Technology for Learning Disabilities
Technology, especially computer assisted technology, has greatly enhanced the quality of life for many people with disabilities. Many of the technological tools and resources used today by students with learning disabilities were originally developed for those with difficulties with speech, hearing, and vision.
As this technology becomes more powerful and affordable, it is enabling numerous students with learning disabilities to become better and more efficient learners. It has allowed these learners to express themselves as they could not before. Technology is helping give these students a fair chance to complete an education and compete in the workforce with those not challenged by communication or performance disabilities. These next few pages will outline some of the high-tech tools that may assist people with LD's to reach their educational and career goals.
However, like many modern technologies, not every high-tech tool is everyones cup of tea, and simple, time-tested strategies and tools may offer inexpensive solutions to students experiencing learning difficulties.
It is a good idea to match the technology to the needs of the learner. Simple tools and strategies can enhance the abilities of students with learning disabilities.
Dragon Naturally Speaking, Preferred
Voice to text software for dictating into your computer and having the speech recognized and converted to text; works in most Windows compatible programs. http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/.
Kurzweil 3000
Reads scanned or electronic text aloud using very human sounding speech. Words are highlighted as they are spoken, and there are a variety of learning tools included. Can also be used to create MP3 files from notes or textbooks and create or edit documents. Also contains ESL software. http://www.kurzweiledu.com
textHELP Read & Write
This software will read out loud as you type, read text that you highlight and can also read text on the internet. Very powerful program that also contains a talking calculator, talking spellcheck and homophone support.
WordQ
WordQ software is a special education writing tool used along with standard Windows word processing software to provide spelling, English grammar (and French grammar), and reading assistance. www.wordq.com
ReadPlease 2003
This award winning text-to-speech software was developed in Canada and has an excellent free version with excellent pronunciation and natural sounding voices.
Pocket PC's and Other PDA's
Personal Digital Assistants, such as Pocket PCs and Palms, are very useful and versitile. Through features such as task lists, alarms, and calendars, they allow for outstanding mobile organization. Other features available on some models include wireless internet, built in digital cameras, the ability to play textbooks or papers in MP3 format, and when combined with a portable keyboard, they serve as the perfect notetaking device. In many cases students are able to replace their laptops with a Pocket PC or Palm. http://www.hp.ca/ipaq or http://www.palmone.com/ca
Inspiration
An excellent “Mind mapping” tool, for organizing your ideas and creating visual layouts of essays, plans or tasks. A free trial version is available from their site. http://www.inspiration.com
Handheld Spell Checkers
These battery powered, handheld spell checkers are inexpensive and the perfect tool for many students with learning disabilities. There are many different makers, and many different models to choose from starting with the standard 100 000 word dictionary and thesaurus, all the way up to the Speaking Language Master which has over 300 000 definitions and over 500 000 synonyms. http://www.franklin.com
Iris Pen
This product is a handheld scanner for entering text into your computer. The program also has a feature to read out loud the text which is scanned. Very useful when studying, to create study notes from a textbook.
Quictionary Reading Pens
Handheld scanner, with various versions available. There are versions for scanning up to 1000 pages of text, translating different languages and one for use as a scanning dictionary to have words read aloud to you.
Adaptive Technology Online Tutorials
Kurzweil 3000
http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadapts/technology/software/k3000/kurzweil_guide.html
textHELP
http://www.synapseadaptive.com/textHELP/RW/read_&_write_1.htm
Dragon Naturally Speaking:
http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/tutorials/tut-dns1.html
Inspiration
http://www.inspiration.com/popups/insptutorial/index.cfm
