Virginia Tech® home

Assistive Technology Software

A cluttered desk with a computer that reads "Accessible," with a person's hands on the keyboard and mouse
licensed | shutterstock.com

In addition to the accessibility features that are readily available in modern operating systems, Accessible Technologies at Virginia Tech provides several tools to provide additional support for a wide variety of needs.

Free Accessible Technologies Tools (PDF | 155 Kb)

Accessibility Testing Software

  • General Item
    Ally

    Works within the Canvas LMS to test uploaded files for accessibility. Provides alternative formats for file downloads directly to students.

  • General Item
    Grackle Suite

    An accessibility testing tool for Google Suite Docs, Slides, and Sheets and creation of accessible PDFs.

Stand-alone Software

  • General Item
    EquatIO

    A math support tool for equation creation and math read-aloud. (Available to all students and employees.)

  • General Item
    Glean

    Glean is a note-taking application for audio recorded notes. It makes annotating, filtering, and reviewing quicker and simpler. (Limited licenses available for students and employees.)

  • Redirect Item
    JAWS Screen Reader , redirect

    JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is the world’s most popular screen reader, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC. You will be able to navigate the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations from your office, remote desktop, or from home. (Limited licenses available for installation on university owned computers.)

  • General Item
    OrbitNote

    OrbitNote is a PDF reader and editor software that allows instructors and students to interact with documents in an accessible, dynamic, and collaborative space.

  • General Item
    PREP

    The cloud-based software PDF Document and Remediation Platform (PREP) simplifies and accelerates converting PDF documents into accessible educational materials. Using PREP to remediate PDF documents makes them compliant with accessibility laws and VT Policy 7215. (Limited licenses available for students and employees.)

  • General Item
    Read&Write

    A literacy support tool with text-to-speech and scanning. (Available to all students and employees.)

  • Redirect Item
    ZoomText , redirect

    ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email. (Limited licenses available for installation on university owned computers.)