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Academic Success Center

This Page Was Last Updated On: 1/28/2026

Accessible PDF Readers

Check out the following tools to figure out what works best for YOU!

  • The following tools aim to simplify reading and viewing PDF documents, with features such as annotation tools, multimedia capabilities, and text-to-speech options.
  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools.

Screen Readers

  • Screen readers are a form of assistive technology that are especially useful for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 
  • Screen readers identify (audibly, with a Braille device, etc.) everything that is displayed on your screen.

Speech to Text Tools

  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
    • The list below is considerably shorter as quality speech-to-text apps that are set at a reasonable price are harder to come by. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools.

Text to Speech Tools

Need assistance reading websites and other documents? Check these tools out. 

  • Look for features such as:
    • Adjustment of the pitch, volume, and rate of the reading voice;
    • The ability to save readings as audio files;
    • Options to change the text size, color, and background for easier on-screen reading;
    • And a built-in magnifier.
  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools.

More Tools For You

  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools.
  • Mind maps are a tool used for organizing and brainstorming in a visual format. 
  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools.
  • The list below features tools that are either free or freemium (have limited free versions and paid premium versions with more features). For more information on pricing and tiers, visit the appropriate sites linked below. 
  • NOTE TO STUDENTS: Many of these tools have one or more AI powered components to them. Please consult your instructors before proceeding with using any AI assistants or generative AI tools
  • If you need to make a recording, the library has an MP3 voice recorder you can check out.  There are several paid apps available.  As you decide which might be the best for you, please consider:
    • Where are the files stored and can I save multiple copies for safety (cloud storage, local drive, USB drive, etc.)
    • Are there time limits on how much I can record?
    • Can I slow down the playback speed when I am transcribing?