Getting Started with AssisT

Welcome to AssisT!

You’ve just installed augmentative learning technology designed to superpower how you read, write, and learn.

Beyond Accessibility: Technology That Empowers

AssisT isn’t just an accessibility tool - it’s designed to help everyone learn better.

You might think “accessibility tools” are only for people with disabilities. But think about it differently:

• Text-to-Speech isn’t just for dyslexic students - it’s for anyone who learns better by hearing. Speed readers. Multitaskers. Auditory learners.
• AI Summarization isn’t just for ADHD students - it’s for anyone tackling dense textbooks, research papers, or overwhelming reading lists.
• OCR isn’t just for visual impairments - it’s for anyone who needs to extract text from images, PDFs, or scanned documents.

Augmentative technology levels the playing field. Everyone has different learning strengths. AssisT helps you leverage YOUR strengths instead of struggling with your weaknesses.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, neurotypical, a visual learner, an auditory learner, or just someone who wants to learn more efficiently - AssisT is for you.

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Important: Where AssisT Works

This is the most important thing to know before using AssisT.

AssisT doesn’t work on every website by default

To protect your privacy, AssisT only works on educational platforms out of the box:

• Canvas LMS (*.instructure.com, *.canvas.com)
• Moodle (*.moodle.org, *.moodlecloud.com)
• Google Classroom (classroom.google.com)
• Google Docs (docs.google.com)

If you try to use AssisT on other websites, nothing will happen. This isn’t a bug—it’s by design.

How to Enable AssisT Everywhere

Want to use AssisT on Wikipedia, news sites, research databases, or any other website? Here’s how to enable it (this only takes 30 seconds and you only need to do it once):

Step 1: Click the AssisT icon in your Chrome toolbar

Step 2: Look for the “Enable Everywhere” button (you’ll see a yellow banner)

Step 3: Click the button. Chrome will show a permission dialog that says:

“AssisT wants to: Access your data on all websites”

Step 4: Click Allow

Step 5: Reload any tabs where you want to use AssisT

That’s it! AssisT now works on every website you visit.

Why does Chrome show that scary message?

Chrome requires all extensions to ask permission before they can access websites. This is a privacy protection—it ensures you know exactly where an extension can run.

AssisT never collects or sends your data anywhere. Everything runs locally in your browser. We just need Chrome’s permission to add accessibility features to web pages.

You can revoke this permission anytime in Chrome Settings → Extensions → AssisT → Site access.

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Step 1: Basic Setup

Now that you understand permissions, let’s set up AssisT.

Opening AssisT

Click the AssisT icon in your Chrome toolbar. You’ll see:

• Quick Start presets at the top (one-click setup for common needs)
• Feature sections organized by category
• Settings button (gear icon) for advanced options

Choose a Quick Start Preset

The fastest way to get started is to pick a preset that matches your needs:

Preset	Best For	What It Enables
ADHD Focus	Staying on task	Pomodoro timer, progress tracking, simplified interface
Dyslexia Support	Easier reading	OpenDyslexic font, wide spacing, reading progress bar
Sensory Sensitive	Reducing overwhelm	No animations, muted colors, media blocking

Click any preset to apply it instantly. You can always customize individual settings later.

Or Customize Manually

If you prefer to set things up yourself, AssisT organizes 35+ accessibility features into these sections:

1. Reading Help — Text-to-Speech, Reading Mode, Dyslexia Mode, OCR
2. Writing Help — Speech-to-Text, Sticky Notes, Annotations
3. Look Up Words — Dictionary, Translation, Highlight Menu
4. Reading Aids — Reading Guide, Focus Mode, Magnifying Lens
5. Pointer & Zoom — Custom Cursor, Screen Zoom
6. Visual Comfort — Color Overlays, Text Customization, Reduced Motion
7. Productivity — Pomodoro Timer, Text Statistics, Simplified Interface
8. School Tools — Citations, LMS Integration
9. AI Assist — Summarization, Simplification, Assignment Breakdown, and more

Toggle features on/off as needed. Settings are saved automatically and sync across devices when signed into Chrome.

