Best Assistive Technology’s for Special Education Students

Here are the best assistive technology’s for special education students.

Category	Product	Pros	Cons	Best For
Visual Impairment	Orca Screen Reader	Works on computers, tablets, smartphones, Offers settings like voice and reading speed, Translates text to Braille	Requires purchase Has a learning curve for complex features.	Students with visual impairments who need to access digital text on various devices in both speech and Braille formats.
Visual Impairment	Enhanced Vision	Magnifies material for easier reading Adjustable magnification levels for different needs, Color and contrast adjustments for improved visibility.	Can be expensive depending on features Requires positioning the device for optimal viewing.	Students with visual impairments who need to magnify text in books, worksheets, or other printed materials.
Learning Disabilities	MindMeister	Free basic plan User-friendly interface for creating mind maps Collaborative features	Paid plans required for advanced features like unlimited mind maps and multimedia attachments.	Students with learning disabilities who benefit from visual organization. Mind maps can help with outlining ideas and studying for tests.
Learning Disabilities	Cozi	Free basic plan features like calendars and to-do lists Family-oriented app for shared organization and easy to use interface.	Limited features in the free plan Requires internet connection for full functionality.	Students who struggle with time management and organization.
Calming and Focus Tools	ESpecial Needs	Inexpensive Allows for discreet movement to release nervous energy Helps improve focus and concentration	Can be distracting to others in quiet environments	Students who benefit from fidgeting to improve focus and manage anxiety.
Calming and Focus Tools	Bose SpecialQuietComfort 35 II	Blocks out background noise Can improve focus and concentration in distracting settings	Can be expensive Requires frequent battery power.	Students who are easily distracted by noise in classrooms, libraries, or other study environments.
Physical Disabilities	Snap&Read Screen Overlay Software	Reduces visual clutter on computer screens by highlighting text, masking distractions, and color overlays.	Requires purchase May not be compatible with all software programs.	Students with dyslexia or visual processing difficulties who struggle with distractions on the computer screen.
Speech Disorders	Speechify	Converts written text into sounding speech for reading needs Offers dyslexia-friendly fonts and features for improved reading comprehension.	Requires purchase May require an internet connection for some features.	Students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties who benefit from having text read aloud.
Hearing Impairments	Roger System	Advanced FM system with directional microphones that focus on the speaker’s voice Reducing background noise significantly in classrooms	Requires purchase for both the teacher’s microphone and student receiver May require classroom setup adjustments.	Students with hearing impairments who struggle to hear in noisy environments
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)	Social Thinking Curriculum	Comprehensive social skills curriculum with activities and resources to teach social communication and social interaction skills.	Requires purchase of materials or training for educators May require adaptation for individual student needs.	Students with ASD who need structured learning and practice to develop social communication skills.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)	Focusbooster Pomodoro Timer App	Uses the Pomodoro Technique with work and break intervals Improves focus and time management Offers visual timers and data tracking to monitor progress.	Requires purchase for the premium version with all features	Students with ADHD who benefit from structured work sessions with short breaks to improve focus and manage time effectively.