When I wrote the first version of this post about audio-based assistive technology for writing and audio resources for writing like dictation, I focused on using smart speakers like the Amazon Alexa that can assist with distraction-free writing and can be controlled entirely using your voice; the original title for this post was “How Amazon Alexa Can Help You Write.” While I still use my Alexa for writing (or setting alarms to remind me to take breaks when writing), there are several other ways to access writing resources in auditory formats or use dictation to support the writing for blind and low vision writers. Here is a list of (mostly) free audio-based resources for writing, including screen-free and nonvisual assistive technology for writing that also offers options for voice input or dictation– smart speaker optional. I also include a few assistive technology devices for writing/AT hardware and assistive technology for writing offline or that do not require continuous internet access.
Organizing ideas with dictation and voice input
There are a few options for outlining ideas or organizing thoughts with dictation/speech-to-text/voice input, including a few options that don’t require users to use their phone or computer. Strategies I have used include:
- Dictating ideas to a smart speaker or voice assistant, which can store them for later playback or reference. This can be done with tools like Amazon Alexa, Siri, or similar by saying “(assistant name), add (list item) to (list name).” Users can then ask questions like “what is on my (list name) list?” or open lists in an app like Reminders or Google Keep to display them as text.
- Use dictation to create a list of ideas, using phrases like “new line” or “make that bullet style”/”make that not bullet style” to apply formatting to text when available.
- Add an audio recording or use dictation with a to-do list app like Google Keep or Microsoft To-Do, which can also be accessed on a computer or across multiple platforms.
I have Microsoft Launcher on my Android phone and have also used dictation on my keyboard with the Sticky Notes feature to write down post ideas or outlines. The Apple Notes app also supports dictation; select Attachments (paper clip icon) > Record Audio and enable transcription if needed.
Related links
- How I Keep Track of Assignments With Low Vision
- How To Use Dictation As Assistive Technology With Mainstream Devices
- How To Create A Custom Android Home Screen With Microsoft Launcher
Talking dictionary, thesaurus, spelling help, etc.
What does that word mean? What are its synonyms? What does it rhyme with? How do you spell it? Amazon Alexa, Siri, Gemini, and many other voice assistants offer built-in writing reference tools, including a dictionary, thesaurus, and rhyming dictionary. Talking dictionary software and talking dictionary devices also exist and can be used with or without a screen reader. In addition to defining unfamiliar words, I strongly recommend also asking for the spelling of words, as this can be helpful for writing with assistive technology.
For users that are looking for a dictionary that can be used with a screen reader and/or braille display, Seeing Hands also maintains a list of accessible online dictionaries that can be read with braille or accessed with a screen reader, including options for offline access.
Related links
Review and proofread text with text-to-speech or screen reader
Using tools like Read Aloud, Speak Text, text-to-speech, or screen readers can help with spotting potential formatting or spelling errors that users might not otherwise pick up on visually. That said, these tools may still not pick up on all spelling errors by default; for best results, configure the verbosity settings for a screen reader or text-to-speech application to pick up on formatting details like periods or potential spelling errors, or pair read aloud tools with large print or braille. Some apps like VDWrite offer text-to-speech and proofreading features as well.
Another option to consider for reading and listening to text simultaneously is a simplified reading display, like Immersive Reader (Microsoft) or Reader Mode (Google), which can be paired with editing applications.
Related links
- A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
- Tips For Using VDWrite In The Classroom With Low Vision
- How To Use Text-To-Speech With Low Vision
- Google Reader Mode and Low Vision
- How I Use Microsoft Immersive Reader With Low Vision
Listen to documents with text-to-speech or speech synthesis
For users that aren’t interested in proofreading documents but want to listen to them read out loud, tools like Read Aloud, Speak Text, text-to-speech, and screen readers can be useful for reading documents. That said, there are several applications that can be used to listen to writing or other documents, including:
- Instapaper
- Voice Dream Reader/Legere Reader
- Capti Voice Narrator
- TypeIt ReadIt (freeware; designed for students)
- Natural Reader
- Read Aloud (built-in to Microsoft Word)
Several of my friends have also used the Victor Reader from Humanware to listen to things that they wrote, along with other types of audio content like audiobooks or music.
