Technology for All Students

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) recommends a variety of assistive and inclusive technologies available to all TU students that can support learning, productivity, and accessibility, regardless of disability.

This page highlights free and widely available tools that any student can use to enhance their academic experience.

Who Can Use These Tools?

These resources are available to all Towson students as third-party software, regardless of whether they are registered with ADS. They are especially helpful for:

  • Students with temporary injuries or conditions 
  • English language learners 
  • Neurodivergent students 
  • Students seeking better study habits or productivity tools 

These tools are best used when in conjunction with positive study habits and learning strategies.

Available Technologies

The following technologies are free and accessible to all Towson students and can help with reading, writing, organization, and focus:

Text-to-Speech Tools

These tools convert written text into spoken words, which can help with comprehension, multitasking, and reducing eye strain.

  • Microsoft Immersive Reader: Built into Word, OneNote, and Edge. Offers read-aloud, line focus, and grammar tools 
  • Natural Reader: A free browser-based tool that reads text aloud from websites, PDFs, and documents 
  • Speechify: A mobile and desktop app that reads text aloud with customizable voices and speeds 

Speech-to-Text Tools

Dictation tools allow students to speak instead of type, which can be helpful for brainstorming, writing papers, or taking notes.

  • Microsoft Dictate: Use speech-to-text to dictate documents, emails, notes, and presentations throughout Microsoft 365
  • Google Docs Voice Typing: Built into Google Docs via Chrome browser 
  • Ava Captions: Provides free live captions for video conferences and in-person conversations, making meetings and lectures more accessible 
  • Nagish: A free app that captions phone calls in real time using AI, allowing communication through text or voice without hearing or speaking 

Reading and Comprehension Tools

Reading and comprehension tools help break down complex texts and improve understanding.

  • BeeLine Reader: Uses color gradients to guide the eyes across lines of text, improving reading speed and focus 
  • Just Read (Chrome Extension): Browser extension that simplifies web pages by removing distractions and unwanted page elements

Cognitive Focus and Productivity Tools

Cognitive focus and productivity tools support concentration and time management.

  • Goblin Tools: A collection of simple, single-task tools specifically designed to help neurodivergent people with overwhelming tasks. Available free on the web or for a one-time fee as a mobile device app
  • Forest: Encourages focus by growing virtual trees while you stay off your phone 
  • Pomofocus: A customizable Pomodoro timer for managing study sessions 
  • Todoist: A task manager that helps organize assignments and deadlines 

Visual Assistance Tools

Visual assistance tools help students better access and understand visual content, supporting different learning styles and improving comprehension of materials by customizing how materials are viewed. 

  • Seeing AI: Microsoft’s free iOS and Android app uses your device camera to identify and audibly describe people, objects, text, and surroundings 
  • ReBokeh: Designed specifically for low vision users, this iOS app allows customized adjustments to contrast, brightness, colors, and inversion filters to maximize functional vision in any environment 
  • Sullivan+: A visual-aid app for iOS and Android that provides information about objects captured through your smartphone camera with just one shot