Do you wish you could convert written documents into audio files to help with reading comprehension? Do you wish there were a tool that could create dictionaries and vocab lists based on a text to help retain what you're learning? Or a tool that could simplify the readability of a computer-based text without changing its meaning? Do you wish there was an easy tool you could use to change the contrast and visual experience of your screen to help your eyes?

These tools exist and we have access to them already. 

Read further for some additional information on what these tools are and how to get started with each of them:

Sensus Access

SensusAccess is a document conversion service to ensure that your files are accessible. This tool is browser-based. You simply upload a document, choose a format you'd prefer, enter your Kenyon email, and await the file to show up when it's done converting. Watch this 2 minute video to see how easily this service works. If you're ready to get started, then head over to  our Kenyon-specific Sensus Access page to upload a document. 

Read&Write

Read&Write helps to create more independent learners by helping them to study smarter through the easy creation of vocabulary lists, study guides, and audio snippets of written computer-based texts. This tool helps students with learning disabilities and literacy challenges to better engage with content and aid in content retention. With Read&Write, students can:

  • Turn text to speech (individual words, passages, what the student is typing, whole documents
  • Highlight a text 
  • Provide definitions for words within a text 
  • Create a vocabulary list with an editable notes column
  • Simplify the readability of a text without changing the meaning (with the Google Chrome extension)
  • Review for incorrect grammar, spelling, punctuation, verb tense, and more
  • Convert selections of a text into mp3 audio files 

To learn more about getting started with Read&Write, head over to the SASS Read&Write page for a quick video demo, a quick-start guide and instructions on how to download the Read&Write toolbar.

Morphic

Morphic is a toolbar that easily puts the top-used accessibility and usability features right at your fingertips. It allows you to:

  • Change the text size on a web-based document or webpage
  • Turn on a magnifier that magnifies anything you scroll over
  • Snip anything on your screen and paste it into a document or email
  • Select any text on your screen and have it read aloud
  • Adjust the contrast between text and a background 
  • Adjust colors on your screen for various types of color-blindedness 
  • Enable a dark mode (white text, dark background)
  • Enable "night" mode (reduces blue light and increases warmth to reduce eye strain)

To watch demos on Morphic or any of its individual features, visit morphic.org/morphic-basic. To download Morphic basic for free, visit morphic.org/download.