Literacy

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Screen Readers

Literacy software solutions are tools that allow students to interact with their reading materials digitally. These tools may include sticky notes, highlighters, dictionaries, and text-to-speech which reads the text on the screen out loud.

Examples of Assistive Tech Solutions for Literacy

Kurzweil 3000 

Features

Kurzweil 3000 is a program designed to help with reading and organizing thoughts. 

  • Reads text aloud, highlighting words and sentences as it goes 
  • Adjust the reading voice and speed. 
  • Study tools, including the ability to add highlights and sticky notes, and create custom study guides. 
  • Built-in dictionary for easy access. 
  • Read-the-Web feature allows you to read web pages

Limitations

  • Does not read math content very well
  • Requires around 2 GB of space.
  • Scanning and preparing documents can be time consuming

Other Tools 

Note: None of the technology tools or resources on this tab are offered or managed by the DSC. For more information on cost and system requirements, please visit the links to the websites for each tool. 

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro is currently available for free to students enrolled at UCI. For more information, visit the Adobe Software Page on the OIT website. It has features that allow you to highlight, comment, and have PDF files read out loud using their Text-to-Speech tool. 
  • Mathpix Snip converts handwritten or printed text into a digital text. That text can be pasted into LaTeX tools like Overleaf, Markdown tools like Typora, Microsoft Word, and more. Students can sign up for 100 snips per month at no cost.
  • Speechify was founded by Cliff Weitzman, to ensure that reading is not a barrier to learning. It allows users to listen to books, PDF files, web pages, and screenshots with options for various natural sounding voices. This is available as a Chrome extension and as an iOS app for Apple devices. The extension and app are free, with a Premium option available for purchase.
  • Texthelp – Read & Write is a software toolbar with literacy features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text dictation, highlighting, and more. Currently, available as a Google Chrome Extension FREE for 30 days.

If you have questions about assistive technology, or anything on this page, contact dscetext@uci.edu.