Reading and learning

Reading out loud, highlighted text, audiobooks read by people. These tools help people who learn differently or have trouble seeing print.

What to look for

Printed text, on-screen text, or both.
One-time device, app subscription, or library membership.
Who qualifies for free or reduced memberships, and what proof is needed.

Questions to ask first

What does the person most want to read?
Do they qualify for a free or discounted library?
Can they try it first, for example through a low vision clinic?

Good to know

Some accessible ebook libraries are free for students and charge adults a yearly fee, with proof of a qualifying print disability.

Listings for this need

8 listings

Listings are guides. Fit depends on each person's needs.

Service or membership
Bookshare
by Benetech
What it helps with
An online library of accessible ebooks you can listen to, read in large print, or use with braille.
Price
Free for qualifying US students; $79.99/yr for adults
Monthly cost
Adults about $7 a month ($79.99 a year); free for qualifying students
Who it might fit
Families and Providers
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Reading aid
C-Pen Reader 2
by Scanning Pens (C-Pen)
What it helps with
A pen you slide over printed words to hear them read out loud.
Price
$399.00
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families and Providers
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Service or membership
Learning Ally Audiobooks
by Learning Ally
What it helps with
Human-read audiobooks with highlighted text for people who learn differently.
Price
$135/year (family membership)
Monthly cost
About $11 a month ($135 a year)
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Hearing or vision aid
Merlin Basic Desktop Video Magnifier
by Enhanced Vision (Vispero)
What it helps with
A desktop camera and large screen that enlarge books, mail, and photos.
Price
$2,546.60
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Medium
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Reading aid
OrCam Read 3
by OrCam
What it helps with
A handheld reader that reads printed and on-screen text out loud as soon as you point it.
Price
$2,790.00
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Hearing or vision aid
RUBY HD Handheld Video Magnifier
by Freedom Scientific (Vispero)
What it helps with
A pocket-size screen that enlarges print and lets you change colors for easier reading.
Price
$595.00
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
App
Seeing AI
by Microsoft
What it helps with
A free app that reads text, labels, and describes scenes out loud.
Price
Free
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
App
Voice Dream (Read Aloud)
by Voice Dream LLC
What it helps with
An app that reads PDFs, books, web pages, and documents out loud while highlighting the words.
Price
Free download; subscription required ($4.99/mo or $39.99 to $79.99/yr)
Monthly cost
Plus about $5 a month (or about $40 to $80 a year)
Who it might fit
Families and Providers
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing

Every listing on this page was checked on the date shown. See how we check.

Questions people ask

Is there a pen that reads text out loud?

Yes. Some pens read printed words out loud as you slide them across the line.

Are accessible audiobooks free?

Some libraries are free for students and charge adults a yearly fee. Proof of a qualifying disability is needed.

What is a print disability?

A barrier to reading standard print, such as blindness, low vision, a physical disability or dyslexia.