Tools & Resources

At UMBC, we recognize that assistive technology spans both physical devices and digital tools. These options are designed to support access in various environments, including classrooms, residence halls, and remote learning spaces. Whether you’re a student seeking academic support, a faculty member designing inclusive instruction, or a staff member engaging with diverse users, there are a variety of tools available to enhance access and participation.

Assistive Technology Tools

The following links provide information about accessibility support for technologies used at UMBC:

Other technologies your instructor may or may not use include:

Some textbooks are provided through the UMBC Course Materials Initiative and the VitalSource Bookshelf platform. Content available through VitalSource can be enhanced to improve compatibility with assistive technologies. In many cases, logical reading order, table markup, and image descriptions can be added or improved. Any VitalSource Bookshelf user who would like to request that a particular title be enhanced for improved accessibility may do so by submitting this form.

Documents

  • Microsoft Immersive Reader
    Built-in tool in Office 365 to aid reading comprehension.
  • WebAIM Contrast Checker
    Online tool to verify text and background color contrast ratios.
  • NaturalReader
    Text-to-speech software for reading digital text aloud.
  • BeeLine Reader
    Eye-guiding color gradient to reduce fatigue when reading long blocks of text. Available as a browser extension, and in Ally for alternative file formats.

Meetings

  • Otter AI Pilot
    Real-time captions and notes for in-person and virtual lectures, classes and meetings. Connect your Google calendar and automatically transcribe your meetings. Available as part of a pilot program with SDS.

Streaming Media

STEM

  • MathType ($)
    Advanced equation editor that creates accessible MathML. Integrated with Blackboard. Not available for UMBC’s Office platform at this time, but you can add it to your own personal subscription. (Cost: $64 per year)
  • Mathpix Snip ($)
    Import PDFs from your library or create from camera scans to digitize your printed and handwritten notes. (Cost: $50 per year with *.edu email)
  • Equatio ($$)
    Turn any equation across the web into accessible, editable math with the Equatio Screenshot Reader, or handwrite math expressions using a touchscreen device or mouse pointer. You can also dictate equations and formulas, turning spoken input to written expressions. (Cost: $170 per year)
  • PhET Simulations
    Interactive science and math simulations with accessibility features.
  • Quorum
    An evidence-based programming language designed to be accessible.
  • Tactile Vega-Lite
    Tool for generating both visual and touch-based (tactile) charts from data. Developed at MIT CSAIL.

Fine Arts

  • MuseScore
    Music notation software with screen reader support and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Gala Pro
    Mobile app for delivering audio descriptions and captions in theatres.

Humanities

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking
    Speech-to-text software for dictation and voice control. Available for Windows only.apple
  • Speech to Text for Smartphones
    Dictate text anywhere you can type on your iPhone or Google Pixel.
  • Google Chirp ($$)
    AI-powered speech recognition in multiple languages (Cost: Varies; example: $20/month for 20 hours)

Social Sciences & Health

  • PolicyMap
    Online data and mapping tool for social and health-related statistics. PolicyMap provides a free account option with access to mapping features and publicly available data sets.