Apps helping to provide visual supports for students with severe disabilities

 

 

Apps have been around for a while are always being added.  Apps have the ability to enable students to access self management and organization through picture schedules and other visual representations.  Photos and pictures can provide those with cognitive disabilities the type of support they need to function appropriately in their world.  The Boardmaker program offers the ability to create a visual representation of sequence of events and schedules that speak to the user in a way they understand and can relate to.  iPhones, iPads and iTouches offer handheld technology that is mobile and easy to use and apps are always being updated and are improved often.  There are apps to support the apps offering more pictures and prompts to be used for schedules and checklists.  By merely searching through google or yahoo you can find information on many of the options that are available to users today and in the future.

AT providing accommodations for students in college

Assistive technology is something that everyone uses everyday.  Almost everyone I know uses a type of computer to do any number of things.  From basic communication (cell phones) to more complex programs that analyze information to a GPS that gets us where we want to go despite our lack of sense of direction.  In a college setting there are any number of needs a student with disabilities can get assistance with by using technology.  Scheduling, note taking or recording, sharing information and reporting, transmitting files, transposing notes to Braille, in short, removing obstacles that prevent anyone from participating in higher education is a benefit of assistive technology.

There are no IEPs in college but with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity."  Anyone, who meets the criteria of being admitted into a public college needs to be supported by that college in any way that is reasonable and effective.

Computers, software, training and technical support, accessibility, appropriateness and task matching, and easy to use are a few of the considerations that need to be met for students with disabilities anywhere.  Using these in a college setting may allow a person to reach goals in their education that allow them to fulfill goals of employment and to explore avenues previously unknown to them.  As a teacher in any school, it is important to look at any and all ways that you can support your students and help them become all they are meant to be.

Resources visited and thoughts

University of Kentucky Assistive Technology Project (UKAT)
http://edsrc.coe.uky.edu/www/ukatii/toolkit/index.html

UKAT Tools

• Consideration
• Pre-Assessment Profile
• Assessment Planning and Data Collection
• Assessment Report Outline
• Trial Implementation
• Assistive Technology Implementation
• Knowledge and Skills Survey

The tools that are offered work through step by step the process of the who, what, where, when, how and why of Assistive technology.  It is a very systematic approach.  It asks all the questions that help to point out the tools and the use and the user and the trainers and teachers and parents roles.  It brings clarity and defines the responsibility of each of the parties involved.  This makes the process of AT assignment and assessment clear and concise and EASY!

Making It Work: Effective Implementation of Assistive Technology Guide

http://www.setbc.org/setbc/topics/effective_implementation_of_assistive_ technology.html

Support Materials

Making It Work: Effective Implementation of Assistive Technology Guide

• Introduction - (341Kb PDF)
• Section One: Gather Relevant Information - (3.53MB PDF)
• Section Two: Establish IEP Goals - (224Kb PDF)
• Section Three: Conduct Assistive Technology Trials - (1.87MB PDF)
• Section Four: Identify Assistive Technology Solutions - (2.09MB PDF)
• Section Five: Develop Assistive Technology Implementation Plan - (3.11MB PDF)
• Section Six: Adapt Lessons for Technology Integration - (2.26MB PDF)
• Section Seven: Follow Up and Plan Transition - (3.31MB PDF)
• References and Resources - (113Kb PDF)

 Successful AT implementation is:

• collaborative
  
• systematic
  
• recursive
  
• flexible, and
  
• based on curricular goals and student needs 
  
  
  This site provides another guide to help establish AT needs and goals.  It uses SETT and WATI and UKAT information as well.  It is great to see that information sharing is available and encouraged in the world of technology.  It provides people with the ability to adjust quickly and share knowledge with a click.  The same principles that we hope the students are able to implement into their day. 
  

Integrating Augmentative Communication in the Classroom, Home and Community

Many students play the "helpless" card.  Children learn from a very early age that they can manipulate situations and people, some more easily than others.  Parents, teachers and peers alike can be lead to believe that a person really can't communicate a need or want.  They will guess and pantomime and jump through hoops to try and figure out what the student wants.  Sometimes they think it is a quicker, therefore better, idea to just give the person what they want rather than make them reach, figuratively or literally, for it themselves.  Augmentative communication, for some people, is a tool that can help them make their needs and wants knows.  They can share their knowledge and ask questions about school, friends and life in general.  IF they are taught how to use it properly and IF they try...
* Creating expectations of participation socially and academically at the start of the school year, semester, month or day can provide the student with guidance and goals as to all that they are capable of and what the expectations are for them.
* The student can report about how their day went and what expectations were met and what needs to be tackled the next day.
*  The student should be part of the expectation and goal planning.  This allows them to buy into the situation.
*  The device needs to have the vocabulary that is best suited to the situations and/or class the student will be in.  Overlays can be created that are specific to each situation.

