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There are many tools that may be helpful for people with learning disabilities.
For people who have difficulty reading or who need to hear printed text spoken aloud to improve reading comprehension, or to read isolated words that are causing difficulty. Reading tools and reading machines are available that make text-based materials more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading.
Reading tools generally refer to computer software and hardware that allow the user to scan text and then hear it read out loud. Text may be converted to different fonts, sizes, colors, etc. Voice output may be selected, and reading speed may be adjusted. Notes and notation can be added. Common titles include Freedom Scientific's’ WYNN and Kurzweil's Kurzweil 3000.
System software on both Windows and Mac computers let you set high contrast options so images appear clearer. Macintosh computers include a screen enlargement program as part of their system software as well, called CloseView. On the Windows side, Magnifier does the same, beginning with Windows 98. Both Macintosh and Windows computers allow you to choose the size cursor and pointer you want to use and commercial software such as RJ Cooper’s Biggy (www.rjcooper.com) give even more options.
Stand-alone reading machines incorporate a scanner and text reading software to read out loud. These machines can be as small as a pencil or as large as a desktop. Common names include Wizcom’s Quicktionary Reading Pen, and Freedom Scientific's’ Open Book.
For people who have difficulty reading, writing or spelling, writing aids can perform a number of functions. Some allow text to be read aloud as the user types. Some can predict the word the user is trying to type based on frequency of use and context of the sentence. Others have extensive spell checking features. Dictionaries, which speak the definitions of highlighted words, break them into syllables, and include thesauruses, are also available. The use of auditory feedback is important in all these aids. Writing aids may be "stand-alone" or may be computer software.
Some stand-alone options include common names such as Franklin’s Speaking Spelling Ace, or Speaking Dictionary and Thesaurus.
Talking word processors are available in both Macintosh and PC formats. Some of these titles include Don Johnston’s Write:OutLoud, and IntelliTools Classroom Suite. Word prediction programs enable a user to select a desired word from an on-screen list located in the prediction window. The computer generates the word list from the first one or two letters typed by the user. The word is selected from the list and inserted into the text by typing a number, clicking the mouse on the word or scanning with a switch. Many of the talking word processors and word prediction programs have dictionaries and thesauruses on board. Some common titles are TextHelp’s Read and Write Gold, and Don Johnston’s Co:Writer.
Finally, there are some writing composition programs that help to provide a structured outline for writing composition. A common program is Inspiration Software’s Kidspiration.
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With the help of a committed family and school team, positive attitudes and some adaptive technology, Jonathan has successfully been included in a general education Kindergarten classroom in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools."
