Assistive Technology

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The Orton-Gillingham Approach Empowerment! for
Teachers, Clinicians, Children Parents
Empowerment with the Assistance of Technology
Mary M. Silgals, MLIS May 2, 2009
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My Disclaimer

• I do not endorse any of these products over
  another similar product. Any product I might
  discuss or demonstrate today, either I purchased,
  came from shareware, or was a free download. No
  product was given to me by any manufacturer to
  promote.
• If I speak enthusiastically about a product, its
  because I have seen it work well with my students
  or in my curriculum!

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AT Tools for specific learning problem areas

• There are AT tools to help students who struggle
  with
• Listening
• Math
• Organization and Memory
• Reading
• Writing

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What kind of tools are available?

• Abbreviation expanders
• Alternative keyboards
• Audio books and publications
• Electronic math worksheets
• Free-form database software
• Graphic organizers and outlining
• Information/data managers
• Optical character recognition
• Personal FM Listening Systems
• Portable word processors
• Proofreading programs
• Speech recognition programs
• Speech synthesizers/Screen Readers
• Talking Calculators
• Talking spell-checkers and electronic
  dictionaries
• Variable speed tape recorders
• Word prediction programs
• New Stuff almost everyday!

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Abbreviation Expanders (Difficulty in writing)

• Used with word processing, these software
  programs allow a user to create, store, and
  re-use abbreviations for frequently-used words or
  phrases. This can save the user keystrokes and
  ensure proper spelling of words and phrases he
  has coded as abbreviations.

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Example
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Alternative Keyboards (Difficulty in Writing)

• These programmable keyboards have special
  overlays that customize the appearance and
  function of a standard keyboard.  Students who
  have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from
  customization that reduces input choices, groups
  keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid
  comprehension.

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Examples
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Virtual Keyboard

• Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard
• http//www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/8193/
• http//www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

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Alternative Keyboard Layouts

• Three Dvorak layouts are available
• Keyboard layout for two-handed users (U.S.
  English)
• Keyboard layout for people who type with their
  left hand
• Keyboard layout for people who type with their
  right hand
• http//www.microsoft.com/enable/products/altkeyboa
  rd.aspx
• Left hand typers

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Audio books and publications (Difficulty in
Reading)

• Recorded books allow users to listen to text and
  are available in a variety of formats, such as
  audiocassettes, CDs, and MP3 downloads. Special
  playback units allow users to and search and
  bookmark pages and chapters. Subscription
  services offer extensive electronic library
  collections.

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Examples
PlayAways
Book Courier
RFDB Players
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Book (Text) Display Readers

• A new class of devicea convenient, portable
  reading device with the ability to wirelessly
  download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers.
  
• Amazon Kindle - Kindle http//www.amazon.com/gp/pr
  oduct/B000FI73MA/?taggg84627-20gclidCPLbhrXh3ZA
  CFQ6CPAoddBzuVw
• Foxit http//www.foxitsoftware.com/ebook/
• Sony Reader - http//www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/
  stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId10551stor
  eId10151langId-1productId8198552921665245739

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E Readers
Sony Reader
Kindle
eSlick
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Don Johnston ClassMate Reader

• http//www.donjohnston.com/products/portables/clas
  smate/index.html
• Listen to textbooks other material using
  built-in text-to-speech, while following
  highlighted text on screen
• Demo -
• On line
• Screen 2x3

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Scan Books into MP3s

• BookReader V100
• Text to speech turns printed text into spoken
  audio file which can be saved in MP3 format
• www.plustek.com

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Electronic Math Sheets (Difficulty in math)

• Electronic math worksheets are software programs
  that can help a user organize, align, and work
  through math problems on a computer screen.
  Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read
  aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be
  helpful to people who have trouble aligning math
  problems with pencil and paper.

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Examples
MathPad
MathTalk - speech recognition mathematics. Do
math without keyboard or mouse.
Access To Math
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Touch Math this is not software!

• http//www.touchmath.com/
• Free samples, download use on interactive white
  boards

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(No Transcript)
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Kidspiration

• http//www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration
• Free 30 day trial

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Free-form Database Software(Difficulty in
organization and memory)

• Used in conjunction with word processing or other
  software, this tool allows the user to create and
  store electronic notes by jotting down relevant
  information of any length and on any subject. He
  can later retrieve the information by typing any
  fragment of the original note.

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Examples
Palm with Info Select
InfoSelect Organizer
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Graphic Organizers (Difficulty in writing)

• Graphic organizers and outlining programs help
  users who have trouble organizing and outlining
  information as they begin a writing project. This
  type of program lets a user dump information in
  an unstructured manner and later helps him
  organize the information into appropriate
  categories and order.

