Web Reader HD for iPad uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages. You can configure web pages to be read as soon as they are loaded, read pages manually after they are loaded, or use Cut, Copy, & Paste to read only sections of text.
Features of Web Reader: fast reading; reads PDFs; special Google Reader support; reads locally synced files; remote control support; continues reading when backgrounded; image blocking; two high quality voices; voice volume; speaking speed; highlights while reading; auto-speak; launching from Safari; landscape mode option; reads while locked; and stop and restart.
For a demo of Web Reader, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Read2Go is an assistive technology book reader that uses text-to-speech technology to read books aloud. To understand Read2Go, you must first understand what Bookshare is all about. Bookshare.org provides electronic copies of books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities. The books are downloaded in an electronic form that can be easily modified to meet the needs of readers with diverse disabilities. This can mean altering font, size, color, and even using text-to-speech technology to provide read-aloud capability. Bookshare is currently available free of charge for US students with qualifying disabilities, thanks to a grant by the Department of Education.
Read2Go’s integration with Bookshare makes locating and downloading electronic textbooks easy, provided you have a qualifying Bookshare account.
For a quick tutorial on Read2Go, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Required iOS 40 or later.
SymbolSupport is an assistive word processor automatically translating words into pictures and symbols, a task that is especially helpful for students with cognitive disabilities. Users can create new documents or copy and paste work from other apps into SymbolSupport, and the program will convert the text into symbols. SymbolSupport is an easy way to add symbols and speech to text. Documents can be read with a high quality text-to-speech voice while text is highlighted word by word. This app is intended to help learners with an intellectual disability or autism access important information like class assignments, step-by-step instructions, and social stories. Documents created in SymbolSupport can also be read with the free SymbolSupport Viewer app. You can email your symbolized documents as images or PDFs.
iWordQ (English) is an easy-to-use writing and reading application to assist struggling writers and readers. In Writing mode, a simple text editor is used for writing with the support of word prediction, abbreviation-expansion and speech feedback features. Spell-check and dictionary access is included. Use speech recognition with an iPad 3, 4, mini. Text documents are saved automatically and are retrieved from the File menu. Dropbox support is included for sharing documents across systems. Documents may also be shared through several other connections, including email, Facebook, Twitter, Message, the pasteboard, and opening in other Apps.
In Reading mode, text is shown in a more visually pleasing manner to improve readability. This is used for proofreading, reading to learn, silent reading, reading aloud, and casual reading/listening. A novel text chunking method (patent-pending) can be selected to enhance comprehension and readability of text to allow you to focus on one text chunk at a time.
For a quick tutorial for iWordQ, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 and later.
iReadWrite makes reading easier and ensures accurate writing as you use your iPad for school, work, or leisure. This reading and writing app runs directly on the iPad with no WiFi or 3G access necessary. It includes support features that benefit struggling readers and writers of all ages, especially those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or other learning difficulties. Support features include: text-to-speech, word prediction, phonetic spell checker, homophone and confusables checker; dictionary; picture dictionary; customizable background and text colors; choice of voices and fonts, and importing and sharing documents.
For an overview of iReadWrite, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
MeeGenius! is free app that provides access to a library of e-books geared to children in grades K-3. As noted in a review of this app by Common Sense Media, a few free book come with the initial free download. Beyond this, many other titles are available for purchase. Features of note include: read-along word highlighting, high quality illustrations, ability for kids to read alone or to hear expert narration.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
App Writer US is a new app from a programming studio in Denmark. It is a text editor for the iPad with word prediction, text-to-speech, OCR, and a special font for people who are Dyslexic. The developers have put together a short video to introduce the product.
An app developed by Montesori educators at Montessorium, Intro to Letters is based on the Montessori activity Sand Paper Letters. This approach relies on multisensory approaches (i.e., sight, sound, and touch) to teach letters. This app is designed to teach children to trace, read, write and record letter sounds, names, and phonograms, based on the proven methodology of Montessori.
As described by the developers, this app can be used to teach: letters from a-z; lowercase letter symbols and their sounds (phonics); phonograms – writing and pronunciation; capital letters – letter names, writing and pronunciation; consonants and vowels; and fine motor skills. The app allows children to record themselves as they say the letters of the alphabet. The app operates in two modes. The first allows the user to practice specific letters; the second isolates small groups of letters or phonograms.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Voice Brief is a text to speech app that reads you daily updates from your iOS device such as the weather, news, to-do lists, or other designated information. It does not need to send to the Internet for processing. Watch what it does by playing the video below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Speak It! Text to Speech is a product from Future Apps. It has been de signed to work with iOS4, taking advantage of the multitasking feature options. As described on iTunes, you can have Speak It! read your e-mails, articles, etc., while you exit the app and do other things. You can create and save audio files, attaching them to e-mails. You can also set up a list of pre-made statements, playing them with just a tape of a button. Take a tour of this product by watching the video below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later