The augmentative communication MUST be integrated into the IEP in order for the student to be provided with the needed equipment and to be trained in it's use.
*The use of the device should be written into the student's goals with clear directions of when, where, how and how often the device should be used for what activities in each class, general ed.

*The use of the augmentative device system at home and in the community is necessary in order for the student to experience continued successes in life outside of school.  With proper family and friend support the student can learn how to participate in the "real world" in the best way he is capable and to reap and enjoy life as anyone else does.  The system needs to be portable and needs to be used consistently for the student to gradually feel more comfortable using it.

There are an amazing number of websites that come up when you search "websites for teaching math".  I have gone through a few and have posted the ones that I thought were worthy of your time and exploration.  Happy mathing!!!


K-5 math teaching resources really covers the gamut of supplies and ideas.  It covers numbers, geometry, measurement/data and mental math.  It has read aloud books (a lot) suggestions, it has e books.  It talks about Classroom organization as well.  It is based on the Common Core standards so you are in the right place for standards based activities and lesson plans.

http://www.k-5mathteachingresources.com/2nd-grade-number-activities.html

Possible Activities: Picture, Numeral Word Match Cards (0-10) Domino Jigsaws Number Jigsaws Counting CupPlaydough Numbers Math Read Aloud Task Cards: The Enormous Watermelon The Very Hungry Caterpillar Ten Black Dots Rooster's Off to See the World

Playdough Numbers 32K+

32K+

www.Math Playground.com This site is full of games and fun activies to entice all the math learners. The graphics are bright and the games are like video games. Play Snail Bob 2 and all your favorite math and logic games

Review of an educational app for iPad

I always have an opinion.  I enjoyed "playing" with the Math2 app I found earlier on in the semester on the CAST website.  It did take a bit to figure out how to play the math game but once I overcame that obstacle it was great fun to explore the different levels and challenge my math skills!

Title - Math 2 (squared).
Publisher - fnx studios http://www..fnxstudios.com
website address
Cost - FREE
Notable system requirements:  it was specifically for iPads.  You can purchase it on the itunes site
Purpose/goal - to provide students a way to practice basic math skills at various levels.
Structure and Special features - it looks like a tic tac toe board, so it seems very kid friendly.  It gives immediate feedback and you can get assistance.
Strengths - very mobile and can be used any time.  The ability to choose a level for review work or to challenge.
Weaknesses - Starting off I could have used a tutorial so I can imagine students being frustrated until they figure it out.  (If they are willing to stick with it that long.)
Summary - I think it is a great app to have and for students to use.  It can be a self challenging game and can grow with the student as he progresses in his math learning.  It is accessible to any learner that can use an iPad successfully.  The screen size is large enough that it is possible for some visually impaired students may be able to use it as well.  It is a great have any where game for all ages and abilities.

Low tech and mid tech adaptations can be the ticket

It is important to provide students with the correct tools to support their learning.  It does not always have to be the newest and shiniest toy in the toy box that enables the student to access the math lessons.

Manipulatives are a widely available resource for ALL students.  The need to pair visual supports with learning is strong.  It creates a concrete example of many math functions.  They can also be inexpensive.  The use of a computer sites that have manipulatives is also an option but the individual blocks and 10 blocks are oldies but goodies that I have seen in every classroom I have been in.

Rubber stamps, special rulers, laminated number lines and multiplication/division tables are simple, easy to carry and use for most students.

Mid tech supports include talking calculators to assist visually impaired students, calculators with larger screens that show all of a math problem and work can help students that have a physical disability effecting fine motor skills.  Calculators that have keys that support coin learning by having keys shaped liked coins.  Again supporting the learners that need the visual connection to learning.

There is a wide range of supports available in the education world.  We need to make sure that the students are getting them in their hands by writing IEPs that require schools to provide them.

