress logo NLS

NLS

The National Library Service provides Braille and audio versions of print works to visually impaired and physically disabled patrons who meet eligibility requirements. Resources are available to US citizens only.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Talking book
  • Braille
  • Open-source

The National Library Service in the United states provides Braille and audio versions of print works to visually impaired and physically disabled patrons who meet eligibility requirements. Users can download talking books and braille and open the books using BARD software on windows or mobile devices. Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service through NLS.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Universal

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

United States

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille

NVAccess Logo NVDA

NVDA

Screen reader software for Microsoft Windows that helps blind and visually impaired users to navigate the screen using a keyboard with text-to-speech output or braille display.

  • Assistive technology software
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Windows
  • Open-source
  • Free

NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) is an open-source, free screen reader as an alternative to paid solutions such as JAWS. Independent surveys (Webaim) suggest that it is a reliable option for many blind people, works in multiple languages and is the most widely used screen reader for windows globally.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

OER commons logo OER Commons

OER Commons

OERs (Open Education Resources) that are searchable by accessibility. Includes guidelines, content and tools from around the world.

  • Catalog of resources
  • Inclusive education
  • Open-source

OER Commons is list of OERs (Open Education Resources) that are searchable by accessibility. The references to resources include guidelines, content and tools from around the world.

The worldwide OER movement is rooted in the human right to access high-quality education. This shift in educational practice is not just about cost savings and easy access to openly licensed content; it’s about participation and co-creation. Open Educational Resources (OER) offer opportunities for systemic change in teaching and learning content through engaging educators in new participatory processes and effective technologies for engaging with learning.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials that you may freely use and reuse at no cost, and without needing to ask permission. Unlike copyrighted resources, OERs have been authored or created by an individual or organization that chooses to retain few, if any, ownership rights.

In some cases, that means you can download a resource and share it with colleagues and students. In other cases, you may be able to download a resource, edit it in some way, and then repost it as a remixed work. How do you know your options? OER often have a Creative Commons license or other permission to let you know how the material may be used, reused, adapted, and shared.

From a single point of access in OER Commons, you can search, browse, and evaluate resources in OER Commons' growing collection of over 50,000 high-quality OER.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Catalog of resources, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Oodles logo Oodles

Oodles

Mobile app that offers 50,000 free ebooks and 15,000 audiobooks that are downloadable onto the device.

  • Mobile app
  • eBooks
  • Audiobooks
  • Free
  • Paid

Mobile app that offers 50,000 free ebooks and 15,000 audiobooks that are downloadable onto the device. The cost of these free books is supported by advertisements which can be removed if a subscription is taken out at USD $19.99 per year.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub

Orbit braille display Orbit reader

Orbit reader

The orbit reader is an affordable refreshable braille display.

  • Braille
  • Assistive technology
  • Hardware
  • Offline

The Orbit reader is one of the most affordable refreshable braille displays on the market, and has disrupted an industry with traditionally high cost units.

The Orbit is a three in one self-contained book reader, note-taker and braille display. It includes support for an SD Card, and can be connected to a smartphone or computer via USB or bluetooth.

It can read any BRF and BRL formatted book, or text files from the SD card. This can be useful to students in developing markets as they are able to have content loaded onto and SD card without connectivity to the internet.

It is also compatible with screen reader technology such as voiceover, brailleback or popular screen readers on iOS, Mac, Android, Windows to be able to control your screen.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware, Reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

Braille, Reader

Orcam my eye logo OrCam My Eye

OrCam My Eye

Wearable smart camera with artificial intelligence that can describe text, images, faces, products and more for the blind.

  • Assistive technology
  • Computer vision
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • AI
  • Paid

Wearable smart camera with artificial intelligence that can describe text, images, faces, products and more for the blind. OrCam MyEye is an innovative voice-activated device that attaches to virtually any wearable glasses. It can instantly read text from a book, smartphone screen or any other surface, recognize faces, help with shopping, work more efficiently, and support leading a more independent life. OrCam MyEye conveys visual information audibly, in real-time and offline.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

TTS (text-to-speech)

The Pandoc logo Pandoc

Pandoc

Pandoc can convert between most digital document formats.

