Return to Index
Back to Using Assistive Technologies to
Empower Students with Special Needs
Using Assistive Technologies to Empower Students with Special Needs

Reading Tools
1.Non-Computer Aids  2.Text-to-Speech  3.Word Prediction  4.Digitalized Curriculum5.Online Resources


1.Non-Computer Reading Aids

Reading  Aids -- Discover how  low-tech options such as bookholders, page turners, highlighters and e-books can be employed to help special needs students by completing an online module found on the Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) Project Web site  developed by the University of Buffalo and the   US Department of Education's Office of Special  Education and Rehabilitation Services. 

Jot down some useful ideas for low-tech solutions that can help students with special learning needs. 
 
2.Text-to-Speech

Introduction to  Reading Printed and Electonic Text - Read about providing access to printed curriculum materials independently found on the Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) Project Web site  developed by the University of Buffalo and the   US Department of Education's Office of Special  Education and Rehabilitation Services. 

1.Talking Word Processors    2. Text and Screen Readers     3.Scan to Speak Programs     4.Readers for E-Books
More on  Text-to-Speech Software - Find out more about text-to-speech software from the Adaptive Technology Resource Center of the University of Toronto.

Help Read - This tutorial takes you through the steps required to download this  free Text-to-Speech Software

Download HelpRead following the instructions above.  Find a passage on the web and try it out. 
CAST eReader-  At  this site you can download a Windows demo of this text reader which can be an effective support for students who read below grade level, have low vision or speak English as a second language.
Design a lesson plan in your Learning Log using digital text and the CAST e-Reader. 
 

 
3.Word Prediction

Word Prediction Software - Take an online multimedia  tour of the Aurora Systems Word Prediction software program

Jot down in your Learning Log,  the various features of the Aurora Systems
 
 
4.Digitalized Curriculum

Curriculum Access in the Digital Age - read this article by David T. Gordon from the Harvard Education Letter which summarizes research on the use of text-to-speech software.

In your Learning Log, jot down five advantages of using text-to-speech software. 
Learning to Read in the Digital Age -  this is an online version of the book by  authors Anne Meyer and David Rose. This book explores the uses and research on using computers in teaching reading. 
Scan the topics covered in the Table of Contents of the online version of Learning to Read in the Digital Age. Pick one chapter that interest you and read it. Post a message to the message giving your opinion on the research described. Message Board
 
 
5.Online Reading  Resources 
Online Reading Games - Try  out  the reading games  from The Resource Room web site 
Pick one  game  from this site and jot it down in your Learning Log.  Explain how you will use it with a special needs student.
How to Create a Talking Book Using Power Point by Richard Walter -download a PDF file.
 

Return to Index