Five kinds of educational applications that can be used to teach math concepts, skills and problem solving

The programs are able to address many of the learning difficulties that students face.  I am sure that as time goes on there will be more and more programs that are developed to add greater access to more and more students.  These programs can be a source of support for the students with learning disabilities and for those without.  The programs can provide common ground for all students with review, extra support and feedback at many levels of math instruction.

Virtual manipulatives are provided at National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (Utah University).  Supplies support in varying levels and grades of math instruction.  Computing Technology for Math Excellence gives explanations along with virtual manipulatives.  The links provided will connect directly to the site.

Math support by Illuminations (NCTM) offers extra practice, visual support and interactive lessons for all grade levels.  There are online activities fro concept support.

Skill building - http://www.internet4classrooms.com is a free website that has links to other websites with resources the support instructions and reinforcement.

Problem solving support is provided using Math Playground a free online site with practice in basic math skills using games, word problems and logic problems.  Conceptua Math (www.conceptuamath.com) supports fraction and provides tools for teachers to use for the whole class.  There are visuals and text that is spoken aloud to support learners with reading difficulties or visual problems.  Assessments are included as well as data collection.  Destination math focuses on the skills of reasoning, understanding and problem solving.. It has animation and spoken text.  There is a Spanish support provided for ESL learners of that language.

There are many technology tools that can be used to address visual -spacial or motor control difficulties. Chapter 5 #5

For students with visual-spatial or motor control difficulties there are some technological options available to help them in the quest for math knowledge.

Math Pad is a program that creates talking worksheets for whole number math learning.  The student can use the keyboard or mouse or a scanning feature to allow them to respond.  Problems are revealed one at a time and the problems are lined up in correct digit position.  There is speech output available for the learners that struggle with reading or visual impairments.  This program can help the student that has attention or focusing issues.  The teacher can put math problems in and feedback will be given immediately. This allows the student to see where the mistakes are occurring.   Math Pad Plus raises the level to include fractions and decimals.  To assist the visual learners, there are charts and graphs that the student can move and adjust to help him see the math problem.

Virtual pencil - is for the "pencil impaired" student.  For the student that is motor impaired or blind or that has a learning disability that interferes with writing this program offers all math basics and also can be set to tutorial mode.  There is an Algebra level for the students in higher level math.

Number Navigator - is a very basic math processor that allows for the creation of math expressions or equations and for their solving.

Math Type - This is a program for advanced math with more symbols, greater number of equations and color enhancement to bring clarity to equations and solutions.

Scientific Notebook - This brings the programs to a whole new level.  This program can work in calculus, vector calculus, transformation and matrices.

Meander's Annotator - This allows for work in Geometry.  USing a part of Microsoft office student can draw on diagrams, properly show congruent angles, parallel lines and plot on a XY graph.

These next programs require Dragon Naturally Speaking software in order to supply the support of voice to text. or in this case voice to math equations/numbers.  Math can be inputted by voice and then printed to show the work.  The programs are Math Pad by Voice and Math Talk/Scientific Notation.

 

There really seems to be no limit on what technology can help the student with some specific learning disabilities in doing.  This technology addresses the needs of the physically challenged, visually impaired and students with reading difficulties and those that need immediate feedback.  While it cannot reach all students, it provides help and support for many.  

Applications used to address Automaticity and Fact Fluency Chapter 5 #4 Computers and Internet

2x2     40+6     10/5     25-6     697+333     245/3     45.34x.789

There were four educational applications that were mentioned to address automaticity and math fact fluency.

FASTT - stands for Fluency and Automaticity through systematic Teaching with Technology.  This system measures the response time of the student can then can create customized activities based on that information - results based.  This program helps the student to work on the memorization of facts.  Teachers are able to monitor results and adjust the program as necessary to better suit the learners needs or goals.

Timez Attack - focuses on multiplication facts from 2 - 12.  It is from the makers of Sony Playstation and the graphics and video game-like screens are enticing to many learners.

Arithm Attack - this program is used the practice all basic math in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  It also can be customized by the teacher .  The teacher can set the high and low numbers in order to provide the greatest challenge or successes for the student.

Arcademic Skill Builder - also focuses on basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  This program can be made to have multi -players or single players.  This can add to the competitive appeal for some learners.  The program can be customized by adjusting the number range, speed of expected response and the way the answer can be selected - typing, mouse and arrow keys.