  • ePub
  • PDF
  • Document conversion
  • Alternative format
  • Converter
  • Authoring tool

Pandoc is a technical solution for file conversion. It requires a high level of technical knowledge and maybe best-suited for publishers and other organisations with IT support. You can use Pandoc to convert to and from virtually any file format: like HTML, ePub, XML, Markdown, PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint and more.

For:

Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, PDF

PBS learning media logo PBS Learning Media

PBS Learning Media

A library of freely available videos and resources for teachers (originally New York Educators) with the ability to search by accessibility features including audio description, captions, keyboard control and descriptive video.

  • Content libraries
  • Video
  • Free

A library of freely available videos and resources for teachers (originally New York Educators) with the ability to search by accessibility features including audio description, captions, keyboard control and descriptive video. The library is searchable by grade and subject and shareable to Google Classroom. Some videos and resources can be downloaded for offline use.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

United States

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Captions

Piads logo PIADS

PIADS

Tool for evaluating impact of assistive devices on learners.

  • Assistive technology
  • Questionnaire
  • Measurement

Tool for evaluating impact of assistive devices on learners. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) is a 26-item, self-report questionnaire designed to assess the effects of an assistive device on functional independence, well-being, and quality of life. The PIADS was researched and developed to fill the need for a reliable, valid, and economical measure that is generically applicable across all major categories of assistive technology.

For:

Educators, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Communication, Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual

benetech logo POET Image Descriptions

POET Image Descriptions

Techniques and processes for creating appropriate image descriptions.

  • Authoring tools
  • Guidance
  • Image Descriptions
  • Guidance
  • Free
  • Open-source

Developed by The DIAGRAM Center (a Benetech initiative), the Poet image description tool is an open-source, web-based tool for writing image descriptions. Poet provides guidance for how to write an image description, what is appropriate to include and techniques for DAISY and EPUB books. With Poet, it is possible to crowdsource the creation of image descriptions, which can reduce both the cost and time for content creators.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

project Gutenberg logo Project Gutenburg

Project Gutenburg

A library of 60,000 free ebooks, available in accessible formats.

  • Content libraries
  • eBooks
  • Offline
  • Open-source
  • Free

Project Gutenberg is a library of 60,000 free ebooks, available in accessible formats. Users can easily and immediately open books online or download books without the need to log in. This makes it easy to use the materials with screen readers and in offline mode. Books are available in HTML, ePub, Kindle format and plain TXT. Much of the world’s great literature is here, with a focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks to ensure accuracy. Combined with software and hardware readers, these books can be an invaluable learning tool.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Secondary, All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub

Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) logo PSL

PSL

Platform with sign language content in PSL (Pakistan sign language).

  • Content libraries
  • Sign language
  • PSL (Pakistan sign language)
  • Video
  • Web
  • Free

Developed by Family Educational Services Foundation’s (FESF) Deaf Reach Program, this web-based platform provides deaf children across Pakistan access to digital learning resources with Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) videos. The platform features a 5,000-word visual lexicon in both English and Urdu on a searchable Web portal, DVD, and Phone app. It has stories in PSL and a book that contains translations from PSL into the four main regional spoken languages.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Content library, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Pakistan

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Sign language

pubcoder logo Pubcoder

Pubcoder

Authoring tool for publishing eBooks and educational material.

  • Authoring tools
  • Image Descriptions
  • ePub
  • Import images with Image description
  • Read aloud
  • Media-overlay
  • Interactivity
  • Fixed layout
  • Paid

Pubcoder is an eBook authoring tool that features a drag-and-drop interface for authoring rich interactive published materials. You can export your book in accessible formats, including ePub, Web (HTML), Kindle, and as a mobile app. Interactive elements, audio and video, can be integrated with publications, and there is an easy to use read-aloud editor for synchronizing spoken audio with text.

