Operating Systems, Programs, Add-ons and Special Program Features

Natural Reader
  • Versatile text-to-speech for reading text on a computer screen--online, in email client, in word processor, etc.
  • Can be used as floating toolbar, or by copying and pasting text
  • For Mac and Windows 
  • Free version opens with ad for Natural Reader
  • More information 
Vu-Bar
  • Onscreen "slotted ruler" that covers all but one line of text
  • Adjusts to font size and width of line
  • Windows only
  • [Several other helpful programs are available from the same website.]
  • Note: you will need to scroll down the download page to find Vu-Bar
Microsoft Mathematics 4.0
  • Free standalone Windows program from Microsoft
  • Powerful and versatile math tool
    • Graphing calculator (2D and 3D)
    • Equation solver
    • Formulas and equations library
    • Unit conversion tool  
WordTalk
  • Free plug-in toolbar for MS Word running in Windows
  • Adds text-to-speech for any text in a Word document
  • Creates audio files from text (wav or mp3)
  • Talking spell checker
  • More information
Keyboard Shortcuts for MS Word
  • Microsoft reference explaining and listing keyboard shortcuts for  MSWord 2003, 2007, 2010
PowerTalk
  • Text-to-speech add on for PowerPoint
  • Windows only
  • More information
  • CAUTION: During installation, be careful to de-select the boxes that read "Use PowerTalk when opening PowerPoint slideshows / presentations.
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Click here to download 103 Tar Heel Reader stories in PowerPoint format (50 MB Zipped Folder)
Accessibility in Windows 7
  • Powerful access supports built into Windows 7
  • Voice recognition
  • Magnification
  • Onscreen keyboard
Apple Accessibility
  • Extensive range of accessibility options built into OS X and iOS
  • Tools to support: 
                Vision
                Hearing
                Physical and Motor Skills
                Literacy and Learning