All of these programs would fit the bill for the beginning math learner.  The game like quality of a few will reach the learner that loves to "game".  It is also nice to have the "team" or multi-player option.  The ability of other students to supply motivation for each other takes some of the pressure off the teacher.  The teacher can create levels that will challenge and others that allow for greater success.  This helps to create an activity that all students can be successful in, no matter their learning ability.

Chapter 5 Computers and the Internet to teach Math #3

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The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.

Thomas Berger 

When selecting educational applications to meet a student's goals and objectives there are key questions that should be asked.  It needs to be determined what the goal or purpose of computer use is.  Does the computer provide a different way of doing homework, participating in classroom activities or to "show what you know".  Does it help educate the user in basic concepts and skills?  Does it allow for practice of skills?  Does the computer assist with writing, language development and self expression?  Is it giving the student options to think critically and problem solve?  Is the student able to use the internet for reference and leisure activities?

The educational application needs to coordinate with the goal and purpose of the computer use.  Another question is if the application matches the students' interests?

It is important to keep in mind the age of the children and the educational needs of them.  Are visual problems addressed?  Are physical or cognitive abilities taken into account with speed of response?  Is there feedback provided when it is beneficial for the student?  Can the application be customized to provide the student with the best supports for him? Is it easy to use? 

These questions (and more) are vital to establish the necessary and proper supports for the student with learning disabilities.  These questions are similar to the questions in the SETT program.  It is important to determine need and then if the need is being fulfilled correctly with the most benefit for the student. 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/asking_questions.html#ZctZkMOmVWeLBJ0y.99 

Writing - friend or foe?

 Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.

Graham Greene 

 I myself am very found of writing.  I enjoy turning a phase or telling a short amusing story.  I also love to read and without writers there would be nothing to read.  For some learners - that would be fine with them.  Without the written word we would  struggle to communicate and share ideas.  The words would be heard briefly and then fade into a memory.  There are many steps to writing and for the struggling writer they represent an almost insurmountable obstacle.  Notice I said almost.  Here are some ways that may help.

For prewriting - inspiration, more specifically kidspiration provides wonderful tools like graphic organizers and sequencing charts to help a writer get started wth ideas and points.

Drafting can be helped by using a word processor.  For students with physical or cognitive difficulties the DRAGON software can help with word recognition and more.  This program can also help with text to speech as well as editing. As can, JAWS.

Sharing or publishing has many option thanks to the internet.  The blogs that we have created are available to an audience and can be a great way to share learning progress with family and friends.  You can use a regular PC or even an Ipad.  The Ipad is really proving to be a tool for the future.  The size allows for greater use among many people.  We just need it to become mor affordable so that it can be put in the hands of the many that need it for the bare need of communication.

As has been shared, just having the tools is not enough.  There needs to be effective training for all users and it needs to be updated as updates are made available.  The tool can only be as good as the user.  If we plan the IEP right we can help all students become the storyteller of the future.

 

   

Websites that are GREAT!

It has been great seeing, reading and hearing about these assistive technology tools.  The you tube vidoes and testimonials have been informative as well.
BUT
actually using them opens a whole new world of possibilities to myself as a teacher and as a result to the students that I will teach.  My advice is to take advantage of the free downloads and try them for yourselves. I just wish I had more time!

I first went to the Inspiration software site, http://www.inspiration.com to see what all the fuss was about.  I selected kidspiration and spent about an hour reading about the options and possibilities and decided to try the free download.  Once I had the software - I was off to the races.  I am actually using the graphic organizer tool tomorrow in my student teaching observation.  It is easy to use.  It has talking icons and a very forgiving correction ability.  For a single computer download it is $39.95.  So, relatively inexpensive for all it does.  As I said I will be using it for my reading lesson tomorrow.  We are working on comprehension and sequencing so the graphic organizer is perfect!  The students will be able type words and phrases onto the organizer (along with pictures) and then with the push of a button convert it to a sequence chart that has space for the student to add details.  
I will let you know how it goes!

After all the time I spent on kidspiration I was rather let down when looking at the readwritethink site.  It had useful tools and seemed easy enough to use but did not seem as user friendly.  The different websites offer were a plus and there were a lot of lessons from other teachers.  I am just anxious about tomorrow and hope trying the software will yield a positive result.

http://www.readwritethink.org
http://www.inspiration.com/examples/search

Website - AT and the options for reading/writing

The ability to read is a requirement for learning.  For students that struggle with reading they have a disadvantage when it comes to participating in the "usual" or "ordinary" way.  Technology has broken down those walls for some learners.

