Tech Tools for Organization, Focus, and Time Management
Staying organized and managing time effectively can be a challenge, especially for students juggling coursework, jobs, and personal responsibilities. Luckily, there are many assistive technology tools and resources that can support focus, task management, and digital organization. All the assistive technology tools mentioned offer free versions and are accessible across many major platforms, making them practical options for students regardless of device or budget. Whether you’re trying to keep your to-do list under control, eliminate distractions, or build healthier digital habits, integrating one or more of these apps into your routine can make a significant impact on academic success.
1. ToDoist
Best for: Task Management & Organization
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Web, Browser Extensions
ToDoist is a powerful task manager that helps students break down assignments, track deadlines, and prioritize their to-dos. With color-coded labels, project folders, recurring task options, and a clean interface, it’s easy to stay on top of coursework and commitments. The free version includes all the core features, including reminders and productivity tracking. Set recurring events or upcoming reminders all in one place. For example, you can set a reminder for your future self to schedule final exams in advance with the Center for Accommodated Testing!
2. OneTab
Best for: Tab & Browser Organization
Available on: Chrome & Firefox Extensions
OneTab is ideal for students who constantly have dozens of tabs open while researching or studying online. This browser extension collapses all open tabs into a single list, reducing visual clutter and saving memory. Additionally, you can name tab groups to keep things even more organized. It helps students stay focused and return to important resources without losing track of them.
3. Finch: Self-Care Pet App
Best for: Habit Building & Motivation
Available on: iOS, Android
Finch gamifies goal-setting and self-care by turning your daily tasks into ways to care for a virtual pet. You can set personal, academic, or wellness goals and track them in small steps. The app is especially helpful for students who benefit from positive reinforcement and visual progress tracking. The free version includes plenty of habit-building features and mood tracking. Finch allows you to build community by adding friends who can help with accountability. Stay consistent by making a shared goal with them or send a friend “good vibes” for times when they may need extra encouragement.
4. Jomo
Best for: Reducing Digital Distractions
Available on: iOS
Jomo is a simple and effective distraction blocker that helps users reclaim focus from social media and other time-consuming apps. Students can set custom screen time limits, schedule focus sessions, and receive daily usage insights. The free version allows essential app blocking and time awareness features, which are great for anyone aiming to improve their digital boundaries. Need additional accountability? Make a Jomo “Squad” and have some friendly competition with friends to see who can get first place with the least amount of screen time!
5. StayFocused
Best for: Limiting Time-Wasting Websites
Available on: Chrome Extension
StayFocused increases productivity by restricting access to distracting websites (like YouTube, Reddit, or TikTok) during study sessions. You can customize how long you’re allowed on certain sites per day, making it an excellent tool for staying on task during research or writing marathons. The extension is lightweight, free, and easy to set up.
Written by Emily Trott, Assistive Technology Specialist
Cover image by Neysa Porter, Operations Supports Coordinator
Assistive Tech: Text-to-Speech
Text-to-speech is our most popular assistive technology. It is software that reads the text on screen out loud to the user. It can read any electronic text file on your computer and is primarily used by students with learning disabilities such as ADHD and dyslexia. Students with learning disabilities may have difficulties with reading, decoding, and focusing on the text. By presenting the text auditorily students can focus and follow the reading more easily. Text-to-speech can also be used by anyone who needs help focusing when they read, or to get through readings faster.
Read&Write
Read&Write is the text-to-speech software that we provide our students. It features a guided reading tool that allows users to better follow along with the text. Students with learning disabilities often struggle with keeping track of what line they are on and often lose their place on the page. Read&Write highlights the sentence it’s reading in yellow and each word it reads, as it’s reading it, in blue. That way students always know what is being read to them and exactly where they are on the page. Unlike simply using an audiobook, Read&Write’s guided reading adds a visual aspect to the reading. Most students with learning disabilities prefer to learn visually, so with Read&Write, you’re not just listening or reading, you’re actually watching something read to you. The combination of following along auditorily as well as visually allows for better focus, better reading compression, and better memory retention.
Students can use Read&Write to create their own MP3 files to listen to readings on the go. The can also increase the speed gradually over time to get through readings at a faster pace.
Read&Write is available as a desktop application and a Google Chrome extension. The Google Chrome extension has a free version with the text-to-speech function available.
You can check out Read&Write by visiting their website for more information.
Contact SDS
If you have any questions or wish to learn more about assistive technology, please reach out to the Associate Director for Assistive Technology, Amrou Ibrahim