Assistive Technology Tools: Reading
There is a wide range of the tools early childhood students can use while reading.
These tools can be used in a variety of environments such as within the home, school or daycare. Assistive Technology tools include software and hardware designed to make text-based materials more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading. These programs are helpful for those who have difficulty seeing conventional print materials; individuals who are learning English as a foreign language; and people who comprehend better when they hear and see text highlighted simultaneously.
These tools can be used in a variety of environments such as within the home, school or daycare. Assistive Technology tools include software and hardware designed to make text-based materials more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading. These programs are helpful for those who have difficulty seeing conventional print materials; individuals who are learning English as a foreign language; and people who comprehend better when they hear and see text highlighted simultaneously.
Kurzweil 3000™ Literacy and Reading Programs
A screenshot of Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000™ Literacy and Reading Programs is a comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) or those who are English Language Learners (ELL). There are many different products, such as the Kurzeweil 3000, that students of all ages can access to listen to texts in a variety of formats, such as MP3's, audio cassettes, and CD's.
To experience Kurzweil 3000 and all it has to offer, go to:
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html
Audible.com
Audible.com is a site individuals can join and listen to books, radio shows, podcasts even speeches. Audible.com lets their members listen to audio through many different sources, including iPods, Androids and Blackberry's. Audible.com's main focus it to hear these recorded audios "well-told." Audible uses different types of vocal inflection, such as a smile or a sigh, in order for their listeners to feel more connected to what they are listening to.
To learn more, you can go to Audible's home page at:
http://www.audible.com/
PageFlip Lite Automatic Page Turner
PageFlip lite is an assistive technology tools individuals of all ages and disabilities may use. PageFlip is an automatic page turner that flips the pages either from right to left or left to right. The individual may turn the pages by pressing a button on the front panel of the tool, using a wireless hand/foot pedal, or using an external switch. To see how to use PageFlip Lite Automatic Page Turner as well as see this tools benefit watch the YouTube video link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0SJ6EcqNz8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0SJ6EcqNz8
ReadingPen 2
ReadingPen is a tool individuals can hear text spoken aloud. The individual can hear text aloud on the spot from magazines, books, and newspapers. The ReadingPen can be programmed for left-handed and right-handed readers. Syllable breaks, definitions, synonyms and Spanish translations are supported by the ReadingPen for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and students of a second language.
To learn more about the ReadingPen 2, you can look on Enablemart's website at:
http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Wizcom-Reading-Pens/Readingpen-Read-Anywhere-Bundle-with-ClaroRead
or watch the how-to video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFrdYuSEZIU
To learn more about the ReadingPen 2, you can look on Enablemart's website at:
http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Wizcom-Reading-Pens/Readingpen-Read-Anywhere-Bundle-with-ClaroRead
or watch the how-to video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFrdYuSEZIU
Computer Screen Enlargers
There are many different types of magnifiers for computers. These help individuals read the text on the screen more clearly and efficiently. This tool can either magnify the whole screen or just part of the screen. There are also basic screen enlargers that are already programmed into most computer systems. There are also different types of packages an individual can use for built-in screen reading, screen smoothing for jagged edges, and various screen orientation helpers.
To see a full list of the different types of screen enlargers you can go to:
http://www.lssproducts.com/category/screen-enlarger
To see a full list of the different types of screen enlargers you can go to:
http://www.lssproducts.com/category/screen-enlarger
ClassMate Reader Audio Book Player
The ClassMate is a portable book individuals can use to improve reading skills, increase fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. The ClassMate is portable and can be used in any environment, such as home or school. The ClassMate is also interactive; individuals can use their finger or the stylus provided to touch the screen to do different tasks including underline a passage or insert a bookmark. Also, the screen, font, size and color can all be easily changed on the ClassMate, helping more students read the text easily.
To learn more about the ClassMate Reader go to:
http://www.donjohnston.com/products/portables/classmate/index.html
To learn more about the ClassMate Reader go to:
http://www.donjohnston.com/products/portables/classmate/index.html