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Here are some for the home office with a free ergonomic assessment. We think we know the 90-degree rule for our joints, but it’s always good to double check.

Note-taking can be auditory or visual, or a combination of both. For example, Windows PCs and Macs have Sticky Note capability built in. Other portable devices allow you to synchronize an audio recording with the things you simultaneously write with a Smartpen.

Windows 11 Sticky Notes

Open Sticky Notes by tapping the search box in the task bar at the bottom of your screen, type Sticky Notes, and then tap it when it appears. Use a keyboard or stylus for handwriting on your sticky note.

macOS Stickies

Open the Stickies app in your Applications folder. If a blank note doesn’t appear, open the File menu, and select New Note (or press Command-N). Then, type or write on your note.

Smartpens

Smartpens are input devices that capture your handwriting or images and can convert into digital text or images using special paper. Depending on the model, it often includes a camera, recording device that syncs to your notes, and handwriting transcription.

– not a smartpen, but reusable paper using a Pilot Frixion pen and notes can be manually scanned into the app or your preferred cloud.

e-ink tablets

e-ink tablets provide a focused space to view materials in PDF or EPUB and with a stylus, highlight and take notes that can be saved to the cloud, and some may provide handwriting transcription.

Adobe Acrobat

Allows you to annotate and comment on PDF files that have been made searchable. .

A web annotating and highlighting solution for various platforms. You can use the online cloud storage, take screenshots, or download to your device to view later.

Organizing

Software helps you reorganize material so that you can most easily remember and use it. Often free form software will enable you to drag and drop items, insert multimedia, and click anywhere to start typing.

• - Collect and find things for all platforms (PC, MAC, Mobile). It’s web storage of captured information for keeping you organized. It needs an internet connection to store your captures like business cards, photos, videos, voice memos and then organize and search them. (Dotto Tech video: “”.)
• (Apple only)

Brainstorming or mind mapping

This software creates a graphical map of ideas. Then convert the brainstorm into a text outline so that writing and ideas can be easily generated, and a draft outline created. People like this feature because it’s easy to express ideas and connect them visually. 90% of what we remember is what we see visually.

• Mind mapping for learning video using

Blue light can be detrimental to your health and learning. Check out Blueshield Tech:

Screen readers and text-to-speech

With screen readers, you can read text on the screen in most popular applications, including productivity software (MS Office), web browsers, operating system interfaces, programming, and various languages. Screen readers provide access to electronic information for people with vision loss or difficulty reading.

Screen readers read everything on the screen in a synthetic voice. They read text in popular applications, menus, and error messages. They assist users in navigating pages by using headings, tables, lists, buttons, and form controls. Users can read by line, character, word, or paragraph, and hear what they type. Many people find it helpful to learn keyboard shortcuts to control this software rather than use the mouse.

Screen Readers:

• is a free screen reader that supports refreshable braille displays too. Check its FAQ about which applications are supported. It has many reading features like high-end screen readers that you pay hundreds of dollars for.
• is built into Microsoft Windows and provides screen reading for popular programs and most of the Microsoft Windows.
• is built into OS/X 10.6 and higher. Most text on the screen is read aloud, and keyboard navigation keys control VO instead of a mouse. VO changes how your trackpad or touch screen gestures function, so learn commands with Voiceover to avoid frustration.
• Talkback on Android devices is activated in Settings > Accessibility

Text to Speech:

Text-to-speech software typically needs a mouse user to select text to be read aloud.

Immersive Reader

Microsoft Word includes Immersive Reader that allows users to have text read aloud and customize the appearance while you read or edit your document.

Read&Write for ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓstudents and staff

read&write is a floating toolbar that operates on different platforms to provide tools for reading, studying, and writing:

• scan
• e-highlight documents (MS-Word, PDF, web)
• export highlights to MS-Word document
• text to speech reading aloud
• make audio files
• decoding tools
• Writing support
• Read the web extensions for browsers

Details about features can be found on the (formally texthelp). If you require further information or want to activate an ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓlicense, contact the AT Team in Accessibility Services.

Other reading and annotating technology

Many text to speech products these have the following features to assist in reading:

• Dual modality highlighting by word, sentence, or paragraph
• Read aloud in a synthetic but human-sounding voice
• Using the mouse, select text and have it read aloud
• Coloured Highlighting and extraction of highlights to a word processor document
• Mind mapping
• Annotation of e-text – audio, column, bubble, or sticky notes
• Convert text to an audio file for listening on the go
• Scan in your paper documents and convert them to e-text for reading

offers a free and paid version for basic text to speech using human modelled voices with the paid version.

offers a free and paid version for text to speech app with AI voices that allows you to upload materials to their cloud storage. Highlighting and highlight extraction as well as built in AI to support comprehension and learning are features available in the paid version.

for Windows or Mac provides the most features you will find in one software product for reading, writing, organizing ideas, and annotating documents. A trial version is available from their website.

Speak Text Aloud

• , another built-in Accessibility feature of OSX
• , have your IOS device speak the screen, selected text, and typed text

– a variety of handheld reading pens that can scan line by line and read text aloud to you, provide definitions, translate to a different language such as the Reader Pen or C-Pen.

Magnify text on the screen

Most software has a zoom feature that allows you to enlarge the print size on the screen. This works in internet browsers, some word processors, Adobe, and more applications. However, it does not enlarge error messages or menus. Try it, and you will see!

• Press the CONTROL key and the PLUS SIGN (+) on your numeric keypad to enlarge the text. Press CONTROL and the MINUS SIGN (-) to decrease print size.
• Similarly, the CONTROL key pressed while scrolling the mouse scroll wheel up or down will also alter the size of the text, larger or smaller, depending on the direction the wheel is turned.
• On an Apple computer, hold down the Apple key and hit + or -. You can also double tap the trackpad, and a 2x zoom will be applied to that window.

