I
spent some time researching common types of AT used in the classroom to assist
students with various types of disabilities. Below is a list of what I found:
WORD PREDICTION SOFTWARE
IREADWRITE by Text Help is a word prediction software for the IPad. This stand alone app can help individuals who have disabilities related to spelling, reading, or typing. After completing the tutorial online, I understand the multitude of customizable options this program has to offer. Everything from the level of word prediction, to the page layout, to the colors used to present the documents is completely customizable.
TALKING WORD PROCESSOR SOFTWARE
Talking word processor software allows any individual with a disability that prevents them from being able to view read documents easily. Premier Talking Reader offers a variety of programs that can be purchased for as little as $14.99/
VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE
Voice recognition software allows students or individuals who have disabilities such as cerebral palsy or visual impairments/blindness that make typing or hand writing challenging to speak into a device that will translate their speech into an electronic document. Dragon is a popular brand that is commonly found in schools.
SCAN AND READ SOFTWARE
Kurzweil 1000 is a popular scan and read software often used in schools for individuals who are unable to read documents due to blindness or visual impairment. The program enables typed and hand written documents to be scanned and read allowed to individuals who could otherwise not access information from written sources.BOOKS ON CD
The Audible website is a part of Amazon’s website that provides books on tape for individuals who couldn’t otherwise access written literature. This type of technology cab be highly effective for readers with a variety of reading challenges. Books on tape are motivating for struggling readers and allow students with reading disabilities to access age appropriate stories.
MULTISENSORY EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
Touch
Math is a popular program for learners in PreK through upper elementary grades
that enables students to interact with manipulatives and technology in a
variety of ways in order to master mathematical concepts. This helps meet the
needs of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
ADAPTED KEYBOARDS
Adapted
keyboards can help learners with either visual or physical disabilities learn
to type. The link posted below is a website that helps educators and parents
determine which adapted keyboard will best meet the needs of the children or
students they are caring for.
PORTABLE WORD PROCESSOR
AlphaSmart
3000 is a portable word processor that helps non-verbal students communicate
through speech by typing into the device. The Alphasmart 3000 can be found used
for under $20.00, making it easy for parents and teachers to acquire. The
device is small and discrete, making it less of a distraction and more
accessible for students moving around constantly. 
ASSISTED LITERACY SOFTWARE
Assisted
literacy programs help strengthen the reading skills of students who have
reading challenges. Lexia is a brand of assisted literacy programs that is
commonly found in schools. This program can be adjusted to help readers of all
levels improve their skills and allows readers to focus in on a particular
skill, such as comprehension, or spelling.
VOICE OUTPUT COMMUNICATION
DEVICE
Voice output communication devices help students with cerebral palsy, autism, or any other type of disability that makes verbal communication challenging able to communicate through speech. A popular TYPE TO LEARN SOFTWARE
Type to learn software is used in a variety of school settings to help children learn to type. The Type to Learn software programs offer a number of packages that schools can purchase in order to help students learn to type efficiently. Typing skills can open up a number of opportunities for communication and completing classwork for students with disabilities.
ELECTRONIC TABLETS
Electronic tablets offer apps that can be used to meet any of the afore mentioned disabilities or special needs in and out of the classroom. Possibly the greatest thing about tablets is that they are not viewed as strange, thus they do not draw additional attention to students with special needs. There are many brands available to schools and students that range in price. Apple's IPad offers the greatest access to the Apple Store, which houses the widest variety of apps for students with special needs.
The Alphasmart 300 is a great tool for students to use who have limited speech. The cost is only $20 which enables parents to purchase a device. I love that it is portable, so a student can take it anywhere.
ReplyDeleteNina, your synopsis of those assistive technologies were great! And from someone else who is blogging with you, I love the fact that you changed up the layout - it's not the same monotonous layout that I haven't been able to change! My students learned "touch math" in elementary school, and even I have picked up on their habits. I'm not familiar with the program, but I do think it's helpful for many students.
ReplyDelete