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

Learning Tools by Microsoft
  • Set of learning support tools for use in MS Office apps on desktops, mobile and the web
  • Immersive Reader provides text to speech with dual highlighting, picture dictionary, simplified page view, and more
  • Integrated speech to text
  • Overview of Learning Tools
  • Free for teachers and students
  • Works in Word on iPad ​
Natural Reader
  • ​[NaturalReader now promotes its 'Online Reader'. The resource recommended here is downloadable software available on the site's 'Software' tab.]
  • 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
  • Online version can be used without download for reading online material​
  • Paid version offers OCR, audio file creation from text, and more
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
Microsoft Mathematics Add-in for Word and OneNote
  • Free download that adds 'Mathematics' tab to MS Word
  • Solves equations
  • Plots graphs to add to documents
  • Click HERE for Word 2013 (not yet available for Word 2016, but workaround can be found HERE)
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  
Keyboard Shortcuts for MS Word
  • Microsoft reference explaining and listing keyboard shortcuts for  MSWord 2003, 2007, 2010
  • For Word 2013 and Word 2016, click HERE
PowerTalk
  • Text-to-speech aodd 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 97 Tar Heel Reader stories in PowerPoint format (50 MB Zipped Folder)
Accessibility in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
  • Powerful access supports built into Windows 
  • Voice recognition
  • Magnification
  • Onscreen keyboard