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Examples
Kidspiration
Inspiration Software
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Information data managers (Difficulty with
organization and memory)

• This type of tool helps a person plan, organize,
  store, and retrieve his calendar, task list,
  contact data, and other information in electronic
  form. Personal data managers may be portable,
  hand-held devices, computer software, or a
  combination of those tools working together by
  sharing data.

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Examples
Franklin Childrens Dictionary
Memo to Me via email
Palm
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IPod Touch
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Optical character recognition(Difficulty with
reading)

• This technology allows a user to scan printed
  material into a computer or handheld unit. The
  scanned text is then read aloud via a speech
  synthesis/screen reading system. Optical
  Character Recognition (OCR) is available as
  stand-alone units, computer software, and as
  portable, pocket-sized devices.

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Examples
Wynn Software
Read and Write Gold
Kurzweil Voice Reader/Camera Imaging
Reading Pens
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Personal FM listening system(Difficulty with
listening)

• A personal FM listening system transmits a
  speakers voice directly to the users ear. This
  may help the listener focus on what the speaker
  is saying. The unit consists of a wireless
  transmitter (with microphone) worn by the speaker
  and a receiver (with earphone) worn by the
  listener.

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Examples
LES 370
AT-216Digitally Synthesized Wireless Auditory
Assistance Kit
Easy Listener Transmitter and Receiver
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Portable Word Processor(Difficulty in writing)

• A portable word processor is lightweight device
  that is easy to transport (e.g., from classroom
  to home). It can be helpful to kids who may have
  trouble writing by hand and prefer to use a
  keyboard. Word processing allows the user to edit
  and correct his written work more efficiently
  than doing so by hand.

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Examples
AlphaSmart
QuickPad Products
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New Text2Speech Voice Box

• Adds speech to the NEO from Alpha Smart
  retrofit existing units or buy with new units
• www.donjohnston.com/cowriterneo

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Proofreading Programs

• Students who struggle with writing (e.g.,
  spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, and
  sentence structure) may benefit from software
  programs (included in many word processing
  systems) that scan word processing documents and
  alert the user to possible errors.

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Speech Recognition Program Software (Difficulty
in writing)

• A speech recognition program works in conjunction
  with a word processor. The user dictates into a
  microphone, and his spoken words appear on the
  computer screen as text. This can help a user
  whose oral language ability is better than his
  writing skills.  

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Examples
Dragon Naturally Speaking For Windows OS
ViaVoice for Windows And Mac OS
iListen for Mac OS
For Vista
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Examples continued
Word Q and Speech Q http//www.wordq.com/
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Vista Operating System

• Bugs galore, but keep an eye on it for future
  use.
• http//www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windowsvi
  sta/speech.aspx

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Speech Synthesizers/Screen Readers (Difficulty in
Reading and Writing)

• These systems can display and read aloud text on
  a computer screen, including text that has been
  typed by the user, scanned in from printed pages
  (e.g., books, letters), or text appearing on the
  Internet.

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Examples

• aspireReader http//www.cast.org/products/ereade
  r/index.html
• Features
• Read aloud via human-recorded or
  computer-generated speech
• Reading speed control to ensure understanding
• Advanced navigation and search
• Keyboard-controlled shortcut keys
• Electronic bookmarks and note taking
• "Where am I now?" feature
• Playable via CD, DVD, WWW, etc.

AspireReader
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Examples
Version 8.1 include Screenshot Reader
Scanning Enhancements Study Skills
Integration Summary Feature Take Settings Home
Fact Folder Preview Panel Fact Mapper
Enhancements Text to Speech with Highlighting
including websites and PDF files Talking
Dictionary Spelling/Homophone Checkers Word
Prediction Research Tools with Graphic Organizer
- Fact Finder, Fact Folder, Fact Mapper Daisy
Reader Application Study Skills Customizable
Toolbars and Multiple Options For Toolbar
Positioning MP3 Creation Translator Scanning
Teacher's Toolkit

• Read and Write Gold http//www.texthelp.com/page.a
  sp?pg_id10059
• Read and Write Gold Mobile http//www.texthelp.com
  /page.asp?pg_id10178

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Free Internet Text Reader

• Read Please Free version and Trial version,
  check specific OS requirements before downloading
• http//www.readplease.com/english/downloads/
• Speakonia http//download.cnet.com/windows/voice
  -recognition-software/

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Talking Calculators(Difficulty in math)

• A talking calculator has a built-in speech
  synthesizer that reads aloud each number, symbol,
  or operation key a user presses it also
  vocalizes the answer to the problem. This
  auditory feedback may help him check the accuracy
  of the keys he presses and verify the answer
  before he transfers it to paper.