Pubcoder enables authors to create rich multimedia books that follow UDL (universal design for learning) principles and can provide benefits to all learners.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary, All ages

Tags:

ePub, Interactivity, Media-overlay, Read aloud

Rapid pro logo Rapid Pro

Rapid Pro

Rapid Pro is an open-source communication platform that allows anyone to build scalable mobile messaging services.

  • Authoring Tools
  • Low-cost
  • SMS
  • Messaging
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Free
  • Open-source

Rapid Pro is an open-source communication platform that allows anyone to design and build scalable mobile messaging services (ie. SMS, voice, social media) to reach users in multiple languages. Importantly, using RapidPro means decision-makers can collect and receive data in real time.

Rapid Pro is designed to work with low-cost cellphones through messaging channels like SMS that can work on older, low-cost and low-power devices. This can benefit learners with disabilities by engaging them through their personal devices, and preferred channels, that has the greatest accessibility and ease of use to them.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Messaging

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

TTS (text-to-speech)

Read beyond logo Read Beyond Free Audio-eBooks

Read Beyond Free Audio-eBooks

A library of free audio ebooks with human narration.

  • Content libraries
  • Reader
  • Media-overlay
  • Read aloud
  • Highlighted text
  • ePub
  • Resizable text
  • Reflowable
  • Human narration
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Readium

A screenshot of a page of Macbeth with text highlighted

Read beyond has provided a library of free audio ebooks that can be experienced online or downloaded. The audio ebooks feature real human narration, read-aloud technology the synchronizes audio and text, text-highlighting and screen reader support for navigation. The online eBook reader is powered by Readium while the user can also opt to download an ePub of the book. You can change the speed of the narration, and resize the text to your reading preference.

The read-aloud ebooks can be helpful for learners with print disabilities, especially learners with dyslexia.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global, Italy

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, Intellectual, Media-overlay, Read aloud, Reader, Reflowable

Readium logo Readium

Readium

Open-source ePub reader project that is the foundation to many reader applications.

  • ePub Reader
  • ePub
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Authoring tool

Readium is an open-source foundation dedicated to the development of software, standards and best practices for digital publications. The Readium open-source code base implements the ePub 3.1 specification and includes support for many accessibility features including media overlay. Many reader applications are built upon the Readium code-base and it has a vibrant community of developers working to support the development of future reader applications.

For:

Learners, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, TTS (text-to-speech)

Readworks logo Readworks

Readworks

Readworks is an online library of reading passages and materials for students and teachers that are aligned with the core-curriculum.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Step Read
  • eBooks
  • Assessment
  • Highlighted text
  • Free
  • Open-source

Readworks is an online library of reading passages and materials for students and teachers that are aligned with the core-curriculum. The library includes read-aloud versions, images, interactive activities and is freely available. To date, they have reached 17 million students with their literacy materials.

Readworks suggests that teachers can use the resources in three ways:

  • In digital classes where students can highlight, annotate, and complete assignments online and teachers can access progress reports and automatic grading.
  • Or, as print, as it is easy to print any of the content and curriculum to share with students.
  • Finally the resources can be used with a projector or smartboard for classroom instruction.
This flexibility can be helpful to teachers as learning environments continue to change with world events.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global, United States

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

LMICs, Read aloud, TTS (text-to-speech)

RoboBraille L:ogo RoboBraille

RoboBraille

Robobraille can transform documents into a variety of alternative formats.

  • Blind
  • Dyslexia
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Screen-reader
  • Daisy
  • Braille
  • Alternative format
  • Large Print
  • MP3
  • ePub
  • PDF
  • Converter

RoboBraille is a web-based service capable of converting documents into a variety of alternate formats including mp3 audio, Braille, eBook and other accessible document formats, for users with print disabilities. RoboBraille is a self-service solution and is available free of charge to individual, non-commercial users who are not affiliated with an institutional setting. Users need not register in order to use the service.

The document conversion capabilities of RoboBraille can also be integrated with library systems and learning management systems in order to support users with disabilities. Institutional use is subject to a subscription fee.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning

Type:

Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Braille, ePub, PDF, TTS (text-to-speech)

Roger voice logo Roger Voice

Roger Voice

Automatically transcribe phone calls and display them as text in real-time.

