Tech and tools
Screen readers, magnifiers, braille displays, captioning, alerting devices, and the free programs that help you get them.
For blind and low vision people
Screen readers
Read the screen aloud or on a braille display. Built in: VoiceOver (Apple), TalkBack (Android), Narrator (Windows). Also NVDA (free) and JAWS for Windows.
Magnification
Built-in zoom on phones and computers, plus video magnifiers for print.
Braille displays and notetakers
Show text in braille, one line at a time.
Phone apps
Apps that read text, identify objects, and connect you to a sighted helper by video.
For Deaf and hard of hearing people
Captions everywhere
Live captions are built into most phones and computers. Turn them on in accessibility settings.
Relay and captioned phones
Free services. See relay.
Alerting devices
Strobe and vibrating alarms, doorbells, and baby monitors.
Assistive listening
Hearing loops, telecoils, and personal amplifiers.
Free and low-cost programs
- iCanConnect: free equipment and training for DeafBlind people with low to moderate income. 800-825-4595.
- State telephone equipment programs: free amplified and captioned phones and alerting devices in most states.
- State Assistive Technology Act programs: try devices before you buy, borrow them, and get loans. Find yours.
- State agencies for the blind and Vocational Rehabilitation: technology you need for work, school, or living on your own.
- Schools: must provide technology a student needs through the IEP or 504 plan.
Search assistive technology help
Pick your state. Then narrow by county on the results page.
Search runs on the Disability Atlas, our sister site, which holds every listing.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision. Report outdated or wrong information.