The Assistive Technology Blog

There are a lot of assistive technologies to assist struggling readers. Although they each work a little differently in presenting text to speech, these technologies help to facilitate decoding, fluency and comprehension.
Audio Books and Publications -Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of format such as audiocassettes, CD's and MP3 downloads.

Click on the links to the following products and services:
Audible.com
http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/homepage/AnonHome.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Bookcourier.com
http://www.bookcourier.com/

Bookshare
http://www.bookshare.org/readingTools

Optical Character Recognition-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.

Check out the links to the following products:
Quicktionary 2 Reading Pens
http://www.wizcomshop.com/Readingpen-Basic-Edition-K-12_p_22.html

Wynn Literacy Software Solution
http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/wynn.asp

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 7:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a recent compilation of what's been happening around the country in relation to the practice of universal design for learning (UDL). This is a great review that takes the reader through several success stories and best practices in various settings. Worth the read at http://www.projectforum.org/docs/UDL-PolicyChallengesandRecommendations.pdf

Posted by Fran Smith at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

...or those who are new to it!

The most recent AT Show podcast is about where to find audio books. You can access it at http://www.atmaine.com/atshow/ and either listen through streaming media or subscribe/download using the directions posted at the site.

Some of their highlighted resources include:
Overdrive: http://www.overdrive.com
NLS BARD: http://www.nlsbard.loc.gov
Books Should be Free: http://www.booksshouldbefree.com
Truly Free: http://www.trulyfree.org
Podiobooks: http://www.podiobooks.com
Daily Lit: http://www.dailylit.com

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HD Radio provides more than great digital sound, it can also carry text. National Public Radio is planning on broadcasting closed-captioned text of talk shows along with the audio. Radio receivers with screens will allow folks who are deaf, or those of us who need the visual to understand hard-to hear words or phrases listen and READ radio broadcasts. These receivers are planning to come out in late 2009.
Check out

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 7:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just read about a Inspiration mind-maping product available at http://www.mywebspiration.com.

Like Inspiration and Kidspiration, this visual thinking tool can be used to
"capture ideas, organize information, diagram processes and create clear,
concise written documents."

What's different? This one is online, and you can work individually or collaboratively.

Some cool components:
"Webspiration makes it easy to collaborate and share documents by simply sending an invite. Everyone works on the same document, contributing, posting comments, and viewing changes. Webspiration is ideal for team projects, study groups, reviewing and commenting on documents and co-authoring materials. Store and access documents online without discs, drives or email. Work at home, a friend's house, the library, your office, or the local coffee shop. Webspiration and your documents are available anywhere you have access to the internet."

Since it is in beta version right now (being tested before widespread distribution), you can sign up for a free myWebspiration account at http://www.mywebspiration.com/user/register.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The QuickStart Literature Kit includes a durable, laptop-style tote bag, two sets of exciting pre-adapted books with pre-recorded modules, a Jelly Bean switch and the BookWorm literacy tool, complete with an adaptation kit for turning virtually any book into a "talking book." - That's Life Literature Series: Going Places Book Set engages struggling readers and visual learners in developing social skills and the ability to move within the community and the wider world.
Click on the following links:
http://caineassociates.com/products/bookworm-quickstart-literature-p-210.html

http://www.pcieducation.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=46461#bottomTabs

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)