  • Mobile app
  • AI
  • Audio Transcription
  • Captions
  • Paid
  • Free

Roger voice automatically transcribes phone calls and displays them as text in real-time. The free version has unlimited use to other users of the Roger voice app, however, if you want to have the transcription on landlines or international calls, there are two subscription plans.

The solution can be helpful to those who are deaf or hard of hearing and need assistance with voice calls.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Assistive technology, Messaging, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions

Seeing AI Logo Seeing AI

Seeing AI

A free app that narrates the world around you.

  • Mobile app
  • Free
  • AI (artificial intelligence)
  • OCR (optical character recognition)
  • Computer vision
  • Microsoft

Microsoft's Seeing AI is a free mobile app that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to describe the world around the user. It utilizes text-to-speech technology on the mobile device (in this case iOS Voiceover) to narrate what it sees. It is a powerful tool that can recognize and describe: text, documents, products and barcodes, people, faces, scenes and environments, currency, light, colour and written handwriting.

Seeing AI can be useful for users with visual impairments to navigate the world around them, recognize situations, and even recognize colours for users who are colour blind.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AI (artificial intelligence)

Sesame Street logo Sesame Street: Autism

Sesame Street: Autism

A library of content produced by sesame workshop for children with autism.

  • Teacher and parent training
  • Content adaptation
  • Subtitles
  • Autism
  • Free

A library of content produced by sesame workshop for children with autism. The resources include videos and games for young learners, storybooks and videos for parents.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Communication

Type:

Content library, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Early childhood, Primary

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual

Image of Elmo waving Sesamestreet.org

Sesamestreet.org

Non-profit behind sesame street - fostering an inclusive community for children.

  • Online platforms
  • Free
  • Inclusion

Sesamestreet.org is a website with a range of resources and materials for use by parents and educators including disability awareness. A wide variety of games, videos and art can be found here and can be used by teachers and parents to support learning.

Sesame workshop is the non-profit organisation behind sesame street.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Learning, Communication, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Early childhood, Primary

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual

Apple siri icon Siri

Siri

Apple's AI powered speech recognition and synthesis technology for command and control of information and devices.

  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Voice recognition
  • Mobile
  • AI (artificial intelligence)

Apple's AI powered speech recognition and synthesis technology for command and control of information and Apple devices. Siri utilizes NLP (natural language processing) to detect what you say with a high degree of accuracy. Siri can be useful for those that find other forms of access to devices challenging, including those with physical, cognitive or vision needs.

Siri like other voice assistants can perform almost any task on a device in a hands-free way including dictating and sending messages, setting reminders and creating notes and controlling visual and audio settings.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

MacOS, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AI (artificial intelligence), TTS (text-to-speech), Voice recognition

Articulate logo Storyline 360

Storyline 360

Authoring tool for eLearning courses.

  • Authoring tool
  • Accessible
  • Interactive
  • eLearning
  • Paid

Articulate Storyline 360 is an eLearning authoring solution for courses that can be embedded in an LMS. Publishers and teachers can use Storyline 360 to create engaging, interactive and accessible lessons for their students.

Courses developed with 360 have been tested with leading screen readers JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and TalkBack. Articulate are committed to expanding accessibility features in their software, with Storyline 360 already Section 508 compliant.

For:

Educators, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Storyweaver logo Storyweaver

Storyweaver

Multi-lingual stories and picture books with a read-aloud feature.

  • Content libraries
  • Read aloud
  • Highlighted text
  • Multi-lingual
  • Free

Multi-lingual stories and picture books from an Indian team with a read aloud feature. The read aloud technology will highlight the words and read aloud with real human narration. The books are helpful to any learner who is struggling with traditional text and would benefit from having the book read aloud.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Content library

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

India

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Read aloud

Sugar labs logo Sugarlabs

Sugarlabs

Sugarlabs is an activity-focused, free open-source software (FLOSS) learning platform for all students.

