AT for READING

Overview

• Students that struggle in reading may or may not be identified with disabilities.
• Common LDs that benefit from AT for READING are English Language Learners (ELLs), students with cognitive disabilities, physical impairments, visual and hearing impairments, and AAC (Augmentative/Alternative Communication)

Low Tech

• File Types for Accessibility: HTML, RTF, BRF (Digital Braille), DSY (Digital Audio)
• Using Color: Highlighters/ Highlighting Tape/ Post-its/ Transparent Overlays - Reading Helpers or EZC Readers
• Visual Modifications: Enlarging/magnification, Trackers/Bar magnifier, Text Changing, Wite-Out®/replace challenging vocabulary

Low Tech

• Book Adaptations: Page Fluffers/Grabbers, Automatic page-turners (Flip by AbleNet)
• Pictures/Symbols with Text

Mid Tech

• Automatic page-turners (Flip by AbleNet)
• Talking book (BookWorm™ Literacy Tool), MEville to WEville (AAC)
• Talking Dictionaries, spell checker/dictionary/thesaurus; Reading Pens/ word scanners
• Handheld ebook readers/ PDAs: Amazon Kindle, Cybook , TouchBook, Palm eBook Studio

Mid Tech

• Word processor & Electronic Text
• QuickLink Pen® Elite or IRISpen in conjunction with computer software transfers

HIGH Tech

• Clicker5, Writing with Symbols 2000, IntelliTools® Classroom Suite, PixWriter, Boardmaker, Newspapers News-2-You
• Websites: : Project LITT: Literacy Instruction through Technology Starfall Learn to Read International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) & Project Gutenberg Bookshare.org & “Read:OutLoud®”

HIGH Tech

• Digital audio book readers: EZDaisy Talking Book Player / Scholar Talking Book Player by Telex/ VictorReader® Stream / ClassMate Reader both by Humanware

Conclusion

• Always consider the Student, Environment, and Specific Tasks before deciding on AT Tools