Bookshare.org offers books in electronic form that can be read aloud.  These options can meet the needs of many of the learners with various disabilities.

Some of the software offers options to highlight and extract information.  This can assist with comprehension and retrieval for later assigned work.  It can also control the speed at which the text is revealed and can be paused to allow for comprehension and questioning.

The text to speech can be customized to suit the learner's needs.  The rate of speech, the speed of text reveal, dictionary access and high quality voice choices.  These selections can create a learning situation that allows the learner to access the reading selection and comprehension at the same time.

There is OCR - optical character recognition that helps bring visual clarity to any type. 

For some learners, the format needs to be consistent throughout the learning process.  There is some software that can assist with this need so that the student is not spending time or mental resources adjusting to different layouts or menu bars.
  

There is a way for everyone to be able to learn.  If we create the right situation for a struggling learner he can have access to the world, in his own way and learn his best way.  We need to provide that opportunity for all.

http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/tflwiki/index.php?title=Webinar_Archives

www.bookshare.org/‎

Bookshare.org How-To By Jessica Pinto - YouTube

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJVPG4e38Wo‎

AT & Learning Disabilities

There are many learners with disabilities that can use assistive technology to help them navigate the learning process.  The technology today can give learners a voice when before they cold only stay silent.  In this course we have seen and heard about many of these devices and we can share this knowledge with everyone using, you guessed it, technology!  These learners have the ability but cannot share their knowledge in our ordinary way.  Extraordinary means for extraordinary learners!

Stephen Hawking - theoretical physicist, cosmologist and learner with multiple disabilities.  Considered by some to be one of the greatest minds of our time.  He was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 21.




Some learners with disabilties can benefit from the less stimulating presentation of information and spelling and grammar checks that are built into a program.  There are learners that have the words that they wish to use but cannot access them to put them on paper or on the screen.  He may have dyslexia and this can create a difficulty in reading accurately or for clarity and comprehension.  There are times when words are not an option for communication and only pictures will assit the learner in sharing his knowledge.  Some of the sensory difficulties could be low vision or blindness.  These learners need assistance with writing, typing and or reading.

Students with learning disabilties can use:

High tech options
Word prediction software - this can save the learner time by helping find the word he means to use quickly.  This allows for the flow of work to continue at a pace that does not interrupt the flow of thought.
Voice recogntion software - the learner that is unable to write or type what he is able to say or hear in his head can dictate to the computer.  The student can now say what he means and can share what he has learned or discovered.
Low tech options
Dictionary or thesaurus - this can be made available to the student in every class.
Word rings - these can hold high frequency words with definitions and pictures that allow the student easy access.

Students with Sensory Disabilties
High tech option
Scanner - this can have information to be read loaded into it and then will read aloud to the learner.
Screen magnifier - this can allow for the print on the computer screen to be enlarged to a size that the learner can more easily read.

Low tech option
Colored transparencies - this can help by providing contrast in color between background and the words.
Enlarged text - this can be worksheets and reading material that is enlarged when printed on the copier.

There are many ways to assist learners with disabilities reach their goals and access learning and knowledge.  It is important to include assistive technology in a students IEP if there is a way that it can help the learner read, write, type, hear, see or express thoughts, emotions and needs.

www.k12.wa.us/specialed/families/ieps/.../lowtechassistivetechnology.pdf

www.hawking.org.uk/

IEP considerations

The focus in our coursework so far has been about what AT devices are available, what disabilities they would be helpful with and how to plan lessons including all learners.  Now we are investigating the legal side of the quest for education for all.  The IEP represents what all interested parties agree would be best for the learner with disabilities - whether it be a calculator and pencil grip to a side mounted selection device.

Copy of an annotated IEP

In the IEP the special education teacher must consider the following when writing goals:

1) The area of need; the direction of change; and the level of attainment

2)

2) Relate it to the functional task that the child needs to complete.

 3) In some cases the child will need training and instruction on the use of the assistive technology and in other cases, it will be a material that the child is using to achieve a specific goal or objective. An augmentative communication device might 

be used under either of these conditions.

