Multi-Sensory Educational Software

According to www.education.com, multisensory learning is "Learning that involves the processing of stimuli through two or more senses (e.g., through hearing as well as seeing)." Multisensory educational software is software that allows students to learn in this way. This type of software is great for a wide variety of learners, such as students with ADHD, visual learners, kinesthetic learners, as well as auditory learners. One example of this type of product that I found is TouchMath.

Below is a video of a teacher demonstrating how to teach addition using TouchMath to teach addition with regrouping. This program helps many different types of learners become successful math thinkers!

Touch Math

Books on CD

This type of assistive technology may sound very simple, and maybe you have used it before yourself while on a long distance drive or trip. Books on CD can also be used to assist students with various disabilities such as blindness, visually impaired, dyslexia, and learning disabled. This type of AT will allow students to become better learners by using audiobooks to read and keep up with coursework. Books on CD, no matter how simple it seems, can very much help students improve reading comprehension, boost confidence, and save time on schoolwork.
EVEN THE SIMPLEST DEVICE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

Scan and Read Software

Scan and read software is a way to scan a document and have it read to the student. This type of AT would be useful for students who have visual impairments or blindness. To use this type of technology, the user has to use a scanner to scan a paper document into a computer. The software will then translate it into digital form so it can be read or edited. The benefits of using this type of software is that is saves the user time and effort in creating and editing documents. It will allow one to export the converted text and use it with a variety of word-processing, page layout, and spreadsheet applications.
THIS AT IS VERY USEFUL!!

Scanning and Reading Software- AT for the Blind

Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition

Voice recognition software enables students to use their voice to type documents for them. Students simply speak into the microphone headset and when attached to a computer software, the computer program will type what the student says into the word processor document. This type of AT would be ideal for students who have issues relating to fine motor skills, as well as difficulty typing on a computer keyboard. The video attached is a demonstration of how this software can work, as well as a review. Remember: there are various brands of this type of software and it is best to explore all options!

Naturally Speaking Test and Review

Talking Word Processors

Talking Word Processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide speech feedback as the student writes. It echoes each letter as it is typed and each words as the spacebar is pressed. This type of AT is usually used to assist with writing, can also incorporate powerful tools for reading. A TWP can assist students with learning disabilities by reading material aloud to help them edit, comprehend, and organize their writing. Once any file (book, assignment, or article) is imported into a TWP, the text can be read aloud to the student. With some TWP you can also enlarge font, can the color on the screen, and highlight in order to following along as the text is read. Various voices and the rate and volume of the speech can also be altered.

Word Prediction Software...

Word prediction software programs work with word processors. They predict the word a person wants to enter into the computer. The person types the first letter of the word and the program offers a list of words beginning with that letter. If the word the person is looking for is not on the list, they must continue typing the next letters until the word they want shows up in the list. After the user selects the word, the computer will then predict the next word in the sentence. This type of AT would be good for students who have weak fine motor skills in their hands, fingers, or wrists. It allows them to type less but still use a word processor.

What I've learned....

From doing a lot of research and reading about assistive technology for students, I have learned about the many ways AT can help students strive to their highest potential. I will now openly welcome AT into my classroom for any students requiring it. Also, I am now aware that I can request training for any device that a student is using in my classroom. I know that is it required to provide training for parents, teachers, and other staff members in the use of the device. I have also learned that AT services serve a wide range of functions and levels of technology. From low-tech to high-tech, AT devices should be considered for every child before determining that it will not be effective.

DON'T KNOCK IT BEFORE YOU'VE TRIED IT!!!

Always consider assistive technology :)