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Step 2: Try Your First Feature

Let’s make sure everything is working. Here are three easy features to try:

Try Text-to-Speech

1. Go to any webpage (remember to enable AssisT everywhere first, or use Canvas/Moodle/Google Classroom)
2. Select some text with your mouse
3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Space to hear it read aloud
4. Press again to pause

Try Reading Mode

1. On any article or document, press Alt+R
2. The page transforms into a clean, distraction-free view
3. Press Escape to exit

Try the Reading Guide

1. Press Alt+G to enable
2. A horizontal line follows your cursor, helping you track where you’re reading
3. Press Alt+G again to disable

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Step 3: Set Up AI Features (Optional)

AssisT includes powerful AI features like summarization, text simplification, and assignment breakdown. These are completely optional and offer four different modes to match your needs.

Choose Your AI Mode

You can pick from four AI processing modes:

1. Off — No AI features (still get 35+ non-AI accessibility tools)
2. Local AI (Ollama) — Runs on your computer, completely private, free (recommended)
3. Cloud AI — Paste an API key and go (easiest setup)
4. Gemini Nano — Chrome’s experimental built-in AI (advanced setup)

Option 1: Local AI with Ollama (Recommended)

AI features can run locally on your computer using a free tool called Ollama. This means:

• Your data never leaves your device
• No subscriptions or API fees
• Works offline once set up
• More powerful than Gemini Nano

This option requires using the command line (also called Terminal or Command Prompt). If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry — we’ll walk you through every step.

Quick Setup for Windows (10-15 minutes)

Step 1: Download Ollama from ollama.com/download and run the installer (just like installing any other program).

Step 2: Open Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard (the key with the Windows logo, bottom-left)
2. Type cmd
3. Click Command Prompt when it appears in the results
4. A black window with white text will open — this is the Command Prompt

Step 3: Download an AI model. In the Command Prompt window:

1. Type (or copy and paste) exactly this: ollama pull llama3.2:3b
2. Press Enter
3. You’ll see a progress bar — wait for it to reach 100% (this downloads about 2GB)
4. When it says “success”, the model is ready

Step 4: Verify it works. While still in Command Prompt:

1. Type: ollama --version
2. Press Enter
3. If you see a version number (like ollama version 0.5.x), everything is working

You can now close the Command Prompt window. Ollama runs in the background automatically.

Quick Setup for Mac (10-15 minutes)

Step 1: Download Ollama from ollama.com/download. Drag it to your Applications folder and open it.

Step 2: Open Terminal. Here’s how:

1. Press Cmd+Space to open Spotlight search
2. Type Terminal
3. Press Enter
4. A window with text will open — this is the Terminal

Step 3: Download an AI model. In the Terminal window:

1. Type (or copy and paste) exactly this: ollama pull llama3.2:3b
2. Press Enter
3. Wait for the download to complete (about 2GB)

Step 4: Verify it works. Type ollama --version and press Enter. If you see a version number, you’re set.

Already Comfortable with the Terminal?

Here’s the quick version:

1. Install Ollama from ollama.com/download
2. Run: ollama pull llama3.2:3b
3. Done — AssisT auto-detects Ollama at localhost:11434

For detailed instructions, see our complete Ollama Setup Guide.

Verify It’s Working

Once Ollama is running, AssisT automatically detects it. You’ll see AI features become available in the popup under the “AI Assist” section.

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Option 2: Cloud AI (Easiest Setup)

If you’d rather not install anything, you can use a cloud AI provider. Just paste an API key and you’re ready to go.

Trade-offs: Requires internet, costs per use (most providers offer free tiers), data is sent to the API provider (not to Fiavaion).

Privacy note: Your API key is encrypted and stored locally — never sent to Fiavaion servers.

Step 1: Get an API key from your chosen provider (see tabs below).

Step 2: Open AssisT and click Settings (gear icon).

Step 3: Go to AI Settings, select Cloud AI mode.

Step 4: Choose your provider, paste your API key, and select a model.

