Auditory Word Processors

Auditory Word Processors are writing software programs that provide speech feedback as the student writes, echoing each letter as it is typed and each word as the spacebar is pressed. Many of these inexpensive programs, typically used to assist with writing, also incorporate powerful tools for reading. Students with learning disabilities find that having written material read aloud assists them to better edit, comprehend and organize.

Write OutLoud is a talking word processor made for students who struggle with writing. It has a talking spell checker. Any text can be imported and read aloud by the computer. Great for students who need auditory feedback as they write.

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are writing software programs that give students opportunities to organize their thoughts and ideas before they begin writing. These programs can also be used to create visual / pictorial presentations of teacher ideas or student projects with minimal text.

Inspiration is a powerful visual learning tool that inspires students to use words in ways that organize their thinking. Students use Inspiration's Diagram view to dynamically create and modify concept maps, webs and other graphical organizers.

Kidspiration is designed for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Kidspiration helps young students see, organize and develop their great ideas. This program has text reader feature that will read back what the student has written.

Draft Builder gives students a framework for organizing their thoughts and information so they can develop first drafts ready for editing and revising. Draft:Builder helps students with learning difficulties to learn and practice the writing process.

Word Prediction

Some students know what they want to write, but have difficulty forming the words or thinking of new words to use. Word prediction programs are used with word processors to provide a more efficient way of producing written work. A novice writer can create a complete word by typing one or two letters. The programs reduce the number of keystrokes made by "predicting" the desired word after a student types a single letter. Some programs even include a "predict ahead" feature that anticipates the next word. These programs can effectively improve the quality and level of writing by suggesting new words stored in a customizable dictionary. The parent or teacher of a student can add vocabulary pertinent to different topics or courses.

Word prediction can sometimes be found in other assistive programs such as onscreen keyboards.

Co:Writer is a word prediction program that can be used with any word processor. It can be used as a writing intervention program for students whose limited spelling and vocabulary skills interfere with written expression. By predicting words, this program supports the writing process and helps students generate sentences with correct grammar and spelling.

Tools for Reading

Text Readers

Text Readers are software programs that read all the text in any given document or application and often include other assistive features such as word prediction and spell check.. Those with a reading disability, but with adequate vision most often use them

eReader provides support through spoken voice and synchronized highlighting. Students can drag and drop from any source (including the web) and listen to the information as they read along.

TextAloud MP3 is a floating toolbar that lets you listen to text that you copy to the clipboard. As you highlight and copy text, the program begins to read it back to you. You can read any email message, text file or web page or save it to listen to later; it allows unlimited sizes so copy an entire eBook and save it as a file. The program uses Microsoft text-to-speech capabilities.

Scan to Speak Programs

Frequently, students need to have books or other printed material translated into digital format to have the computer read the text aloud to them. To do this several steps are necessary: 1^st - The text is scanned into the computer 2^nd - Special OCR software translates it into digital format so it can be read and edited 3^rd - Text is copied from the OCR software and pasted into the Talking Word Processor

Kurzweil 3000 is for individuals with learning disabilities or a reading difficulty such as dyslexia. Kurzweil 3000 software improves reading speed and comprehension by highlighting text as it is spoken aloud. Users can read along, take notes, and highlight right on the computer screen. In this version, words are highlighted in a contrasting color making tracking easier.

Tools for Communication

People with severe speech or language problems may rely on special augmentative techniques that have been specifically developed for them. Some of these techniques involve the use of specialized gestures, sign language or facial expressions. Other techniques use communication aids, such as charts, bracelets and language boards. On aids such as these, objects may be represented by pictures, drawings, letters, words, sentences, special symbols, or any combination thereof.

Electronic devices, VOCA, (voice output communication aids) are available that can speak in response to entries on a keyboard or other methods of input. Input can come from any number of different switches that are controlled with motions as simple as a push of a button, a puff of air, or the wrinkle of an eyebrow.

Tech Speak is a 32 message per level augmentative communicator, which offers high quality, reliable performance and many other important features.

Boardmaker is a program that has over 3,000 symbols to use in making communication boards, posters, calendars, labels, and instructions sheets. This software is used to create overlays for VOCAs.

Tools for Access

Screen Readers

Screen readers read ALL the text elements on the screen, including menu bars, buttons and dialogue boxes and may include screen magnification features. They provide access to program navigation and written text for students with visual impairments.

Reading text aloud benefits anyone having difficulty reading information on the screen or for whom simultaneously hearing and reading text aids comprehension. Any the reading programs can also assist reading speed. Features within programs vary and should be investigated for each users.

ZoomText Xtra is a program that combines a screen reader with enlarged text.

Online Books The Internet is a great resource for stories and books for students. Some sites offer stories at various reading levels to download. Some of them are "classics" or well-known eBooks; others can be found only online. Online books are able to provide information in alternate formats to diverse learners, effectively reducing the "Digital Divide" that exists for students with disabilities. These stories can be read aloud with a text reader or by importing them (with copy and paste commands) into talking word processing programs.

Speech Recognition

A speech recognition system is another tool for writing. It provides an alternative option for students unable to use standard methods for computer access to write more efficiently. It should be viewed as part of a continuum of writing technology strategies that includes pencils to computer input by voice. With speech recognition software and computer hardware, a student trains the computer to recognize her voice for writing or giving computer commands. Students can use voice recognition to write within a word processor or to create an email message. It can also execute program commands such as saving or printing or to control the mouse

Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred is a full‑featured continuous speech recognition solution that supports virtually all Windows applications

Operating Systems

One place to find screen magnification options is within your computer operating system. The following are suggestions as to where on your computer to find these "built in" enlargement options.

Control Panel: Display Options On a Windows-based computer system, the entire display interface is customizable. Sizes and colors of window titles, scroll bars, borders, menu text, icons, and other elements can be adjusted. High-contrast schemes and mode make it easier to see screen objects.

Accessories: Accessibility Program: Microsoft Magnifier Microsoft Magnifier is a display utility that makes the screen more readable for some individuals with low vision. It displays a magnified portion of the screen in a separate window. You can move or resize the Magnifier window, or dock the window by dragging it to the edge of the screen. You can also alter the color scheme and contrast of the magnification window.