Assistive Technology

Here are some common types of Assistive Technology used in the classroom:

A) WordQ – Word prediction software

This is good for students who have word retrieval issues, have spelling deficiencies, or are phonetic spellers.   Visit a YouTube tutorial to learn more!  After watching the video, I love how you’re able to use it in Word, which many students are familiar with.  I think that this software would be great, especially for students in the middle and high school level.

Word Prediction Software

B) WYNN – Talking word processor software

WYNN software would be beneficial for students who have difficulty decoding and reading, struggle with reading fluency, or learn better through auditory reading.  After watching this tutorial, it seems that WYNN offers many options to customize toolbars to better help students.  I use this at work, and I love it – I will listen to my report card comments as a way to help me better edit my writing!

WYNN, talking word processor  

C) Dragon – Naturally speaking voice recognition software

Using Dragon is useful for students who might have fine-motor issues that impede their writing, have a difficulty putting words to paper, struggle with handwriting/typing, or have limited use of hands. This tutorial shows you a quick overview of the program, and how to navigate it to best suit an individual’s needs. I have used Dragon before, and after the initial training period (which is a little tedious), it works well!

Student using Dragon software

D) WYNN – Scan and read software

WYNN software also has the ability to have a document scanned in, or an original piece typed in a word processor, to be read aloud through the program.  This is a great option, as many students who struggle with reading and need text read aloud.

Four toolbars that are offered on WYNN

E) Books on CD are widely available at any public library, or in some cases, school libraries.  They are great for students who have difficulty reading, are dyslexic, have a hard troubling focusing on a book, lack fine motor skills to handle a book, or just prefer to listen to a story.  This article outlines the benefits of listening to a book on CD.  I have not listened to books on CD, but with my busy schedule, I would like to start listening to them in the car since I don’t have time to read

Available at libraries and schools

F) Hands on Equations – Multisensory educational software

Hands on Equations would be beneficial for students with math-based learning disabilities, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other math-related issues, or are easily confused by algebraic concepts. This tutorial demonstrates how algebra can be broken down using Hands on Equations, along with what the various parts represent.  I personally do not use Hands on Equations when I teach math, but a high school teacher I work with loves it. 

Student using Hands on Equations

G) Infogrip - Adapted keyboard

Infogrip is a website/company I came across when researching Adapted keyboards.  There are many various types, with different overlays.  Some overlays that this website offers are: larger key areas, simple keyboard layout, individualized keyboard layouts, high contrast overlays, tactile (Braille) keyboard, pictorial, and other options.  I have not had any experience with adapted keyboards, but after watching this video clip, I was able to see how customizable and unique they really are.

One type of adapted keyboard

H) Forte/Fusion - Portable word processor

Forte is a portable word processor, from the Writer Learning Systems.  This device would be beneficial for students with difficulty writing, spelling, fine motor problems, or who prefer to type rather than write.  There is a company video located on their website, which goes into detail about the two products and how a portable word process can help students’ writing.  I have not used a portable word processor, but the video does a good job at convincing me that it would be a positive for students.

Student using Fusion

I) Learning Ally – Assisted literacy software

Learning Ally is a great program for students who are dyslexic, have a language-based learning disorder, are unable to decode words, have difficulty seeing, or who don’t feel confident in their reading skills.  This tutorial was actually filmed at my school, with some of my colleagues!  I am a huge proponent of Learning Ally, as I’ve used it before in content area classes, and reading classes. 

Listening to Learning Ally

J) SpeakIt! App – Voice output communication device

SpeakIt! App would be a good fit for students who have a difficulty communicating (whether it’s their ability or emotional), have expressive language issues, or do not have the

A review/tutorial, found here, gives a look at a real example, on someone’s phone.  After watching this review and seeing how the app works, it is something I would investigate if one of my students needed this technology. 

Speak It! screenshot

K) Typing Pal – Type to Learn software

Typing Pal is a great software program for students of any ages to work on their typing skills.  There are various models you can buy – whether it’s the regular model, or a Garfield version for younger kids.  This would be great for any aged students, and be used for any diagnosis as long as the student is able to control mobility with at least one hand. If students have fine-motor skills, are unable to write, have limited fine-motor skills, or have dysgraphia.  The video tutorial looks at administrative options, example lessons, example tests, and other activities and games that Typing Pal offers to solidify skills.

Screen shot of a Typing Pal lesson

L) iPad – Electronic touch tablet

Using the Apple iPad in a special education setting is a great way for students to have individualized apps and programs at their fingertips.  An iPad would be useful for many various disabilities, at varying degrees of severity.  The only types of students that would not benefit from an iPad are students who do not have control over their large motor skills, are paralyzed, or are not properly trained on the iPad.  There are so many tutorials on the web, especially regarding various apps you can download, but I found this website, which was aligned with a presentation.  The website breaks down aspects of incorporating the iPad into the classroom as a special education teacher, along with critiquing apps for students.  I thought this was very important, because many times teachers are not taught how to best use the iPad themselves in the classroom.  This website also has a navigation bar on the right, and a pages/files browse option at the top. Check it out, (….even though it says administrator…) it’s for you!

Teacher helping student use iPad