The purpose of this resource is to illustrate practical tools that would naturally integrate into current practices. Rather than illustrating cutting-edge functionality, the purpose is to illustrate when to use each solution, the potential trade-offs associated with each, and the type of students who would benefit most from each.

1. 
   

   HappyScribe

   
   

In many cases, when a lesson includes media, such as a video recording of a lecture, discussion, or multimedia materials, it is necessary to convert the spoken content into a written format to provide access to students. Many teachers use HappyScribe's audio-to-text tool to quickly create transcripts, helping them meet the needs of students who learn and retain information better by reading and/or need captioned versions of the material.

Typically, teachers will upload recorded classes, guest presentations, or flipped learning videos to the platform. Once created, the transcripts are shared with students via the school's Learning Management System (LMS) or a classroom hub. By providing students with searchable notes, this approach also provides multilingual students the opportunity to review the material at their own pace and assists all students in their preparation for tests/exams/review periods.

Key strengths:

• Highly accurate transcription with editable output

• Supports captions for video-based instruction

• Scales well for departments producing frequent recordings

• Improves content discoverability across school platforms

Limitation or trade-off:

• Editing transcripts still requires human review for technical vocabulary

Best suited for: Educators running blended or recorded lessons who want reliable transcripts without building a time-consuming manual process.

2. 
   

   Microsoft Immersive Reader

   
   

In many cases, reading-intensive coursework may inadvertently leave out students who have difficulty decoding reading, staying on task, and/or processing large amounts of information. However, the immersive reader can change how students engage with written content rather than simply reducing the amount of reading in the curriculum.

Teachers often embed it into assignments so students can adjust spacing, change background colors, enable text-to-speech, or break words into syllables. Because it integrates with widely used classroom platforms, adoption tends to feel natural rather than disruptive.

Key strengths:

• Multiple reading supports within one interface

• Translation features for multilingual classrooms

• Minimal setup for teachers already using Microsoft tools

• Encourages independent learning adjustments

Limitation or trade-off:

• Works best inside the Microsoft ecosystem

Best suited for: Schools seeking built-in accessibility without introducing another standalone platform.

3. 
   

   Read&Write

   
   

Even highly capable students can hit barriers when reading complex instructions or organizing written responses. Read&Write functions as a literacy support layer, helping learners engage with grade-level material while meeting academic expectations.

Examples of use include for research assignments, e ssays, and study guides before tests. It's also important to keep in mind that stress, regardless of whether there is another barrier or disability, can greatly impact a student's ability to stay focused -- therefore, pairing academic supports with online counseling or other options to assist with managing stress and/or other barriers can be helpful to maintain a student's performance during the most stressful times.

Key strengths:

• Strong writing supports, including prediction tools

• Audio feedback that reinforces comprehension

• Helpful vocabulary assistance during research

• Works across browsers and common classroom software

Limitation or trade-off:

• Full functionality typically requires a paid license

Best suited for: Schools prioritizing literacy support across multiple grade levels.

4. 
   

   Google Classroom Accessibility Features

   
   

Familiarity is one of Google Classroom’s greatest advantages when it comes to helping an institution make a decision about accessibility. It is common for both educators and their students to have a high degree of knowledge regarding how Google Classroom works, reducing the amount of training and "onboarding" required for new users.

Educators combine built-in accessibility settings with compatible extensions to distribute materials in multiple formats. Considering that nearly all students who receive special education services — roughly nineteen out of twenty — now learn in general education environments, flexible platforms become less optional and more foundational.

Key strengths:

• Broad device compatibility

• Streamlined assignment distribution

• Strong collaboration through shared documents

• Easy integration with accessibility add-ons

Limitation or trade-off:

• Advanced accessibility sometimes depends on third-party tools

Best suited for: Schools seeking a widely understood platform that adapts to inclusive classroom models.

5. 
   

   Otter.ai

   
   

Capturing a classroom discussion in real time is a challenge that educators have long known exists. As each student processes information at their own pace, it can be difficult for instructors to keep up with what all students are hearing. Otter.ai has developed an application that generates live lecture notes from a seminar, group conversation, or even a one-on-one dialogue between a teacher and a student, reducing the risk that valuable ideas fall through the cracks.

