ATBar is a free open source toolbar with multiple assistive technology tools. The full version is available for chrome, but a Lite version is available for other browsers and for Windows. The extension allows users to change text sizes, styles, colors, spacing and color overlays. However, settings reset for each new page. The dictionary works well. Text-to-speech functionality is available on many pages but does not work on Google or Microsoft. Spellchecker, word prediction and tool do not appear to function consistently in August 2021.
Details on ATBarCapti Voice
Chrome Browser Extensions, Organization/Productivity, Scanning and OCR, Screen ReadingCapti Voice allows students to easily add text, eBooks, PDFs, Google Docs, Dropbox and One Note files into the Capti interface and saves them on the Capti cloud drive. It allow students to easily listen to articles, reformat website text. Multiple languages available. Premium plans include translation and the ability to create audio playlist (ex: organize by class). Optical Character Recognition and dictation available with capti-coin. Currently OCR cost approximately 10c per page. Capti has iOS apps so students can access their files on the go.
Details on Capti VoiceClearly Reader
Organization/Productivity, Screen Reading, Chrome Browser ExtensionsThis extension extracts text and removes links, adds or any other context. The “Reader View” allows students to change font style, and size of writing, change background theme and listen to the text aloud. The extension would be most beneficial if reading a longer text or article.
Details on Clearly ReaderEye-Able® – Accessibility Assistant
Magnification, Screen Reading, Chrome Browser ExtensionsMulti-functional extension which provides screen-reading functionality and display options such as changing colour themes, blue light, text size, enlarged cursor, and more. The screen reader allows users to click or use keyboard shortcuts to navigate the Chrome browser. Magnifier only available on the paid plan.
Details on Eye-Able® – Accessibility AssistantHelperbird: Accessibility & Dyslexia Software
Screen Reading, Writing, Chrome Browser ExtensionsHelperbird is an extensive extension that offers most accessibility tools including display, reading ruler, dictation, translation, annotation, screenshot text recognition, magnification, text to speech and more. The extension is designed with people who have learning disabilities in mind with clear icons and menu. Right clicking on an item and selecting Helperbird will immediately show available options such as reader mode, translation etc. Some features need to be set up in settings, but there is a convenient search section. Cons: dictation, snapshot text extraction and summary did not function well when testing.
Details on Helperbird: Accessibility & Dyslexia SoftwareOrbitNote
Chrome Browser Extensions, Organization/Productivity, Scanning and OCR, Screen ReadingOrbitNote is a PDF reader. It requires the user to sign into its service with a Google account, a Microsoft account or a Unilogin account. The user can drag and drop a PDF file from their computer or open one from their connected service, such as Google Drive. The user can play, pause or stop the text-to-speech on the PDF, make OrbitNote speak at a specific point with Click to Speak, highlight text, collect highlighted texts, add lines and shapes to the PDF file, freehand drawing, erase modifications, add text, and pin comments. The user can also zoom onto the document, search through it, print it out, download it, or navigate through pages.
Details on OrbitNoteSpeakIt! – Text to speech for Chrome
Screen Reading, Chrome Browser ExtensionsTired of reading? Select text you want to read and listen to it. SpeakIt converts text into speech so you no longer need to read. With this extension users can select the text they want to read and right click to listen to it. SpeakIt is simple to use with few options but works well and is free.
Details on SpeakIt! – Text to speech for ChromeSpeechify for Chrome
Screen Reading, Chrome Browser ExtensionsSpeechify is a text to speech extension that allows people to read books and websites out loud. App is also available.
Details on Speechify for ChromeTalkie: text-to-speech, many languages!
Screen Reading, Chrome Browser ExtensionsEasy to use text-to-speak that uses voices installed on your computer. Also works in Windows 10, Windows 11, and with PDFs.
Details on Talkie: text-to-speech, many languages!