Kurzweil 3000 can be described as a word processor that can speak while taking any pdf and transforming it into searchable and accessible text. The user is able to highlight and make annotations within the document. This software is supported on both the Windows and Mac platforms. Kurzweil works with the Firefly iOS App companion-program to integrate with Bookshare and Google Drive. Integration with a document editor is a big strength of Kurzweil 3000, enabling students to author texts with writing supports, text formatting, highlights, comments, and audio-notes. Kurzweil also includes specialized writing tools such concept mapping charts and graphic organizers. This software enables students to organize their ideas before putting "pencil to paper". Kurzweil allows educators to share content with students.

A downside to using Kurzweil 3000/Firefly is that the online/iPad versions fall short of their Mac/Windows counterparts with limited features. Watch an INTRODUCTION VIDEO and try for free on your current system.

A drawback of Read & Write is a lack of easy ways to import, organize, and share content. There is no concept of playlists or folders, so students would need to have their reading assignments readily available as they cannot be saved in a separate space or organized for later reading. There is also no integration with 3rd party content resources such as Bookshare or Google Drive, and no ability to backup or synchronize content across devices. Teachers cannot share content with students, administer assessments, or monitor their progress. Watch an INTRODUCTION VIDEO and try for 30 days for free on your current system.

Snap & Read is a Chrome browser extension that provides text to speech for all text that is displayed on the screen. This software gives the user support for writing outlines and for brainstorming ideas for essays. Unique to Snap & Read is their Dynamic Text Leveler simplifies complex language to make it easier to understand. For students whose first language is not English, Snap & Read also offers translation into many other languages. This can be especially helpful for those who are learning English and for students who are reading below their grade level. Teachers can also view analytics and monitor their students to keep track of information such as their reading level, the time they spend reading and the number of word look-ups that are used. Similar to Read & Write, Snap & Read does not offer playlists or folders for organizing documents.

Snap & Read simply reads what is on the screen. Content cannot be easily imported from 3rd party sources, and teachers cannot share content with students. Snap & Read does not integrate with browsers other than Chrome and does not offer any features to help students practice context clues or build vocabulary. Watch an INTRODUCTION VIDEO and try for free on your current system.

Missouri Assistive Technology is here to help you to finding the funding to purchase the Text-to-Speech technology that was mentioned in this weeks newsletter. Take a look at ATR and TAP for Internet Programs to see if they apply to you.

Missouri Assistive Technology offers the Assistive Technology Reimbursement (ATR) Program to provide schools with assistance in procuring the assistive technology for students with disabilities. This program is open to K-12 students in:

Missouri Assistive Technology offers the TAP for Internet Program provides the adaptive computer equipment and training needed for basic access to the Internet and e-mail in the home. Applicants must: