Best Assistive Technology Apps
In the world of remote work, assistive technology apps like Grammarly, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Read&Write, VoiceOver and NVDA offer essential support to enhance accessibility and productivity. These top accessibility tools range from speech recognition software to screen readers for visually impaired users. Apps for enhanced accessibility, such as Grammarly’s writing assistant and Dragon NaturallySpeaking’s voice control, are designed to improve daily tasks for remote workers. Digital tools for disability support, including Read&Write literacy software and free accessibility apps like NVDA, ensure inclusivity and boost work efficiency for diverse needs.
GRAMMARLY: The Writing Assistant
Features:
Grammarly is more than just a spell checker. It offers advanced grammar, punctuation, and style checking, with suggestions aimed at improving the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. It integrates with most digital writing environments, including email clients, word processors, and browsers.
Pricing:
Grammarly offers a free version with basic writing corrections. The Premium version, which provides more detailed insights and suggestions, starts at $12 per month when billed annually.
+ Pros:
Enhances writing quality; intuitive interface; extensive compatibility across platforms.
- Cons:
Premium version can be pricey; may not catch all contextual writing errors.
User Experience:
Grammarly’s clean, non-intrusive interface makes it an excellent tool for anyone looking to improve their writing. It’s particularly beneficial for non-native English speakers and professionals looking to polish their communication.
DRAGON NATURALLYSPEAKING: The Voice Recognition Leader
Features:
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a powerful speech recognition software that allows users to dictate text and control their computers by voice. This tool is incredibly accurate and can significantly speed up document creation and computer navigation.
Pricing:
The standard version starts at $150, with professional and legal versions costing more, reflecting their specialized features.
+ Pros:
High accuracy in voice recognition; speeds up writing and navigation; customizable commands.
- Cons:
Expensive; requires some time to learn effectively; may need periodic calibration.
User Experience:
Once set up, Dragon NaturallySpeaking offers a fluid, efficient way to interact with your PC, especially beneficial for those with physical disabilities or those who prefer speaking to typing.
READ&WRITE: The Comprehensive Literacy Support Tool
Features:
Read&Write offers a range of features designed to assist with reading, writing, and research, including text-to-speech, dictionary, predictive text, and highlights for organizing notes.
Pricing:
Offers a free trial, with subsequent pricing available on request for educational institutions, businesses, and individuals.
+ Pros:
Supports a variety of learning styles and abilities; extensive features tailored to educational users.
- Cons:
Some features can feel overwhelming to new users; pricing information is not transparent.
User Experience:
Read&Write is highly praised in educational settings, offering versatile tools that cater to diverse learning needs, making digital content more accessible.
VOICEOVER: The Built-in Screen Reader for Apple Devices
Features:
VoiceOver is integrated into all Apple devices and provides spoken descriptions of what is on the screen, from battery levels to the names of files in folders.
Pricing:
Free with Apple devices.
+ Pros:
No additional cost; seamless integration with iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS; supports a wide range of languages and braille displays.
- Cons:
Exclusive to Apple products; can have a steep learning curve for those new to screen readers.
User Experience:
VoiceOver is a robust, reliable tool for visually impaired users, offering excellent accessibility right out of the box with Apple products.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): The Free Screen Reader
Features:
NVDA provides text-to-speech and braille output for the visually impaired, supporting popular applications like web browsers, email clients, and office suites.
Pricing:
Free, with donations welcomed.
+ Pros:
Completely free; open-source with frequent updates; community-driven support.
- Cons:
Somewhat less intuitive than some paid alternatives; requires compatible hardware for braille support.
User Experience:
NVDA offers a vital service for free, making it accessible to anyone needing screen reading capabilities, though users may need some technical acumen to maximize its use.
Choosing the right assistive technology is key to maximizing productivity. Whether it’s the accuracy of Grammarly’s writing assistant or the voice-enabled convenience of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, each tool has unique features. Screen readers like VoiceOver and NVDA make the digital world more accessible to visually impaired users, while Read&Write provides literacy support for diverse learners. By exploring the functionality, pricing, and benefits of these tools, remote workers can find the best assistive technology to suit their needs.
Grammarly
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Read&Write
VoiceOver
NVDA
Primary Function
Writing enhancement
Voice recognition software
Literacy software
Screen reader
Screen reader
Key features
Grammar, punctuation, style checking
Speech-to-text, voice commands
Text-to-speech, dictionary, highlight tool
Integrated screen reader with speech output
Text-to-speech, Braille support
Pricing
Free; Premium starts at $12/mo
Starts at $150 for the standard version
Free trial; pricing on request
Free with Apple devices
Free (donations accepted)
Pros
Enhances writing quality, extensive compatibility
High accuracy, customizable
Supports diverse learning needs, versatile tools
No additional cost, wide language support
Free, open-source, community support
Cons
Premium can be costly, misses some errors
Expensive, learning curve
Overwhelming features, opaque pricing
Apple-only, steep learning curve
Less intuitive, requires compatible hardware
Best for
Writers, professionals, students
Individuals with disabilities, professionals who dictate a lot
Students, educators
Apple users needing accessibility
Users needing a free, accessible screen reader
Each of these assistive tools helps remote workers overcome challenges and enhance their performance. Grammarly offers valuable writing assistance, Dragon NaturallySpeaking improves voice-based interaction, and Read&Write supports different learning styles. Additionally, VoiceOver and NVDA empower visually impaired users with advanced screen-reading capabilities. These digital tools foster inclusivity, ensuring that remote workers of all abilities can thrive. Selecting the right assistive technology can significantly improve productivity and overall quality of life in the digital workplace.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Subscribe to our newsletter
for the latest app revelations and productivity tips, delivered straight to your inbox. Your journey to enhanced productivity and a better work-life balance begins here.