Disability Resource Center

Technology Resources

This list includes apps that may be useful for a student's success. Not all items on the list are supported or provided by Cal Poly Pomona and therefore just recommendations.

  • Kurzweil - Kurzweil 3000 text-to-speech software can help you read faster and improve your focus. You can use Kurzweil to read the web, including e-textbooks viewed through a browser. You can also open almost any electronic file type with Kurzweil 3000, including Word, PDF, HTML, EPUB, and many others. Review more information and how to create an account on the DRC Kurzweil Instructions page.
  • Windows Immersive Reader – a new way to read documents in Word, One Note, Outlook, and Edge. Includes text to speech, highlighted reading location, font type, size, and color. Unique options to read viewing syllables, color coded parts of speech, and screen masking. Learn how to use it for all applications. Included in Office 365 applications. All CPP students have access to Office 365 applications online or installed.
  • VitalSource Bookshelf– is commonly used as part of the CPP Complete Access program, but they also sell and rent e-textbooks directly; most books have text to speech, annotation, font type, size, color controls. Also can upload DRM free epubs and PDFs. Free app for Bookshelf for iOS, Bookshelf on Google Play, Bookshelf for Windows and Bookshelf for Mac.
  • Natural Reader - Load PDF, Word Doc, PPT files for text to speech that includes highlighted reading location, and adjustable font type, size, and color controls. Free on Natural Reader web app, Natural reader iOS app, Natural Reader on Google Play and Natural Reader Chrome Extension. Premium version available for upgraded options and storage.
  • Screen Mask - Chrome extension that darkens part of the screen so that you can focus your reading on the line you want; free Screen Mask on Chrome Store
  • Dolphin Easy Reader – reader for EPUBs including text to speech, highlighted reading location, font type, size, and color. Sync with public library accounts. Free Easy Reader for iOS and Easy Reader on Google Play for mobile; paid app for Dolphin Easy Reader for Windows, not available for Mac OS

If you are using an online book from a publisher, check out our Online Book Resources for helpful tips.

  • Microsift OneNote - Included with your CPP Microsoft Office 365 account, OneNote can be used on a desktop or tablet to take interactive notes.
  • Evernote – Take typed notes on your computer or handwritten notes on tablet. Free version with limited storage and file size; Premium version available
  • Noteability – Notetaking app for phone or tablet that can sync audio recording with handwriting; Mac and iOS only; Free version has very limited options; Paid app available approx. $15/year

  • Windows Magnifier - Built into Windows, Magnifier has many options for magnification including full screen, lens or docked; also works with touchscreen computers
  • Mac Zoom - Built into Mac OS, Zoom allows for increase/decrease magnification view, speaks items under the pointer
  • iPhone Magnifier - Built into iOS, Apple's Magnifier uses the camera to zoom in on objects around you. Additional features can be turned on through the accessibility features for Door Detection, Image Description of Surroundings, Point and Speak can read text near buttons or on signs.
  • Android Mobile Device Magnifier - Android's Magnifier Allows the user to zoom or magnify to items on the screen better.
  • Android Lookout - Lookout makes it easier to get more information about the world around you and do daily tasks; Lookout on Google Play
  • ZoomText - Available for Windows computers, has many options for zoom settings and color inversion; purchase through ZoomText Store for $85/ year