Assistive Technology Devices

 Assistive Technology Devices

As a follow up from my last post, here are some examples of other Assistive Technology Devices.

Word Prediction Software: WordQ

WordQ is a program that can be used to support students in their writing endeavors.  This program is $200, which means it is more expensive than most schools are willing to pay.  However, it is also cheaper than other programs like Dragon. Having said that, it is also different from Dragon.  To use this program, the student has to be able to write, not dictate.  WordQ is a tool that supports and enhances students' writing, not writes for them.  That means, the students have to have some ability to write and recognize the words the program is suggesting.  This program isn't for the student who is severely disabled. For the right student, it can be a very powerful tool since it allows for independent writing - complete with checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  It also includes spoken feedback and the program gets to know the writer's style and frequently used words.  It also has a clear voice reader that supports the writer with editing and proofreading. WordQ is compatible with many popular websites like Facebook and Twitter.  It supports the user by reading the webpages and then helping to write messages.  I can see how this program can be very useful as an additional support for students who need minimal support to write independently.
Resources: http://www.boundlessat.com/WordQ, http://www.goqsoftware.com/

Talking Word Processor Software: Kurzewil 3000

http://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html

Kurzweil 3000 is a program that is designed to support students with reading, writing, study skills and test taking skills. The company allows the public to download a free trial of the program to see if it would meet their needs: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/products/k3000-win.html.  This to me shows that they are very comfortable with their product, which from my experience with it, they should be.  It is a great tool for the right student.  The right student to use this program has a Specific Learning Disability: "including dyslexia, dysgraphia, other learning disabilities, and English Language Learners (ELL) in the school and the workplace" .http://www.kurzweiledu.com/products/k3000-features-standalone.html
Some of the features that must be highlighted are that the program has: text to speech capabilities in seven languages (perfect for English Language Learners), it reads digital text out loud, provides support through sticky notes and highlighters.  The program also has graphic organizers, word prediction and direct access to Bookshare.org, which is a very useful organization for people who struggle with reading.

Scan and reading software: Wynn Reader

http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/wynn.asp

"WYNN is the innovative literacy solution that uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to enhance success or individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties." (http://www.quantumrlv.com.au/learning-disabilities/cognitive-learning-disability-software/wynn-reader-literacy-software.html)
Wynn Reader is a very intricate and expensive tool. It can cost up to $700 or more, depending on the add ons that are bought for the program.  It has the capability to scan text into digital format then read it to the user.  Some of the features that must be highlighted are: simultaneously highlighting text while reading it (this aids comprehension) and a fairly life like voice for the reader. Freedom Scientific offers a free trial of Wynn - it can be downloaded from their website.

Books on CD:

Books on CD are great for long car rides but they have other benefits for use in the classroom.  Books on CDs are great for students who find reading a book on a specific level challenging but can comprehend the content of the book if it is read to them.  Listening to the books will allow students to keep learning while they are learning to read.  It will also allow a struggling reader to have access to the same books his/her peers are reading. Reading along with books has also been proven to have benefits for reading fluency and speed. 
Books on CD are available for rent from: www.scribd.com/, www.audible.com as well as Amazon - booksource.com is also another good resource for getting books on CDs.

Multisensory Educational Software: Earobics

http://www.earobics.com/solutions/software.php

Earobics is a solution for students from Pre K to 3rd grade who struggle with reading.  The interactive software provides solutions in the critical areas of reading.  Students can manipulate and interact with the software in a fun and engaging way, while building foundational skills for literacy.  The program is self adjusting and takes the students' ability into account.  The program is also available in 10 languages which is ideal for English Language Learners.

Adapted keyboard:

http://webaim.org/articles/motor/assistive#adaptivekeyboard

Students with physical disabilities, weak muscle control, or unreliable motor movements may not have the capability to use a regular keyboard and a mouse; these students benefit from adapted hardware to meet their needs.  Specific parts of the keyboard can be raised or lowered.to meet the user's needs.  For example, people with tremors benefit from keyboards where they have to lower their finger into a crevasse, others benefit from keyboards that require fewer numbers of keystrokes since they may tire easily. These devices can be expensive to create if they are individualized but others can be purchased for a reasonable price.

Assisted literacy software: Computer Assisted Solution

Bookshare.org is an online library of digital resources for people with learning disabilities, visual disabilities, and physical disabilities.  It operates under a special clause that allows the company to create digital versions of copyrighted books. Users can send the company their text books or any book the company doesn't already have in their system, ahead of time, and they will make it into a digital format or Braille format. Users can become members in a variety of ways but their disability must be verified by a professional. The reason users find this organization so useful is because having the text in a digital format allows them to make text larger if they can't see it, use a device to manipulate the contrast between text and background, and along with many other reasons, have the text read to them.

Portable Word Processor:

Alphasmarts are a type of portable word processor that is easy to use and very durable.  Students can type their work on the keypad and their work can easily be downloaded to a computer for further editing.  The problem with these is that students can see only two lines of their writing at a time.  So, if they want to look back at an essay or add an idea, it is very difficult to do unless the student downloads their work to a computer.  On the other hand, they are very good for typing notes during class, especially if a student doesn't need to download the notes until later and will not need to edit the notes for submission.  The full size keyboard is great for student use. These devices can be dropped and are very durable and cost efficient.

Voice Output Communication Device: DynaVox

Never Say Never -- Adam's DynaVox Device Success Story

 

DynaVox is one type of communication device. This product is ideal for "individuals that have limited or no speech due to a variety of causes including stroke, autism, CP, ALS or traumatic injury." (www.dynavoxtech.com). This a product that can give voice to people who cannot speak for themselves.  It gives people power over their environment. In my opinion, that is priceless.

Type to Learn Software to teach keyboarding skills:

There are many versions of free and for profit software that claim to teach users to type.  They work to a point but the user has to have basic skill sets to be able to follow along with the instructions.  The user has to know his/her letters and must have the physical ability to perform the tasks.  S/he also must be able to see and hear as well as be able to respond quickly enough to the prompts to follow along with the programs and to make progress.  It is, however, very important to learn to type since we do live in a digital age; at the very least, people benefit from knowing where they keys are so they can quickly one finger type on an iPad's touch screen.

Electronic touch tablet:

There are many tablets on the market now.  However, the iPad continues to be the most popular and most expensive. The applications that are created for this device make it an incredibly powerful tool for education.  They are easy to use and as long as the user has the ability to one finger tap and swipe, they can use the device.  There are programs for anything, review, instruction and fun.  Although there are many application available, they aren't all wonderful, therefore searching for reviews before downloading or trying the free versions of more costly applications is a good way to proceed.