Aurora 3.0

It provides advanced word prediction and abbreviation expansion to help speed up typing as well as spelling assistance through its talking spellchecker, phonetic spell matching and homonyms selection tools.  Aurora Echo reads back what users type so a mistake can be heard, or it can read text from applications like email or web browsers if a user has trouble reading.  It can also be used for presentations or prepared speeches.   Users can assign frequently used phrases to function keys for instant spoken communication or type whatever the user wants to say.

http://www.aurora-systems.com/

AlphaSmart Dana

This is an alternative to the laptop, lightweight, durable with palm capabilities.  It can be used  for writing papers, taking notes, collecting data or keeping organized.

AlphaSmart NEO

Neo is designed specifically for schools.  It is portable with a  full-sized keyboard and large LCD screen.

http://www3.alphasmart.com/products

CCTV – Closed Circuit Television

This monitor amplifies the pages of a book, notes, and many other media for users with low vision.

http://www.visiontechnology.com/

Cue Card

Cue Card is a flash card program.  The user makes up cards for what needs to be memorized, and Cue Card will quiz the user on them.  Cue Card features smart testing, which automatically focus on the cards the user is having trouble with.  It also offers printing, pictures and sounds on cards.

http://www.download.com/CueCard/3000-2051_4-10380167.html?tag=pub

Dragon Natrually Speaking

This program allows users to talk to their computer via a microphone, instead of using a keyboard.  As the user speaks, their words are transcribed onto the computer screen.  It helps in writing papers, doing spreadsheets, and for sending email messages.  It also has a read-back option.

http://www. nuance.com/

Draft:  Builder

Draft:  Builder helps users develop a strategic approach to planning, organizing and draft-writing.  Draft: Builder’s structured framework breaks the writing process into small, manageable chunks so that users stay on task and build effective writing habits.

http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/draftbuilderdfrm.htm

Franklin Language Master

A hand-held dictionary offering speech controls to read screens or speak individual words at different speeds.  A large-type display option, high-contrast screen and black-on-white QWERTY keyboard are beneficial to low vision users.

For blind users, orientation features include active screen announcing and raised dots on location keys.

http://www.franklin.com/estore/dictionary /LM-6000B/

FreeMind

Is a FREE Mind mapping, organizational software program for students to plan and develop assignments.  It can be downloaded for FREE.

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

HELP Read:  the Freeware Reader Project

HELP Read is FREE software that reads along while you do the reading.

http://www.helpread.com

Inspiration

A visual mind mapping program and organizational tool that helps strengthen critical thinking and organizational skills.

http://www.inspiration.com/

I.R.I.S. Pen

The I.R.I.S. pen scanners are for users who need to retype printed information.  Intstead of retyping, scan the information needed and to see it instantly encoded into your application.  According to the version, the IRIS Pen retypes text, figures, bar codes and handwritten numbers directly into any Window or Mac application, where your cursor is.

http://www.irislink.com/c2-588/Pen-and Portable-scanners.aspx

JAWS

JAWS for Windows is reads information on a user’s screen using synthesized speech.  JAWS provides many useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read Web pages.

http://www.freedomscientific.com/

Kurzweil 3000

Text to speech software that allows users to scan in and read text, convert to MP# format and aid in definitions, spelling and word prediction.  Has a study skills tool bar which allows users to highlight main or supporting ideas for studying purposes.

http:www.kurzweiledu.com/

Kurzweil 1000

Kurzweil 1000 is software that makes printed or electronic text readily available to people who are blind or visually impaired.  It combines accessibility, communication and productivity tools to ease and enhance their reading, writing and learning experience.

http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz10000.aspx

MindManager

This is a concept mapping software to visualize information and link ideas.  Mind mapping generates, captures and organizes ideas, tasks, and activities.

http://www.mindjet.com/us/products/

Natural Reader

NaturalReader is text-to-speech software with natural sounding voices.  This software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files and emails into spoken words.  NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP# or WAV for a CD player or Ipod.

http://www.naturalreaders.com/

Parrot Organizer

Parrot Organizer is a voice recognition organizer.  It can be used as a telephone directory with auto dialer, as a talking calculator, alarm clock, appointment book and memo pad.

http://www.driveblue.com/(ny1kqvisuv5iwx55q51j2tfz)/Default.aspx?Ian=en

PDA – Palm Tungsten III

The PDA-Palm Tungsten III provides a way to keep track of appointments, to-do-lists, names and phone numbers.  It allows the user to set alarm reminders, take voice memos and work on assignments.

http://www.palm.com/ca/community/myhandheld/tungsten-t3/#pagetop

Penfriend

Penfriend is literacy aid which can increase reading and writing skills for persons with dyslexia and physical disabilities including visual impairment.

http://www.penfriend.biz/

Premier Assistive Technology

Premier Assistive Technology is a suite of products that address “reading, writing and information transfer needs for individuals with visual, cognitive and mobility challenges.  Applications for learning disabilities, general literacy and English as a Second Language can also be served using existing and emerging assistive technologies.

http://www.readingmadeez.com/

Quicktionary Reading Pen

Portable reading device that allows you to scan in a sentence and have it read back to you.

http://www.wizcomtech.com/

Quick Link Reading Pen II

The Reading Pen II is a portable, self-contained assistive reading device that is designed to provide people with reading difficulties, learning disabilities or dyslexia with immediate word support while they are reading printed text and help them read and understand independently.

http://www.wizcomtech.com/Wizcom/products/product_info.asp?fid=172

Read Please Freeware

Reads any text the users sees on the screen.  It is an all purpose text-to-speech software.

http://www.readplease.com/

SmartDraw

SmartDraw’s point-and-click drawing method makes it easy for anyone familiar with basic computer tasks to create professional-quality business graphics.

http://www.smartdraw.com/product/

Sony Digital Recorder

This is a compact and lightweight recorder.  It stores a maximum of 340 folders and 965 voice files.  It allows overwrite and recording cue/review, indexing and priority.

http://www.sony.ca

TextAloud

TextAloud reads text from email, web pages, and reports aloud on a PC.

http://www.nextup.com/TextAloud/index.html

TextHelp Read & Write

TextHelp Read & Write has speech feedback, phonetic spell checting, word prediction and homophone support.

http://www.texthelp.com