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Examples
Basic to Scientific
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Talking Spell Checkers

• Talking spell checkers and electronic
  dictionaries can help a poor speller select or
  identify appropriate words and correct spelling
  errors during the process of writing and
  proofreading.  Talking devices read aloud and
  display the selected words onscreen, so the user
  can see and hear the words.

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Products
Franklin Spell Checker
WordWeb Pro Software
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Variable Speed Tape Recorders(Reading and
Listening)

• Tape recorders/players allow a user to listen to
  pre-recorded text or to capture spoken
  information (e.g., a classroom lecture) and play
  it back later. Variable speed control (VSC) tape
  recorders speed up or slow down the playback rate
  without distorting the speakers voice.

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Examples
Super Desk Mate II Maxi Aid
Handi-Cassette II -
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Word Prediction Programs(Reading and writing)

• Word prediction software can help a user during
  word processing by predicting a word the user
  intends to type. Predictions are based on
  spelling, syntax, and frequent/recent use. This
  prompts kids who struggle with writing to use
  proper spelling, grammar, and word choices, with
  fewer keystrokes.

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Interactive Response Systems

• Classroom answers questions and response system
  records answers.

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BookShare.org

• Provides library of downloadable books with a
  Daisy Reader download (Don Johnston reader)
• Free for those who provide documentation of
  disability
• http//bookshare.org/

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Software

• Don Johnston - www.donjohnston.com
• Write Out Loud
• Draft Builder
• Simon S.I.O. (phonological awareness)
• WordMaker

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Audacity Voice Recording Software

• Free!
• Use headset microphone if not built into computer

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Classroom Integration

• Smartboard OG Fellow Janet Jones

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Language Arts

• Student places parts of a sentence on graph.

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Science

• Student created weather reports

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Interactive Websites To use with
SmartBoardFor all subject areas

• List of my favorites
• http//marysilgals.tripod.com/smartboardwebsites2.
  xls
• Quia - http//www.quia.com/web

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Software

• A student is using a software program that allows
  them to solve tangram puzzles.

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Webquests

• Web Quests are designed online to help students
  gather information about a particular topic by
  visiting different sites that show information in
  many different formats, which is especially
  helpful to a student with learning disabilities.
  This previously designed, inquiry-oriented
  activity helps keep the student on task by
  directing his or her Internet search, focusing on
  using information rather than looking for it. A
  well-designed Web Quest supports analysis,
  synthesis and evaluation.

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Examples

• http//marysilgals.com/southcarolina.html
• http//marysilgals.tripod.com/abouttheindustrialre
  volutionanditsinventors/
• http//marysilgals.com/inventors.html
• http//marysilgals.com/evaluatingwebsites.html
• http//marysilgals.tripod.com/hurricane.html

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Presentations by you and your students

• PowerPoint
• PhotoStory Free download - http//www.microsoft.
  com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/PhotoStory/
  default.mspx
• MovieMaker 3 Windows download

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Miscellaneous

• Web accessibility for dyslexics
  http//www.ebility.com/articles/dyslexia.php
• ALA Adaptive Technology for the Internet (Book)
  http//www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Technology-Internet
  -Electronic-Accessible/dp/0838907520
• Graphic organizers for readers http//www.richmond
  .k12.va.us/readamillion/graphicorganizers.htm
• Free Graphic organizer software
  http//faculty.trinityvalleyschool.org/corderg/go/
  free.html
• Optical Character Recognition Systems
  http//www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID4TopicID
  31DocumentID1283

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Additional Web Resources

• http//www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.htm
  l Articles and websites

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Reading Programs

• Aerobics - http//www.earobics.com/
• Lexia - http//www.lexialearning.com/
• RiverDeep Destination Reading
  http//web.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid818,1
  381924_dadportal_schemaPORTAL
• Study Dog - http//www.studydog.com/
• Mind Play - http//www.mindplay.com/

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Other technology

• Language Tune-Up Orton Based
  http//www.rmlearning.com/ReadingSoftware.htm
• Phonics Tutor - http//www.phonicstutor.com/
• Phonics Programs - http//www.phonicsontheweb.com/
  programs.php

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Resources for presentation

• Schwab Learning Definitions for assistive
  technology devices http//www.schwablearning.org/a
  rticles.aspx?r286
• South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
  Definitions and examples

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http//marysilgals.tripod.com/mystuff
http//marysilgals.tripod.com/og/