It is important in all IEPs to consider if an AT device would be helpful for a student to reach his learning goals.  The SETT checklist would be a great tool in assessing the need.

www.joyzabala.com/

If you have a team approach to the IEP process and you ask for help when determining struggles, needs and goals the student is more likely to benefit from everyone's expertise.

In a previous video it was mentioned by the expert that it is not as important where you put the AT portion of the IEP but that the technology aspect is addressed and put in if it is deemed necessary.

AT devices

There are many types of technology available to those who are learners that are struggling with various disabilities.  We have read some information about many of these in previous assignments.  Here are a few pictures and some details that can help assess which tool or tools would be right for you or your learner.

READ and WRITE GOLD software

Read and Write Gold – Comprehensive Literacy software with features such as Text-to-Speech with highlighting, Word Prediction while typing, Study skills for organization and research, Scanning Documents & Books with OCR, highlighting and exporting with Bibliography, Fact-Mapping and Brainstorming, and Web apps for the iPad.



For students that struggle with writing, word or vocabulary needs, reading difficulties.



E-Books and Apps - There are Apps for accessing digital books such as VoiceDream and iBooks, as well as many free e-book and audiobook options. Read textbooks for school or books for pleasure. Apps can be utilized with accessibility features such as Voice-Over, Zoom/ Magnification, HIghlighting, Definitions, Annotations, White on Black text, etc. There are iPad and iPhone Apps for all Abilities and Disabilities, and all Subjects of Learning (Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science), as well as Literacy, AAC (communication), mobility (GPS), Studying, Organization and Time Management, Reminders, Scheduling, etc.

DRAGON

Voice Recognition Software – Use your voice to control everything. Speech-to-Text software and apps for individuals who are physically unable to access a computer, or may have a learning disability or print disability. Speech recognition can be utilized to access all features of a computer- reading, navigating, typing, research, sending email and texts, completing work, etc. It can also be used for environmental controls in one’s home environment, for lights, television, music,  appliances, etc. Speech recognition can also support individuals who may struggle with spelling and grammar.

Students can dictate their writing assignments to the computer software for those students who have a physical disability and are unable to type or need assistance in typing with speed.




iPad and iPhone Apps – Apps for Learning, Apps for Communicating, Apps for Magnification and Screen Reading, Apps for Navigating, Apps for organization, studying, reminding, and scheduling; Apps for all subjects- and the learning is engaging and interactive. Apps encourage participation and exploration, and involve everyone, making all learning accessible. Apps for anything, anytime, are available now on the iPad and iPhone. Apps are also available for Android and Windows platforms, as well as tablets.



The iPad offers many supportive technological aspects to all learners.  The apps can be purchased at many different price points.

Digital Magnifiers and Magnification Software and Hardware - Software to magnify your computer screen, invert text colors, increase mouse and cursor sizes. Hardware to Magnify Documents and Books, magnify the Whiteboard or Chalkboard to be able to see instruction, Take photos to study later, screen reading built-in, and more options for individuals who are Visually impaired, or losing sight over time. There are also magnification apps for Apple and Android. Magnification options are available on iphones, iPads, and tablets for use in the community, such as reading bus schedules or signs, menus, and utilizing for work.




This software assists the learner in many ways including color and  magnification.  This would be great for the visually impaired or the student that needs text to be differentiated in color

JAWS ScreenReader -for individuals who are Blind and need screen reading and keyboard shortcuts to access the internet, email, and other computer applications for communication, research, and learning.







Adjustable and Large Font Keyboards – Keyboards with trays that raise and lower, Large Font Keyboards with easy to see keys, one-handed keyboards, keyguards and guides for the iPad and AAC devices.

There are many different keyboards - for one hand use, split keyboards that are ergonomically friendly, back lit keyboards to assist people with vision disability, large, colored keys that have numbers imbedded in keyboard for math use.



DAISY  Audio Players – There are several DAISY audio players available, such as the Bookport Plus, PlexTalk, and VictorStream. These audio book players are accessible to individuals who are Blind or Visually impaired, as well as those with print disabilities due to a physical or cognitive disability, such as TBI or Dyslexia. Download & Listen to audiobooks with Bookmarks, audio record, download MP3 music files, and more.









Voice output communication device, Dynavox.  It can be used by people with speaking difficulties to communicate.  There are different machines for different disability levels.  There are some that are supported by eye selection method, pointers, and typing.  As long as the person is able to do any of these skills - they can use one of these devices to speak to others.