reading and writing assistive technologies

Assistive Technologies for

Reading and Writing

Group 1:Chrissy, Stacey, Jessica,

and Linda

Writing is the process of encoding thought into graphemes, or phonograms, so that communication can occur across time and space (Raymond,2004)

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“A child miseducated is a child lost.”

-- John F. Kennedy

Reading and writing with AT

Students with any language or speech impairments may be taught to use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC)system.

Assistive Technologies strategies for reading and writing can be simple to sophisticated, depending on the needs of the individual student.

Assistive Technologies for students can range from no tech, light tech to high tech.

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HighTechReadPlease Software

• Text-to-speech software for Windows based operating systems

OptionsReadPlease 2003 (free)ReadPlease Plus 2003ReadingBar 2 for Internet Explorer

Low Techcustom cut white boards


High TecKurzweil 3000


• Print-to-speech reading software for sighted persons w/ reading disabilities.

• Scans printed documents, displays page as original document w/ color graphics and pictures intact.

• Reads document out loud while highlighting the image of print as it is being read.

OptionsProfessional Color (Scan/Read) $1,495Read Only $395Color Learning Lab Pack $2,695

Low TechPencil Grips

• For all people with or w/o fine motor difficulties.• Grips are training tools that help position the fingers

correctly on the pencil.• Variety of styles designed for the right and left

hand.

OptionsPencil grips $1.64 each, 8 for $12.80, 24 for $38Cross over grip Jumbo grip


Low TechSlant boards

• Used for all ages in developing fine motor skills.

• Can be used for reading and writing.• Improves posture by reduces back and neck

pressure.Options

Slant Boards vary in price ranging from $15-$70.Super Slant Boards $36.99


High TechText Help- Read & Write Gold

Software• Designed to assist

students who need additional assistance when reading and composing text.

• Helps develop literacy skills especially for dyslexic writers.

• Price is $895

FeaturesSpeechSpellingScanningWord PredictionDictionarySpeech MakerSpeech Input


Low TechBooks Adapted for Page Turning

• Pages of book can be placed in page protectors.• A piece of cardboard (same size of page) can be

placed in between each story page.• Turning pages are made easier by attaching Velcro

tabs to each page. • “Page fluffers” - small felt discs, ethafoam materials,

clothespins, and/ or paper clips used to separate pages which makes make turning pages easy.


High TechLive Scribe Smart Pen

Website • Records everything you hear, say

and write, while linking your audio recordings to your notes. Then you tap your handwritten notes to play back what was said at that point in time.

• Can upload and share notes/audio online/email

Options:• 2, 4, and 8 GB Echo Smart Pen $ 94-

$ 177• 8 GB Echo Smart pro pack $190• 2 or 4 GB Pulse Smart Pen $ 62-

$154• 4 pack Spiral Notebooks $14- $20

Features• USB Connector• Microphone•Audio jack•OLED display •Built in speaker•Memory storage•Soft rubber grip•Replaceable ink tip •Additional applications (translator, piano, music, games, and more!)

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http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/

http://www.amazon.com/Livescribe-4-GB-Echo-Smartpen/dp/B003RAE19Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1310091369&sr=1-1

reading and writing assistive technologies

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