Best Free Tools for Special Education and Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive classrooms and special education settings need tools that reduce barriers, support diverse learning needs and allow every student to participate and demonstrate their understanding. Here are the most useful free tools available.

Text-to-speech and reading support

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Built into Microsoft Edge, Word, OneNote, Teams and most Microsoft tools. Immersive Reader reads text aloud, highlights words as they are spoken, adjusts text spacing and font, shows syllable breakdowns and translates text into 60+ languages. Completely free for anyone using Microsoft products. Transformative for students with dyslexia, reading difficulties and EAL learners.

Natural Reader (free)

Natural Reader is a browser-based text-to-speech tool with human-quality voices. Students paste any text or upload a PDF/Word document and Natural Reader reads it aloud. The free plan covers personal use with standard voices. Accessible at naturalreader.com with no account required for basic use.

Google Read&Write (Chrome extension)

Read&Write for Google Chrome adds a toolbar to any web page with text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionary and highlighting tools. Paid tool but Google has made it free for all users via the Chrome Web Store — check the current status, as pricing has changed over time. Widely used in SEN settings.

Communication and AAC

Cboard (free, open-source AAC)

Cboard is a free, open-source Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) board that runs in any browser. Students select symbols to form messages that are spoken aloud. Symbols are customisable; boards can be set up by teachers or parents. Free, no account required. Available at app.cboard.io.

LetMeTalk (Android)

A free and open-source AAC app for Android. Supports over 9,000 ARASAAC symbols. Offline-capable — works without internet. An accessible alternative to expensive AAC software for schools with Android devices.

Visual schedules and structure

Google Slides as a visual schedule

A simple, free technique: create a Google Slides presentation with one slide per lesson activity. Each slide has a symbol image, the activity name and an estimated time. Display on the classroom screen and advance slides as activities change. Students with autism, ADHD or anxiety benefit significantly from visual predictability of the day's structure.

Canva visual schedules

Canva's education plan (free for teachers) includes visual schedule templates with clear symbols, large text and print-ready formats. Customise with photos or symbols. Print and laminate for individual student desks or display on the classroom screen. Free with Canva for Education.

Low-floor, high-ceiling learning tools

Scratch

Scratch's block coding environment has no minimum barrier — students can create something meaningful in their first session regardless of prior experience. The open-ended canvas also supports advanced students building complex games and simulations. This "low floor, high ceiling" quality makes it ideal for mixed-ability classrooms.

Desmos Activity Builder

Desmos activities are designed to be accessible to all mathematical ability levels — visual, interactive and self-paced. Students who struggle with abstract notation engage through the visual graph; students who are advanced explore the underlying algebra. Same activity, different depths of engagement.

Accessibility features built into devices

Before adding any tool, maximise built-in accessibility features — they are free and available immediately:

• Chromebook: ChromeVox screen reader, Select-to-Speak, magnification, large cursor, high contrast mode.
• Windows: Narrator, Magnifier, Eye Control, voice typing, closed captions.
• iPad: VoiceOver, Zoom, Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, Guided Access (locks the device to one app).
• All platforms: system-level text size increase, inverted colours and colour filter options.

Professional resources for SEN teachers

• CAST UDL Guidelines (cast.org) — free framework for designing universally accessible learning experiences.
• Understood.org — free resources for teachers on dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia and other learning differences.
• Autism Speaks Tool Kits — free downloadable guides for teaching students on the autism spectrum.