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Option 3: Gemini Nano (Experimental — Advanced Users)

Gemini Nano is Google’s on-device AI built into Chrome. It’s completely private and free, but currently requires enabling experimental Chrome features.

Important: This feature is experimental and may require Chrome Beta, Dev, or Canary channel. It may not be available on all devices or Chrome versions. If the steps below don’t work, use Cloud AI or Ollama instead.

Setup:

1. Open Chrome and visit chrome://flags/#optimization-guide-on-device-model
2. Change the dropdown from “Default” to “Enabled”
3. Click Relaunch at the bottom of the page
4. Open AssisT settings and select Gemini Nano mode
5. Chrome downloads the model automatically in the background

Benefits: Completely private, no API costs, works offline.

Limitations: Single model only, limited to basic tasks, requires Chrome 128+ with experimental flags enabled, may not work on all systems.

AI Features You’ll Unlock

With any AI mode enabled, you can:

• Summarize articles and documents (brief, detailed, or ELI5)
• Simplify complex text to your reading level
• Break down assignments into step-by-step tasks
• Generate study questions (Socratic Tutor)
• Describe images (requires a vision-capable model: llava for Ollama, or a supported cloud model)

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Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Memorize these shortcuts for faster access:

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl+Shift+Space	Play/Pause Text-to-Speech
Ctrl+Shift+S	Stop Text-to-Speech
Alt+R	Toggle Reading Mode
Alt+O	OCR Screenshot
Alt+Shift+D	Dictionary Lookup
Alt+F	Toggle Focus Mode
Alt+G	Toggle Reading Guide
Alt+Y	Toggle Dyslexia Mode
Alt+T	Translate Selected Text
Alt+N	Create Sticky Note

All shortcuts can be customized in Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts.

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Accessibility Tip: Minimize UI Clutter

NEW: AssisT now includes a UI clutter minimization toggle for users with sensory sensitivities or visual processing difficulties.

What It Does

Reduces visual noise in the AssisT popup interface by:

• Hiding decorative elements
• Simplifying button styles
• Reducing color and contrast variations
• Creating a cleaner, more focused layout

How to Enable

1. Click the AssisT icon to open the popup
2. Look for the minimize clutter toggle button in the header
3. Click to enable minimalist mode
4. The interface immediately simplifies

This setting is saved automatically and persists across browser sessions.

Who Benefits

• Users with ADHD who need minimal distractions
• Users with autism who prefer simpler interfaces
• Users with visual processing disorders
• Anyone who finds standard UI overwhelming

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Troubleshooting

”AssisT isn’t doing anything!”

Most common cause: You haven’t enabled AssisT on all websites yet.

1. Click the AssisT icon
2. Click “Enable Everywhere”
3. Allow the permission
4. Reload the page

”AI features aren’t showing”

Make sure Ollama is running:

1. Open your browser and go to localhost:11434
2. You should see “Ollama is running”
3. If not, open Ollama from your Applications/Start menu

”Text-to-Speech isn’t working”

1. Make sure TTS is toggled ON in the popup
2. Select some text on the page
3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Space
4. Check your computer’s volume

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Next Steps

You’re all set! Here’s what to explore next:

• Not sure which features are right for you? → Take the Discovery Quiz
• Want personalized settings? → Set up a User Profile
• Need to cite sources? → Learn about Citation Management
• Using Speech-to-Text? → See Voice Commands Reference

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For Educators & Parents

Setting up AssisT for students:

1. Install the extension on the student’s Chrome browser
2. Click “Enable Everywhere” so it works on all their school sites
3. Have them select an appropriate Quick Start preset (ADHD Focus, Dyslexia Support, or Sensory Sensitive)
4. Review the keyboard shortcuts together

Privacy assurance: Settings are stored in Chrome’s synced storage (follows the student across devices when signed into Chrome). No personal data ever leaves the device. AI features (if enabled) also run entirely on the local computer.

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Need More Help?

• Full Tutorials — Detailed guides for every feature
• Keyboard Shortcuts Reference — Complete shortcut list
• Privacy Policy — How we protect your data
• Report an Issue — Found a bug? Let us know