Common Types of AT....

Here are some of the commonly found assistive technology devices used in the classroom:

1. Word Prediction Software- This type of software helps during word processing by predicting a word the user plans to type. Think about when you are texting on your phone how the words pop up before you are even done typing the word. Doesn't this help save time? It also helps me spell certain words I sometimes misspell. This type of tool is great for students who struggle with writing primarily.

Products to Consider: Aurora Suite, CO: Writer SOLO

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/966-word-prediction-software-programs.gs

2. Talking word processor software- Three frequently used talking word processing programs include Classroom Suite (IntelliTools), WriteOutLoud (DonJohnston), and Talking Word Processor (Premier Assistive Technology). Talking word processing software programs such as these help benefit students who experience difficulty editing their written composition. Talking word processing software gives students the opportunity to hear exactly what they wrote.

http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/WS-Talking-Word-Processing-Software.aspx

3. Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software- We have all heard of Dragon Speech Recognition Software. I have seen the commercials so many times myself. However, it wasn't until I started this blog and began researching various AT devices did I fully understand what naturally speaking voice recognition software was. Students with limited writing or fine motor capabilities would find this piece of technology very useful. Dragon is actually the world's best-selling speech recognition software. All it does is turn your talk into text and makes any computer talk easier and faster.

http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm    

4. Scan and read software- Kurzweil one of the more popular brands uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that offers multi-sensory approach and access to text. This software provides scanned print documents with the original layout and format which then reads those documents aloud. Viewers have access to everyday reading materials, classroom curriculum, or workplace documents. This software gives students as well as adults with reading difficulties, blindness, and vision impairment opportunities to read that they didn't have before.

http://www.kurzweiledu.com/special/texttospeech/

5. Books on CD- Now this is an oldie but goodie I can relate to unlike some of the previously mentioned products. Sometimes it's easy to feel out of touch or out of the loop with modern technology. Even some special educators are very uncomfortable with assistive technology. Many schools, public libraries, publishing, and software companies offer books on CD. Students who can't decode, read fluently, or on grade level would benefit greatly from this type of adaptions. There are too many companies and brands to mention here.

6. Multi-Sensory Educational Software- I searched online and found a ton of software programs described as being multi-sensory educational programs for sale. They range from teaching children to read to science to math. Many can be customized for individual use, on laptops, or in any classroom. Some are equipped with interactive Whiteboards. Most of these programs are targeted toward students with Dyslexia or other types of learning disabilities. However, I also see these as helping students with executive functioning difficulties, attention disorders, or even just pure tactile learners who need to be  stimulated. Boundless Assistive Technology offers ClaroRead for Mac and PC.

http://www.boundlessat.com/Learning/Writing