Accessibility Tools

      Accessibility tools, either physical or virtual, are perfect for accommodations in the classroom. What are accessibility tools? These tools are resources that allow and help students to receive more assistance in their work. We’ll take a look at different accessibility tools and showcase their features.

ZoomText is the first feature I want to share about. It’s an extension on Microsoft Windows that allows students who have low vision to see the text better. By providing this feature, it creates a more inclusive lesson.

Kurzweil is another software that allows students the ability to develop literacy skills. The software has a built in feature for reading, writing, and studying for students who may be struggling.  

SchoolAI is an application that can be downloaded to help students who are struggling in any subject. This application offers tutors who are able to break down content for students who are in need. They also are able to chat with AI generated characters that can teach them their lessons, making it more fun for the students. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice-driven software designed to allow students formatting, creating, and editing documents by just speaking. This program can help students with their productivity by getting them to focus on their work. 

JAWS is the last software application I’ll mention, which is a screen reader. This software can assist users with little to no vision, by allowing the screen to be seen by mouse navigation. 

    The list for software goes on, however, I’d like to highlight two different equipment that can also be used for accessibility. 

A C-Pen Reader is a portable device that reads any printed text in English, Spanish or French. 

Smartpens are items that work like a pen, but use Bluetooth features to record and capture audio which is then sent to the smartphone. These audio recordings are great because they can be revisited, especially if a student struggles with memorization of lessons, or just needing to revisit content in general. 

    While all these tools are useful in the classroom, they are also useful outside of one. With accessibility tools, there comes more efficiency in learning and working overall, which is the main goal to using these tools.