  • Content libraries
  • UDL (universal design for learning)
  • Interactivity
  • Free
  • Open-source

Sugar is an activity-focused, free/libre open-source software (FLOSS) learning platform for children. Collaboration, reflection, and discovery are integrated directly into the user interface. Through Sugar's clarity of design, children and teachers have the opportunity to use computers on their own terms. Students can reshape, reinvent, and reapply both software and content into powerful learning activities. Sugar's focus on sharing, criticism, and exploration is grounded in the culture of free software (FLOSS)

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Content library, LMS (learning management system)

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux

Connectivity:

Online, Offline, Low connectivity

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Interactivity, LMS (learning management system)

Talk now logo Talk Now

Talk Now

Vocalize one's needs by playing pre-recorded messages from a set of categories.

  • Mobile app
  • Speech
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Mobile app
  • Free

Talk Now helps learners with speech and language impairments vocalize by playing speech from a set of pre-recorded messages. The user selects a phrase from a set of categories to have it spoken (pre-loaded or created), draws words and adds pictures, play recorded messages and can show images taken with the camera.

The Talk Now system can help a user who has difficulty speaking express themselves.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication, Mobility

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Intellectual, TTS (text-to-speech)

The Talkia logo Talkia

Talkia

Talkia is a text to speech service for creating narrations for documents that can be saved as MP3 and distributed as files or podcasts.

  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Audiobook
  • Converter
  • MP3
  • Blind
  • Dyslexia
  • Authoring Tool

Talkia is used professionally to offer high quality files with realistic voices. These can be further improved by adding intonation, accent and pauses to the AI (artificial intelligence) generated file. Realistic voices are more effective in the context of education as it is easier for children to learn from human-sounding narration, and aids comprehension and engagement with the material.

Talkia can be helpful for learners with print disabilities or who prefer to have text played back as an mp3.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision, Everyone

Type:

Authoring tool, Reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, Intellectual, Reader, Recording, TTS (text-to-speech), UDL (universal design for learning)

Taptapsee logo TapTapSee

TapTapSee

Identify objects encountered in daily life by taking a picture.

  • Mobile app
  • AI (artificial intelligence)
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Image Recognition
  • Mobile
  • Free

TapTapSee is a mobile camera application designed specifically for blind and visually impaired users, powered by the CloudSight Image Recognition API. TapTapSee utilizes your device’s camera and VoiceOver functions to take a picture or video of anything and identify it out loud for you.

TapTapSee can accurately analyze and identify any two or three-dimensional object at any angle within seconds. The device’s VoiceOver then speaks the identification aloud.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

AI (artificial intelligence), TTS (text-to-speech)

Teachpitch logo Teach Pitch

Teach Pitch

Resources for teachers on best approaches to teaching differently.

  • Teacher and parent training
  • Assistive technology
  • Training
  • Paid
  • Free

TeachPitch is an online community of teachers with curated resources and answers on a range of topics. The website was founded by a former teacher who struggled to find and manage the best and most relevant resources to enhance their teaching. TeachPitch features materials on inclusion and accessibility.

Some materials are free, while others require registration and may incur cost.

For:

Educators, Policy makers

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

United States

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Tell me text-to-speech logo Tell Me - Text To Speech

Tell Me - Text To Speech

A mobile app that reads aloud any text you type.

  • Mobile app
  • Free
  • AAC
  • Communication

Tell me is a text-to-speech mobile app that reads any text as you type. It offers a simple and clean interface, customizable colours, the ability to change the speed, and a range of different voices.

This can be of value to those who can no longer speak, by providing a means to generate speech, or can be used when reading books, PDFs and websites out loud. The technology can be of value to those with vision, communication and hearing needs by augmenting speech or text.

For:

Learners

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Communication, Everyone

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Test

Test

Test

Test Test

For:

User Needs:

Type:

Cost and License:

Platform:

Connectivity:

Country:

Ages:

Tags:

EDR lab logo Thorium

Thorium

ePub reader based on Readium 2.0 with support for media overlays and advanced accessibility features.

