Smartphones can be powerful tools for college students with disabilities when paired with the right apps.
1. Microsoft OneNote – a flexible digital notebook that lets students organize their notes by subject, add voice recordings, insert images, and draw diagrams. It works well for students who struggle to keep track of written notes or who benefit from using visuals and audio to study. OneNote also integrates with other Microsoft tools, such as Word and Outlook, allowing for a seamless workflow.
Best for: Notetaking, organization, and students with ADHD or learning disabilities.
Get it on any platform here using your Microsoft Account
Cost: Free
2. Voice Dream Reader – a highly customizable text-to-speech app that reads aloud books, PDFs, articles, and other documents. It offers different voices, adjustable speeds, and highlighting to help users follow along with the text. It’s ideal for students who struggle with reading or benefit from auditory learning.
Best for: Students with dyslexia or visual impairments.
Get it on iOS (Android alternative: Speech Central)
Cost: Paid (one-time fee with optional in-app purchases)
3. Otter.ai – a real-time transcription app that records lectures and generates accurate, searchable transcripts. Students can add highlights and comments and even sync the app with Zoom. This tool is especially helpful for students who struggle to process spoken information quickly or need to review lectures at their own pace.
Best for: Students with hearing impairments, ADHD, or notetaking difficulties
Get it on: Download for Desktop, Get it for Iphone and iPad, Get it for Android, Add the Chrome Extension
Cost: Free tier available; premium plans for more transcription minutes
4. Be My Eyes – connects users with volunteers who provide visual assistance through live video calls. Whether identifying a textbook, reading a sign, or navigating a new environment, this app offers fast and friendly support. It’s a powerful example of how community-driven technology can help improve accessibility.
Best for: Students who are blind or have low vision
Availible on: Get it for iOS, Get it for Android, Get it for Windows
Cost: Free
5. Seeing AI – uses artificial intelligence to describe the world around the user. It can read printed text, identify currency, recognize faces, and even describe scenes. It’s useful for reading signs, classroom materials, and other visual information that may be hard to access otherwise.
Best for: Students with visual impairments
Available on: Get the iOS App and Get it on Google Play
Alternative: use Google Lookout
Cost: Free
6. Todoist – a task manager that helps students break assignments into manageable steps and stay on top of due dates. With color coding, recurring reminders, and the ability to categorize tasks by class or project, it’s a powerful tool for anyone who struggles with organization or time management.
Best for: Students with executive functioning challenges or ADHD
Available for all platforms including Windows, MacOS, mobile and linux. See Todoist’s download page here
Cost: Free with optional premium upgrade
7. Grammarly Keyboard – offers a mobile keyboard that checks grammar, spelling, tone, and style as the user types in any app. It’s helpful for students who may struggle with grammar or clarity in writing and want real-time feedback without switching between tools.
Best for: Students with dyslexia, ADHD, or writing difficulties
Available on iOS, Android
Cost: Free with premium subscription options
8. Notability – lets students record lectures while taking notes, syncing the audio to the written content. It supports typing, handwriting, drawing, and PDF annotation, making it highly adaptable for different learning styles and needs.
Best for: Students with auditory processing issues or who benefit from multimodal notetaking
Available on iOS and in your browser
Cost: Paid (one-time purchase with optional extras)
9. Google Keep – a simple yet effective app for jotting down notes, checklists, and reminders. It also supports voice memos and image-based notes. The app’s minimalist design and seamless integration with Google Calendar and Gmail make it ideal for students who need quick and easy ways to manage their thoughts and tasks.
Best for: Students with memory issues or executive function challenges
Available on iOS, Android, and in your browser.
Cost: Free
10. Habitica – turns task management into a game where users earn points and rewards for completing academic or personal goals. It’s especially motivating for students who benefit from gamified learning or need extra encouragement to build study routines and healthy habits.
Best for: Students with ADHD or those who need motivation for task completion
Available on iOS, Android
Cost: Free with optional in-app purchases
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