The following free or low-cost assistive technology apps and software programs are available for anyone to use. This list is curated by SDS based on reviews and experience.
Free Applications
AudioNote
Features:
- Synchronize your notes with the audio recording of your lecture
- Take hand-written
- Import lecture slides as the background to your notes
More information: http://luminantsoftware.com/iphone/audionote
Cost: FREE (in-app purchases)
Compatibility: Windows; Android; Mac
Evernote
Features:
- Collect notes, files, web clippings, and images and access them on any device
- Great tool for researching, planning events and everyday organization
- Collaborate using the sharing features
- Search notes to easily find what you need
More information: http://evernote.com
Cost: FREE
Compatibility: Windows, Android, Apple (mobile and desktop)
Microsoft OneNote
Features:
- Create notes by typing, handwriting, drawing, importing images and videos, and more
- Record audio in the same file as the notes you are taking (e.g., for a class)
- Clearly separate and organize notes, for example by semester, course, and class
- Using OneDrive online, share your OneNote document for others collaborate
- Search notes to easily find what you need
More information: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/
Cost: FREE
Compatibility: Windows, Android, Mac (mobile and desktop)
Penultimate
Features:
- Write, sketch, draw or doodle notes and information
- App interface imitates feel of writing on real paper
- Sync with Evernote for access anywhere, anytime using your computer or mobile device
More information: https://evernote.com/penultimate/
Cost: FREE
Compatibility: iPad
Low-Cost Applications
AccessNote
Features:
- Note-taking tool for those who are Blind or Visually Impaired created by the American Foundation for the Blind
- Combines note-taking capabilities with the other accessibility features and functions of the iOS device
- Input notes with either QWERTY keyboard or refreshable Braille Display
More information: https://www.afb.org/aw/14/7/15677
Cost: $19.99
Compatibility: Apple products (MacBook; iPad, iPhone)
iAnnotate
Features:
- Annotate PDF, Word doc, PowerPoint, and image files
- Use the typewriter, pen, highlighter, stamp, note, underline, photo, voice and other tools to annotate your document
- Compress and export notes
More information: http://www.branchfire.com/iannotate/
Cost: $9.99
Compatibility: Apple products (MacBook; iPad, iPhone)
Notability
Features:
- Write, type, or annotate using highlighters
- Take pictures and record audio with sound linked to the notes
- Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box to import documents such as slides or readings and take notes directly on them
- Export and share your notes
- Organize all your notes in one place
More information: http://www.gingerlabs.com/
Cost: $8.99
Compatibility: Apple products (MacBook; iPad, iPhone)
SoundNote
Features:
- Type or write notes while the audio recording is synced to each word or pen stroke
- Tap on the word to playback what was recorded at that moment
- Share your audio recording and notes via email, Dropbox, or transfer directly to your computer
More information: http://soundnote.com/
Cost: $4.99
Compatibility: Apple products (MacBook; iPad, iPhone)