Related links
- Instapaper Accessibility For Visual Impairment
- Capti Voice Narrator App For Low Vision
- Mainstream eReader Apps and Low Vision Accessibility
- TypeIt ReadIt Download – Free Text to Speech Software for Windows and Mac TTS
Recording notes in audio formats
When recording notes for class or writing projects, transcription tools can be helpful for capturing audio recordings and converting them to text formats. Many notetaking apps like OneNote, Evernote, Notability, Google Keep, and Apple Notes support options for adding audio recordings or recording audio directly inside documents. Some notetaking applications like Genio Notes (Glean) use audio recordings as a foundation for their notetaking software, which can be useful for taking notes in a classroom setting. I have also uploaded audio recordings to tools like Otter.ai and Microsoft Word to generate transcripts, which can be helpful for taking notes as well.
Beyond notetaking apps, recording applications or digital voice recorders can also be useful for recording notes for later playback, or creating files that can be transcribed at a later time.
Related links
- How I Use Microsoft OneNote With Low Vision
- Notability and Low Vision
- Secret Microsoft Office Accessibility Features I Use Every Day
Creative writing podcasts/listen to writing prompts
Instead of reading prompts or looking at a picture, another option for creative writing practice is audio writing prompts or creative writing podcasts that users can get inspired by– no need to look at a screen. Some sources I have used for audio writing prompts or listening to writing prompts include:
- Tabletop Audio tracks
- Soundscapes, vintage sounds, field recordings
- Welcome to Ambient Audio Mixer | Ambient Mixer Blog
- The Story Seeds Podcast
- Prompt to Page – Jessamine County Public Library
- Music playlists for specific genres/eras/themes
Dictaphones and dictation pens (audio pens)
Another type of assistive technology for writing that can be used with other auditory access options or dictation is a dictaphone (voice recorder) or dictation pen (audio pen), which can capture audio for later playback. Users can pair these with handwritten or typed notes, or play back audio recordings directly from the device; some audio pens also offer other features like built-in dictionaries or translation tools. These can also be useful for people with dysgraphia as well.
Related links
- Assistive Technology For Dysgraphia
- Dysgraphia Accommodations In The Classroom
- How I Manage Dysgraphia In Online Classes
Researching audio and field recordings for creative writing
An underrated audio-based resource for writing that can be useful when working with students that have visual impairments is field recordings, databases like Smithsonian Global Sound, oral histories, or other primary source audio recordings that can be used to provide more context about an event. This can be useful for creative writing as well as academic writing/non-fiction writing, especially when it comes to capturing different details about a particular environment. Some voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Gemini can also be used to track down audio recordings or give examples of specific sounds, such as animal sounds.
To learn more about primary source audio recordings and sources for finding interesting sounds, I strongly recommend reading my post on history podcasts and audio-based history resources for VI students.
Related links
- History Podcasts and Audio-Based Resources For VI Students
- How To Describe Primary Source Videos For Visually Impaired Audiences
More audio-based resources/assistive technology for writing
- Interested in writing about assistive technology? I share more examples of assistive technology for writing as part of the Your Paths to Technology series, which I created with Jonathan Hooper. Check it out at Low and High Tech Tools to Support Your Writing Process: YP2T Part 3 – Perkins School for the Blind
- For kids that are interested in having a story they wrote come to life on a podcast, check out the Story Pirates! This podcast is a lot of fun for encouraging creative writing for students as well.
- Looking for an accessible typing keyboard that uses self-voicing audio or supports a screen reader? I share several options in Learning To Type With Low Vision
- Make sure to take vision breaks while writing! Learn more in Activity Ideas For Vision Breaks and Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- Want more writing posts? Browse Reading And Writing Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes
Published April 24, 2020. Updated February 2026