TABLE 1: TOOLS FOR FINDING DIGITAL TEXT
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Books | Digital copies of both fiction and non-fiction titles. Books in copyright will have limited previews; full-text is available on out-of-copyright and public domain titles. Note: Because some books are in an "image" format rather than "text" format, they may not be compatible with Text-To-Speech (TTS) programs. |
| Forgotten Books | Full text versions of out-of-copyright titles (works with Google Books). |
| Project Gutenberg | A collection of free electronic books, many with accompanying audio. |
| LibriVox | A collection of free audio books, featuring human narration, from the public domain. |
| Free Classic Audio Books | Audio versions of many classic novels with both human narration and advanced TTS. |
| Perseus Digital Library | A collection of digital materials relating to the history, literature, and culture of the Greco-Roman world. |
| Bookshare | A collection of accessible books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities. Note: This resource is free to qualified students. |
TABLE 2: TOOLS FOR FINDING ADVANCED DIGITAL TEXTS with embedded supports)
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| UDLEditions by CAST | A collection of digital texts with embedded supports including "Stop and Think" prompts, TTS, dictionary and reference supports, and annotation tools. |
| UDL Bookbuilder by CAST | This tools allows you to create, share, publish, and read digital books that engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs, interests, and skills. Click on the “Public Library Books” link to see books that have already been developed and shared by others. |
| StorylineOnline | A collection of titles read by members of the Screen Actors Guild. Each title includes an activity guide. |
| Thinking Reader (commercial) | Commercial software program for grades 5-8 with numerous embedded supports and several fiction titles. |
| WiggleWorks (commercial) | A commercial reading and writing support program for grades K-3. |
TABLE 3: TOOLS FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
| Type | Resource | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TTS | iSpeech | Free and pay TTS services that can convert text from a number of sources including Word, PDFs, HTML, blogs, and RSS into audio files. |
| TTS | SpokenText (free trial/subscription) | A TTS converter supporting multiple languages and formats. |
| TTS | Text To Speech | TTS service with several advanced translation features. |
| TTS | NaturalReader (PC only) | A free downloadable program from Microsoft offering advanced TTS support. |
| Vision Support | Virtual Magnifying Glass | A free and simple screen magnification tool. |
| Vision Support | Magnifying Glass Pro (free trial; PC only) | A screen magnification tool with several advanced features for additional visual support. |
| Software Suite | Kurzweil Education Systems (commercial) | Several programs offering reading, writing, math, and assessment supports. |
| Software Suite | SOLO Literacy Suite (commercial) | A software suite with reading, writing, and organizational supports. |
| Reading Support | CleverKeys | Free software that provides instant access to definitions at Dictionary.com, synonyms at Thesaurus.com, facts at Reference.com and a translator for our ESL students! |
| Reading Support | Science Writer | Free software tool that supports students in writing lab and class reports. This tool is geared toward middle school and high school students. |
| Internet Research Support | Strategy Tutor | Free tool that supports students and teachers doing reading and research on the Internet. Only uses Firefox browser. |