In addition to being used in project-based classrooms (where both the formal presentation and dialogue are equally important), many teachers also use the application to assist their students in recalling past conversations; this will assist with retaining information from those conversations, and will reduce some of the pressures of having to capture every detail manually.

Key strengths:

• Live transcription during class sessions

• Searchable notes for efficient review

• Helpful for collaborative learning environments

• Reduces note-taking strain

Limitation or trade-off:

• Accuracy may dip in noisy classrooms

Best suited for: Discussion-driven courses where reviewing spoken content improves understanding.

6. 
   

   Canva for Education

   
   

Graphic communication has been shown to allow for quicker comprehension of ideas than graphic communication used as supplemental to text. Educators can use Canva to create and deliver visually-based lessons, short videos, and adaptable templates with no prior design experience required.

Educators also offer options for completing assignments that include a visual project component, so students can demonstrate their mastery of a concept in an alternate format. The ability to complete assignments in multiple ways will support the needs of all learners, especially those who are most effective at communicating their thoughts and ideas through graphic or video-based media rather than written essays.

Key strengths:

• Extensive template library

• Encourages creative expression

• Collaborative editing features

• No steep learning curve

Limitation or trade-off:

• Overuse of templates can lead to uniform-looking work

Best suited for: Classrooms encouraging multimodal learning and student creativity.

7. 
   

   Flip (formerly Flipgrid)

   
   

While many students are willing to contribute in a verbal manner during live classes, some prefer to provide their thoughts in a recorded response format. The flip model allows for both recorded responses (asynchronous) and opportunities for student classroom presence.

Teachers have developed multiple ways to use this flipped model to create opportunities for all students to participate, including video reflection assignments, short language practice, and peer feedback activities. These formats allow all students to be able to participate without being forced into the real-time interactive element of a traditional classroom setting.

Key strengths:

• Promotes equitable participation

• Supports video-based reflection

• Easy sharing within class groups

• Encourages student voice

Limitation or trade-off:

• Requires a stable internet for smooth recording

Best suited for: Teachers looking to expand participation beyond traditional hand-raising.

8. 
   

   Nearpod

   
   

Maintaining engagement across varied learning needs can challenge even experienced instructors. Nearpod structures lessons around interaction, allowing teachers to check comprehension as they teach instead of waiting until after class.

Instructors typically embed polls, quizzes, and collaborative boards into presentations, creating frequent entry points for students to contribute.

Key strengths:

• Real-time formative assessment

• Interactive lesson delivery

• Supports differentiated instruction

• Clear progress visibility

Limitation or trade-off:

• Preparing interactive lessons can take extra planning time

Best suited for: Educators prioritizing active participation and immediate feedback.

9. 
   

   Bookshare

   
   

Access to grade-level books should not depend on reading ability alone. Bookshare provides alternative formats that allow students with print barriers to engage with the same material as their peers.

Teachers usually coordinate reading lists through the platform so students can switch between audio, highlighted text, or enlarged formats depending on preference.

Key strengths:

• Large accessible library

• Supports individualized reading approaches

• Helps maintain curriculum alignment

• Encourages independent study

Limitation or trade-off:

• Eligibility requirements apply for full access

Best suited for: Schools committed to equitable reading access.

Choosing tools that truly support learning

While inclusive classrooms rely on thoughtful decision-making, not just good intentions, the best technology tools for inclusive classrooms are those that remove barriers for students, are easily integrated into a teacher's workflow, and are financially sustainable in the long term.

First, identify the greatest need in your current classroom environment; then make realistic trade-off decisions; and use technology that enables more students to be included in the learning process than not, while also minimizing the additional workload associated with implementing new technology.

By Srdjan Gombar

Veteran content writer, published author, and amateur boxer. Srdjan has a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature and is passionate about technology, pop culture, and self-improvement. In his free time, he reads, watches movies, and plays Super Mario Bros. with his son.