There are plenty of accessibility tools available for text-to-speech and screen readers, some are free while others for a cost. Here are a few recommendations:
Built-in Screen Readers (Accessibility):
Here are some built-in screen readers (link to instructions based on Operating System) that are included with your OS:
Canvas: Microsoft Immersive Reader
By default, the Canvas Immersive Reader is enabled on your Canvas account: Here are the instructions to use Microsoft Immersive Reader in Canvas courses.
YouTube video guide on how to use the immersive reader in Canvas.
Adobe Reader Read-aload
For PDF files, you can enable the read-out-loud feature through Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free):
Here are the instructions to enable the read-aloud feature.
Microsoft Word
Here are the instructions to enable read-aloud for Microsoft Word documents.
Google Docs
Here are the instructions to Make Google Docs read text aloud to you.
Follow these instructions to type with your voice in Google Docs.
Dolphin Easy Reader
Dolphin EasyReader (free) makes reading more accessible for readers who are visually impaired, have a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia or any other print impairment. You can customize your reading experience: adjust and magnify text, change color schemes, synchronize text with speech or use the speech settings alone to listen to books.
Here is the link to download Dolphin Easy Reader; available on Apple App Store, Amazon appstore, Google Play store, Windows PC.
Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)
A free screen reader which works with Microsoft Windows to read text on the screen. For more information on NVDA screen reader, including system requirements and download link.
Speechify
Speechify is very effective at uploading large PDFs and reading them aloud with a number of voice options and annotation features on mobile devices (download app from app store)/Google Chrome extension.
Here is the link to install the Speechify Google Chrome extension (free trial, must pay to unlock full features).
Here are instructions on how to install/use Speechify on Chrome extension.
TextAloud
Text to speech software for Microsoft Windows which converts Word documents, Emails, web pages and PDF files into natural sounding speech. Recommended for reading journal articles in PDF file formats. Download TextAloud (free trial, must pay to unlock full features).
Bookshare
Bookshare was designed for people with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers to be able to customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading. You can customize your reading experience with ebooks in audio, audio + highlighted text, braille, large font, and other formats. There are over a million available book titles; accessing the largest library of textbooks, bestsellers, children's books, career resources, and more for people with reading barriers. It is accessible on almost any device, including smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, computers, and assistive technology devices.
Qualification: to qualify for access to Bookshare, you will need to provide a ADA letter for verification of qualification from your school's ADA department. See this page for more information on who qualifies.
With the letter providing accommodation/proof of disability, here are instructions for signing up for Bookshare (with video).
Cost: Get unlimited access FREE for qualified U.S. students and schools; or less than $1 per week for adults, and reduced fees in certain countries.
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