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.
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.
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