Make

Apple Accessibility

Android Accessibility

Pay for magnification software

Reducing internet distractions

These tools help you concentrate on a website’s content by featuring that content in an easy-to-read, clutter-free, scrollable display.

• is an add-on for Firefox and Chrome browsers; articles can be synced to the user’s Evernote account.
• allows you to disable your internet connection for up to 8 hours to avoid distractions when you need to get down to work. If you need to get online, you need to reboot your system. There are versions for Apple OSX, Windows and Android.

Please keep in mind that spelling and grammar checkers may not be permitted during examinations.

• is a product designed to improve writing: contextual spelling, word similarities, a plagiarism checker, and more. You can also acquire an Add-in for MS Word or an extension for the Firefox web browser
• is software that includes a grammar checker, sentence paraphrase, dictionary, text reader and a mobile fun keyboard
• Franklin Talking Dictionaries (many found on Amazon or eBay now)

A large portion of ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓcourses now provide eTextbooks as the default method of delivery, however, here are some more resources for eText and audiobooks:

• - access through your local library for a wide range of etext audio books

• creating to-do lists with reminders seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Outlook
• is a cross-platform application that helps you organize tasks, assignments, and calendars. It syncs between your computer and mobile device, so you always stay up to date.
• is an app that allows you to set up tasks and prioritize them. Great for project management.
• - easy to use online to-do list
• -web-based time tracking software to promote focus and productivity. Rescue time offers graphs and visual support. The Lite version is free.
• - Online task list. Syncs with Android phones, iPhone, iPod Touch, etc. Has quick input and reminders to do tasks (type “put books in bag Sunday 3 p.m.” and it will remind you to put your books in your bag on Sunday at 3 p.m.
• - Free, recyclable personal organizer and study guide, can be used in a variety of ways
• and - When text needs to be summarized, use this online tool. Great for cognitive rescaling.
• help break down tasks into manageable chunks and create to-do lists
• time management while doing tasks (eg. completing the readings for a course)
• is a Chrome extension for Pomodoro Technique
• - Chrome extension that blocks distractions
• - kanban app for managing tasks, create columns to-do, doing, and done for example
• - to do list app

- body doubling has been a great way to access an external motivator to get work completed.

Assignment Calculators help chunk up assignments into manageable tasks

Flash card apps

(web version is free)

a free, open-source reference management tool that helps you collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share research sources, including PDFs, images, and web pages, and automatically generates bibliographies in various styles.

Writing software helps you increase the speed at which you type.

Handwriting recognition

Tablets are proving useful for their portability and connectivity. Handwriting recognition has been around for a long time, but tablets and smartphones have become more portable and affordable. Someone with hand motor challenges may find these blogs helpful.

On a computer:

• For a PC, you will either need a Tablet PC or a stylus writing tool such as one from

Voice dictation software:

Voice dictation requires a few considerations before undertaking it. First, it requires patience to use it and correct mistakes, a clear voice pattern with a minimal accent or environmental noises. Second, voice recognition today analyses words in context and predicts the best fit.

There are a variety of options that have no cost, depending on the platform you want to dictate:

• Free Speech Recognition
• Free Dictate
• Dictate on
• Dictate on

is the leader in voice dictation, and it runs on Windows. Unfortunately, they have discontinued support for their Mac and mobile product.

Word prediction

A window on the screen follows the typing cursor and tries to predict the word you are typing. The goal is to minimize keystrokes. Custom vocabulary lists can be imported, and some software can read the words aloud to help with reading comprehension.

Word prediction considerations include:

• Is typing uncomfortable or slow?
• Avoid being led by the prediction window suggestions
• Can you import your own vocabulary?

go to Settings > Time & Language > Typing

Mac - Word prediction. Suggests words after typing a few letters. Where to find it: Start typing and press either F5 or the Esc key in many applications.

- while not word prediction, OneLook is a great tool when you cannot think of the word but can describe the concept

Windows has an .

is an on-screen keyboard for Windows. On-screen keyboards assist people with motor and dexterity challenges. It is used with an eye-tracking device or pointing device for keyboard control, mouse control and speech.

There are various other less complicated hardware and software devices such as:

• can also make typing more comfortable and functional.
• Word prediction and Voice Recognition can make typing less onerous.

Creating accessible math (production)

• Desmos is as an accessible graphing tool for instructors and students with disabilities. Instructors and students who use assistive technology, such as a screen reader, can create, read and listen to graphs. Learn more about
• Write in Microsoft
• – hand write, dictate, type, select equations for STEM, read out loud

Graphing calculators

• - accessible Graphing Calculator commonly used by blind students
• for the TI-30X/TI-34 Multiview™
• - Online Graphing Calculator
• - Online Graphing Calculator

Web-Accessible Virtual Electronic Scratchpad (WAVES)

Developed by gh, LLC under a grant from the DIAGRAM Center

The original WAVES software is a small Windows application that provides accessible math input and output for blind and visually impaired users. The Web Accessible Virtual Electronic Scratchpad offers a streamlined interface for quick selection of mathematical symbols, voice output for math expressions, and flawless MathML conversion to and from user-inputted math. In early 2014, gh completed work on a major upgrade to WAVES, called JSWAVES (for JavaScript WAVES). The new JSWAVES update consists of almost entirely new code, duplicating most functions of WAVES, but in a form that doesn’t require anything to be installed on the user’s computer. Instead, JSWAVES can be run in a web browser directly from a website, so any computer with an Internet connection can have access to the tool.”

eMathHelp

For more information or to request an assessment or reassessment for assistive technology, contact the AT team in the Accessibility Services department.