  • ePub Reader
  • ePub
  • Free
  • Open-source

Thorium is a free ePub reader for Windows 10, MacOS and Linux, available in multiple languages, with accessibility features for print disabled people. Thorium reader supports ePubs, PDFs, Audiobooks - is ePub 3 compliant, with support for LCP DRM and capable of browsing OPDS (open publishing distribution system) catalogs.

Thorium Reader is highly accessible and features read-aloud support both through media-overlay (real voice narration) and TTS (text-to-speech), the ability to resize and recolour text and background and to customize reflow of pages.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Reader

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub, Reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Daisy logo Tobi

Tobi

An authoring tool for the creation and synchronization of digital talking books.

  • Authoring tools
  • ePub
  • DAISY
  • Read aloud
  • Free
  • Open-source

Tobi is a free, open-source, and accessible multimedia book production authoring tool for creating narrated talking books.

Narrated talking books can be beneficial to those with print disabilities.

For:

Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

ePub

An image of the Track IR device TrackIR

TrackIR

Head tracker/control to replace the mouse. Can be used to control a device through head movements.

  • Assistive technology hardware
  • Head tracking

TrackIR is a head tracker and controller that can be used as an alternative to a computer mouse. It can be used to control a device through head movements. It is also widely used for gaming and simulation software. It is based upon an infrared camera that tracks the position and orientation of the head and then sends that data to any of the 100+ TrackIR Enhanced games and simulations.

When combined with an on-screen keyboard head tracking can offer a solution to computer access for people with complex physical needs that make standard input devices impossible to use.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Mobility

Type:

Assistive technology, Hardware

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Mouse

Vebavoice logo Verbavoice

Verbavoice

Human assisted transcription with live interpreters for persons with hearing impairment.

  • Assistive technology
  • Live sign language transcription
  • Paid

Verbavoice is a service offering human-assisted transcription with live interpreters for persons with hearing impairment. Live transcription is often preferred by people with hearing impairment to automatic captions as the transcription can be more accurate and easier to follow or read.

Human assisted transcription may be suitable for larger events or where the quality of spoken language reduces the accuracy of automatic systems.

For:

Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Assistive technology

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global, Germany

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions, Sign language

Canales logo Videolibros - Canales

Videolibros - Canales

A library of freely available sign language video books in Argentine Sign Languages.

  • Content libraries
  • Sign language
  • Video
  • Videobooks
  • Read aloud
  • Free
  • Open-source

A library of freely available sign language video books in Argentine Sign Languages. Videos are produced with high production values and are stimulating and engaging to watch.

The video library of Spanish-language children’s literature is available in several sign languages. The videos are accompanied by voice-over so that deaf children can read stories with their hearing parents or with teachers and peers in the classroom even if they do not know sign language.

Since its creation in 2011, the virtual library has seen 3,000 visitors per month.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Policy makers

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Argentina

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Read aloud, Sign language

Visor logo Visor - low vision magnifier

Visor - low vision magnifier

Low-vision magnifier mobile app.

  • Mobile app
  • Magnifier
  • Low vision
  • Contrast modes
  • Free

An image of the visor magnifier application being used to magnify a menu item using an iPhone. The magnifier text shows close up of the ingredients to make a broccoli cheese

Visor is a low vision magnifier that allows you to enlarge difficult to read text by three magnification levels and change the contrast to five different viewing modes. This can very helpful to people with low vision.

Features include:

  • Three magnification levels,
  • five different color modes,
  • manual focus,
  • autofocus,
  • LED light,
  • low light reading,
  • freeze the image,
  • enhance contrast and,
  • save or share the picture.

For:

Learners

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Visual hearing aid app icon Visual Hearing Aid - for teachers

Visual Hearing Aid - for teachers

Voice transcription to help teachers communicate with students with hearing impairments.

