Word Prediction Software is helpful during word processing by predicting a word the user intend to write. The predictions are based on spelling, syntax, and frequent use. It aids students that struggle with writing to use proper spelling, grammar, and word choice, with fewer keystrokes.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning and Physical
Common Brands: Aurora Suite, Co: Write SOLO, Z Keys for Windows, Word+, Inc, and SpeakQ
Please enjoy the video below for more information on word prediction software.
Talking Word Processor Software is a writing software program that provides speech feedback as the student writes, echoing each letter as it is typed and each word as the spacebar is pressed. The software is typically used for writing but can also be helpful for students that struggle with reading. The material being read aloud to the student will aid in their editing, comprehension,and organization skills.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning, Physical, and helpful with student with communication issues
Common Brands: Write: Outloud (includes a spell check and several voices to choose from), IntelliTalkII (create or import text to be read in a variety of voices, fonts, and background. Includes pre-made activities and the ability to create key palletes of graphics and word banks).
Naturally Speaking Voice recognition software is exactly as it sounds. Students are able to transfer ideas to print without writing. The student talks and the software types. Students with dyslexia may have once not been able to express their thoughts on paper or convey less sophisticated thoughts in written work, use simplified vocabulary, or avoid altogether. With this program, they are better able to express their thoughts in the written format. Not only is the software useful for students, many companies use the software now to increase the rate of information recorded.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning, Physical, Dyslexia Common Brands: Dragon
Please view the video below to see the Dragon software put to work.
Scan and read software begins by the user scanning documents into the computer. The software turns the document into digital text so it can be read and edited. Students are able to enlarge the texts if having trouble viewing it and those with physical disabilities that prevent them from handling and reading the printed word are now able to handle the material digitally.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning, Physical, Dyslexia, Visual Impairments Common Brands: OpenBook, SNOW, Freedom Scientific
The video below displays a student that is blind using the OpenBook software. It was interesting to see the software put to use. researching the product did not help me get the full picture of how the software worked but after watching the video I had a greater understanding.
Please view the video below for more information on scan and read software.
Books on CD are beneficial to many different types of students. Students are able to listen to the book as it is read and sometimes follow along with the CD if a physical book is offered. Students that struggle to read may benefit from hearing the CD read aloud to them to become fluent readers.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning, Dyslexia, Visual Impairments, SLD Common Brands: Most books on CDs are offered by the publishing company of the written book.
Please view the video below for more information on books on CD.
Multisensory educational
software uses multisensory learning, which is learning that involves the processing stimuli through two or more senses (for example: through hearing and seeing). This software is beneficial for numerous types of learners especially with students that have attention issues.
Disabilities most beneficial for: ADHD, Visual Impairments (beneficial for kinestetic learners and visual learners) Common Brands: Earobics & TouchMath multisensory program that uses its signature TouchPoints to engage students of all abilities and learning styles.
Below is an example of TouchMath used in the classroom.
Adapted keyboard offer a redesigned or reconfigured keyboard to suit a certain disability according to Accessibility.com There are many different kinds of adaptive keyboards. There are large key or tactile feedback keyboard to aid the visually impaired, small form or one handed keyboard to aid the physically disabled, and keyboard in alphabetical order to help learning disabled students.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning, physical, visual impaired
Common Brands: Ablenet offers adapted keyboards with software.
 |
| Split Hand Keyboard ABC Order Keyboard |
Portable word processor are inexpensive, durable, and light weight alternatives to laptops for students with disabilities. It is a writing machine that can be used by different students with numerous disabilities. For example, students with visual impairments may use the Braille Sense Plus, which serves as a notetaker, word processor, or PDA. For more examples, please visit the Abledata site.
Assisted literacy software helps students develop their literacy skills. The software is beneficial for students with reading disabilities like dyslexia or developmental delays. Pictured-Assisted Literacy (PAL) is an approach to teaching reading and writing which uses graphic drawings to support words.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Visual impaired, dyslexia, developmental delays, autistic
Common Brands: Slater Software (PAL) and Audio-Assisted Reading
Common Brands:SIVA, Veltek
-Please view the video below to see these devices in use.
Type to Learn Software is used to
teach keyboarding skills to all students. In today's world, the software proves beneficial for all students as typing is a necessary skill to learn. AbleData uses fun phrases and key words to teach students to learn to type and for students with disabilities the program may focus on word in their natural environment. Please visit the abledata website for more examples of the numerous type to learn software.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Learning or Cognitive, students with one hand, developmental
Common Brands:AbleDataUltraKey, Type to Learn, Typing Instructor for kids
Electronic touch tablet are used as communication devices for students with autism or other mental disabilities. Access4Kids is a wireless input device that uses a sensor system to translate physical movements into fine motor gestures to control a tablet. The picture to the left is the creators displaying the Access4Kids device.
Disabilities most beneficial for: Autistic, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, fine motor
Common Brands:Access4Kid
Please view the video below for more information on Acces4Kids.
These are the 12 different types of assistive technology we will cover today. I have learned a great deal of information regarding AT and new ways to incorporate them into my classroom. Until Next Time!
References:
----Device helps
children with disabilities success tablets (w/video). (2012). Retrieved July 5,
2012 from http://phys.org/news/2012-12-device-children-disabilities-access-tablets.html
----Kingman, K. (2011). Reading Aloud to Children. Retrieved July 5, 2012 from http://booksonthenightstand.com/
----Typing for Kids Software. (2011) Retrieved July 5, 2012 from http://typing-for-kids-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment