Eclectic Technology

If you are looking for a browser that provides accessible features check out Google Chrome, specifically the "many add-ons available to facilitate access, as well as websites that have been designed to take advantage of features built into Chrome." Once again Paul Hamilton has pulled together a variety of add-ons, both Chrome extensions and apps. All are free from the Chrome Web Store. Some examples of extensions and apps discussed include SpeakIt!, which provides text-to-speech for reading web content; Voice Search, which allows you to speak your search terms (and works with multiple search engines); and Chrome Vis, which allows you do magnify and change the color of text as well as view the text selected inside a separate lens. An additional five add-ons are listed with links to the add-ons and in some cases additional information. Please note "You need a Google (GMail) acccount to install an app."

"Voice Recognition software has made impressive gains in recent years. With the advent of handheld touch screen devices, it is making its way into everyday life for a growing number of people. Moreover, voice recognition is rapidly becoming more accurate. This is great news for individuals who struggle with writing!"

This post provides options for iOS, Androic, Mac/PC/Linux (all via a browser) and PC (online or off line). The focus is on the use of speech recognition for writing.  

This list of tools helps to provide options for many students who struggle with writing or keyboarding...think of Universal Design for Learning as you consider using them.