  • Mobile app
  • Touch screen
  • Transcription
  • Speech recognition
  • Free

An image showing three people of different ages holding up the visual hearing aid app - on the screen text is displayed that has been transcribed

The visual hearing aid app uses voice recognition and text transcription to record what users are saying and display it on the screen. This can help hearing teachers and students communicate with students who have hearing impairments in some circumstances, for instance, if there is no sign language interpreter present, no sign language video available or if the student is struggling to understand what is being said.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing, Communication

Type:

Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Read aloud, TTS (text-to-speech)

Voice dream reader logo Voice Dream Suite

Voice Dream Suite

Mobile applications for reading eBooks with accessibility features.

  • ePub Reader
  • Mobile app
  • Paid
  • TTS (text-to-speech)

Mobile application for reading eBooks with accessibility features. Apps can be downloaded individually or as a complete suite and include a reader featuring text to speech, a writer that includes proofreading and a scanner to scan and convert text.

Voice Dream suite is helpful to those with print disabilities, or those struggling with reading and writing.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning, Mobility

Type:

Mobile app, Reader

Cost and License:

Paid

Platform:

iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub, Read aloud, Reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

Apple logo VoiceOver

VoiceOver

Built in screen reader for the MacOS and iOS operating system.

  • Assistive technology
  • Screen reader
  • TTS (text-to-speech)
  • Mobile
  • Mac
  • iOS
  • Free

Built-in screen reader for MacOS and iOS operating system. For Mac users, it is the go-to screen reader as software such as JAWS or NVDA is not available. For iOS users, it is the default screen reader on iPhone and iPad built-in to the operating system.

Voiceover can help users with visual impairments navigate a device by reading aloud onscreen elements and text.

For:

Learners, Parents, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision

Type:

Assistive technology, Screen reader

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

MacOS, iOS

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Screen reader, TTS (text-to-speech)

WebAim Logo WebAIM

WebAIM

Guidance and training for creating accessible web content.

  • Guidance and training
  • Web accessibility

A site with resources to help organizations create accessible digital content for the web. WebAIM includes training materials, evaluation and reports, site certification and technical assistance. The resources on the site include checklists for WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 compliance and step-by-step guides on how to make your website accessible.

WebAIM is particularly useful for publishers and policy makers to ensure their online resources comply with accessibility standards. It can also be useful for educators seeking to create accessible online resources for their students.

For:

Educators, Policy makers, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Hearing, Learning, Communication, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Whatsapp logo Whatsapp

Whatsapp

Free messaging platform used worldwide with a range of accessibility features.

  • Group messaging
  • Accessible
  • Free

Whatsapp is a leading messaging platform used worldwide with a variety of accessibility features. WhatsApp allows people to communicate using text, audio, video and images. This flexibility suits people with a variety of needs who can choose to communicate in a way that is most effective for them. WhatsApp can also work on a desktop PC if an account has been set up on a mobile phone.

On android devices, WhatsApp offers support for the TalkBack screen reader using both touch and spoken feedback or spoken feedback only. You can adjust the display or font size, temporarily zoom or magnify your screen, and adjust contrast or colours. BrailleBack is supported alongside a range of audio and on-screen text settings such as captions, Live Caption, Live Transcribe, Sound Amplifier, hearing aid support, and real-time text (RTT).

On iOS devices, the user can use VoiceOver to interact with a device using spoken feedback and VoiceOver gestures. VoiceOver can be used to help guide the user when taking a picture with the WhatsApp camera. Users can use Siri to send or read messages and place calls on WhatsApp and can adjust the display or text size, temporarily zoom or magnify the screen, and adjust contrast or colours.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents, Publishers

User Needs:

Communication, Everyone

Type:

Messaging, Mobile app

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

TTS (text-to-speech)

Daisy logo WordToEPUB

WordToEPUB

Convert documents from your word processor to EPUB 3 format.

  • ePub
  • Authoring tool
  • Word

DAISY's WordToEPUB converter takes documents created in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer and Apple Pages and can convert them to ePub. There is a native plugin for Microsoft Word that integrates with the built-in accessibility checker. It only takes a few clicks to make an ePub this way. You can also use the 'advanced features for more control over styling, language, metadata etc.

