Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. The majority of assistive technology is purchased by the students or other community agency partners.
Software Available through Virginia Peninsula
- ZoomText
- Read & Write Gold (Text-to-speech Software)
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- JAWS (Job Access with Speech) Screen Reader
Hardware Available through Virginia Peninsula
- LiveScribe Smart Pen
- Handheld Pebble Magnifiers
- Liberty Solo Magnifier
- CCTVs
- Recorders
- Makerbot 3D Printer
- ViewPlus SpotDot Braille Embosser
- Double Robotics Telepresence Robot
- Kubi Telepresence Robots
- FM Hearing Systems
- Leica Wifi–Streaming Microscopes
- C-Pen Digital Highlighters
- 3D Visual Models
- Trackpads
- Word Processors
- EZ-SEE Keyboards
Note that some of these devices are limited and are loaned on a first come, first serve basis.
Assistive Technology Lab
- Provides alternative testing formats
- Distraction-Reduced testing with earplugs and headphones available
- CCTV
Apps & Online Resources
- National Job Board for the Blindness/Low Vision Field
This free job posting platform is designed for organizations serving those with blindness or low vision. Organizations may post and share professional job opportunities in the field.
Android Apps
- Algeo – Graphing calculator for Algebra and Calculus.
- AnkiDroid Flashcards – Create your own flashcards or download existing decks to learn on-the-go.
- Calculus Quick Reference – Calculus formulas and evaluation techniques.
- Cool Reader – eBook reader with text-to-speech function.
- Everstudent – Student planner compatible with Evernote.
- Extensive Notes – A note-taking app full of over 50 features.
- Note Everything – A text-, voice-, and paint-notebook that allows organizing, deleting, sharing and many other customizations.
- SoundAMP with Rec – Customizable sound amplifying app with the ability to record and label each recording to find the one you need.
- Spell Checker (+ voice input) – Spell checker with a variety of languages and optional voice input method.
- StayOnTask – Random timer that ensures you are getting your work done.
iOS Apps
- Fast Finga – Converts hand written notes into text.
- iBooks – Great way to download books from the iBookstore.
- inClass – Organize your schedule, courses and semesters.
- Popplet – Brainstorming, mindmapping, collaborating.
- Quick Voice – Full-featured voice recorder that allows multi-tasking to record and use other apps at the same time.
- Voice Dream – Reads text from a variety of files with universal access including Dyslexia font, Focused Reading Mode and customizable options for the visually impaired.
Online Resources for College Students
- Adobe Reader – View and interact with PDF files, including annotating, form filling and signing.
- Anki – App and computer program using friendly, intelligent flashcards with 6,000+ existing decks to learn.
- AudioNote – Synchronized note-taking and audio recording with ability to share files.
- d2u Dictation and Transcription – Create and edit a digital recording then transcribe to a digital file (for iPhone and Blackberry devices).
- Daisy Apps – Apps for eBooks in DAISY format (and sometimes other file types).
- Dictionary.com App – Dictionary and thesaurus with voice-activated search.
- Dragon Apps – Apps using the Dragon Naturally Speaking software, including searching, texting and accessing other apps on your mobile device.
- Google Translate – Translate languages from around the world with voice-input, text-to-speech and dictionary options.
- myHomework – Keep track of homework, projects, schedules and sync to all devices.
- Noteability – Integrates handwriting, PDF annotation, typing, recording and organizing to take notes your way then sync with Dropbox or Google Drive Sync.
- OpenDyslexic – On-the-go access to eBooks and audiobooks from your public, school or college library.
- PearNote – Note-taking app that links aufio recording to what you type
- Read&Write – Has features like speak as I type and reads texts aloud.
- SimpleMind – Mind mapping tool that turns your phone or computer into a brainstorming, idea collection and thought structuring device.
- Skitch – Uses annotation, shapes and sketches to communicate visually with others.
- Speechify – Text to Speech almost all formats.
- STUDYBLUE – Mobile and online flashcards.
- TED – Hundreds of talks from worldwide innovators.
- TextGrabber + Translator – Accurate text recognition from printed sources or images that allows the user to edit, search and share the information.