While the internet is a much more accessible place than it was a few years ago, there are still plenty of online resources that have yet to adopt universal design for learning principals into their online content. Now, imagine if there was an app that could help make these resources more accessible, something that could turn inaccessible photos or text into readable, accessible text? The app that we are looking at today does that, and more!
Snap&Read Universal(new window) is a capture tool that allows users to select an inaccessible image of text and have it converted into an accessible text format which can then be copied or even read aloud. The app works with websites, online images, photographs, PDFs, and more. And, once an image has been captured, Snap&Read can translate the text into over 100 languages.
Another interesting feature is the “Simplify” tool. This tool could be helpful for young learners, or for those who struggle with language. With the simplify tool, users can identify difficult words or phrases and swap them out for simpler words and phrases. This could be especially useful for students when they are required to research new or advanced subject areas.
Snap&Read is easy to use and install, and once it is installed on a device, users can toggle the apps full functionality while browsing, or alternatively, users can capture photos, .pdfs, etc., and have them read aloud via Snap&Read at a later time.
The app is compatible with many top web sites and apps including Moodle, Evernote, Quizlet.com, Wikipedia, Facebook, Google Docs, Kindle, Blackboard, and more.
Price: Free
Platform: iOS 11.0 or later, Chrome, Edge, Safari
*The Snap&Read Universal web extension is a paired down version of the complete app, but the read, simplify, and translate features are still available.