This can be very helpful for educators or publishers that want to provide their content in ePub format to maximize accessibility for students with print impairments.

WordToEPUB is only available for Windows.

For:

Educators, Publishers

User Needs:

Vision, Learning

Type:

Authoring tool

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Windows

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Dyslexia, ePub

World around you logo World Around You

World Around You

World Around You enables communities to create content in local and national sign languages and share it in an open content library of folktales.

  • Content libraries
  • Sign language
  • Written word
  • Web
  • Free
  • Open-source

World Around You (WAY) enables communities to create content in local and national sign languages and share it in WAY’s open digital content library of folktales. The digital libraries are viewable from any web browser and can be remixed by anyone, including children, with simple text and video editing tools. The materials are extremely helpful for sign language users needing support for literacy. The materials are available in a range of languages including Arabic, Chinese, Mandarin and other Pacific/Asian languages alongside European options.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary, Secondary

Tags:

Autism, Sign language

Special olympics logo Young Athletes

Young Athletes

Young Athletes is a program for children aged 2 - 7 with and without intellectual disabilities.

  • Content libraries
  • Repository & resources
  • Video
  • UDL (universal design for learning)
  • Training
  • PDF
  • Activities
  • Low-tech
  • COVID-19
  • Free
  • Open-source

Young Athletes is a program for children aged 2 - 7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It features a library of physical activities to improve motor skills and promote learning and play for parents and children. Videos, stories and training materials are available on the website.

For:

Educators, Parents

User Needs:

Learning, Everyone

Type:

Content library, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web

Connectivity:

Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

Primary

Tags:

Autism, Intellectual, PDF, UDL (universal design for learning)

Youtube logo Youtube

Youtube

Youtube is the leading online cloud video platform.

  • Content libraries
  • Auto captions
  • Sign language
  • Free

YouTube is the leading online cloud video platform. YouTube has a range of learning materials available that are offered by organizations and individual users of the platform. YouTube offers automatic captioning of videos, screen reader support and keyboard shortcuts to navigate and control playback.

YouTube and streaming video can be valuable for those with a wide variety of needs including those with intellectual needs and those that find reading and interpreting text difficult. The video format also offers a means of distributing signed videos for learners who are deaf.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Hearing, Learning, Mobility, Everyone

Type:

Content library

Cost and License:

Free

Platform:

Android, iOS, Web

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions, Sign language

Zero project logo Zeroproject

Zeroproject

A searchable database of disability-focused projects and initiatives.

  • Repository & resources
  • Assistive technologies
  • Inclusive education
  • Free
  • Open-source

Zero project is a searchable database of disability-focused projects and initiatives. The Zero Project was initiated by the Essl Foundation in 2008, with its mission to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of the United Nations and to work for a world without barriers.

The approach of the Zero Project is to research and share Innovative Practices and Policies worldwide, by engaging with a worldwide cross-sectoral network of innovators, decision-Makers and opinion leaders. More than 5,000 experts, with and without disabilities, in over 150 countries, have been actively contributing to the Zero Project in the past years.

For:

Policy makers

User Needs:

Everyone

Type:

Assistive technology, Catalog of resources, Guidance and training

Cost and License:

Free, Open-source

Platform:

Web, Universal

Connectivity:

Online, Offline

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

UDL (universal design for learning)

Zoom logo Zoom

Zoom

Video and audio conferencing solution with accessibility features.

  • Video Conferencing
  • Accessibility features
  • Recording
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Free

Zoom is a video and audio conferencing solution with collaboration, chat and the ability to host webinars. Zoom has well-developed accessibility features including auto-captioning, automatic transcripts, pin a video window for sign language interpreters, keyboard shortcuts, screen reader navigation and the ability to customize the size of text in the interface and chat.

Explore all accessibility features of zoom.

For:

Educators, Learners, Parents

User Needs:

Communication, Everyone

Type:

Conferencing, Messaging

Cost and License:

Free, Paid

Platform:

Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Online

Country:

Global

Ages:

All ages

Tags:

Captions, Recording



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