Really useful technology for students with learning
disabilities
by Janet Peters and Perrine Dailey
Students with learning disabilities often have difficulty with skills others
take for granted, such as reading, listening, organizing information, spelling
or writing. The right computer software and assistive technology can greatly
improve a student’s skills and make these necessary tasks enjoyable activities!
However, not all software is appropriate for students with learning disabilities.
Individuals with learning disabilities have various needs and learning styles.
The more care you take to fit your software to these needs, the more useful
the program will be.
In general look for the following characteristics in software choices for children
with learning disabilities:
• The software should address the skill the individual needs to learn
and have levels to allow the student to progress.
• Computer displays should not be cluttered. Students with learning disabilities
usually concentrate better with few distractions.
• Directions should be straight forward. Long, wordy directions at the
beginning of the program are frustrating to most students with learning disabilities.
• It should be easy for the student to correct mistakes.
• The program should be easy to enter and exit. Ideally, the student should
be able to operate the program independently.
• The software should be fun and motivating, with topics of interest to
the individual.
• Saving the work should be easy. Students with learning disabilities
should be allowed as many sessions as necessary to complete the project.
• There should be guidance and assistance by a parent or teacher so the
student does not become frustrated or bored with the software.
Beyond these general requirements, parents and teachers should consider additional
writing aids to help students with learning disabilities. Such aids might include
hand-held talking dictionaries or portable notetakers. When using the computer
for writing, talking word processors have proven to be very effective for people
with learning disabilities. As well, utilities such as word prediction and abbreviation
expansion can be very useful.
There are many software programs designed exclusively for use by students with
learning disabilities. The following list of software and devices contains brief
descriptions of programs that have been successfully used by students of all
ages with learning disabilities. The software is separated into topical categories,
such as talking word processors or word prediction. This list is not comprehensive,
but rather is a starting point for finding software that will be useful for
your child or student. New products are always being developed, and existing
products upgraded, which may provide even more useful support. Price and availability
of listed software is subject to change.
Talking word processors and writing tools
Text-to-speech programs and talking word processors read aloud what the student
has typed. Other writing tools help guide students through the steps of the
writing process.
eReader (previously known as ULTimate Reader) by CAST is a literacy program
which adds spoken voice and visual highlighting to electronic text. Users can
type in text or read, change, study or note existing text from any source -
including scanned text or text from any word processing file, CD-ROM, or the
Internet. Available for Macintosh and Windows, the program costs about $200.
Imagination Express by Edmark is a writing tool that presents interesting and
entertaining graphics with a variety of themes, such as ocean or rainforest.
It can motivate reluctant writers to create and succeed by using a whole language
approach to writing by incorporating themes and teaching the writing process.
The CD is available for Macintosh and Windows. The cost is approximately $40.
IntelliTalk by IntelliTools is a talking word processor with the ability to
speak letter, words, sentences, or paragraphs of read all selected text. The
user can adjust the voice, pronunciation and the text and background color.
It does not contain a spell checker but has basic editing features. It is available
for Macintosh and Windows. Also available is a Spanish language version. The
program costs about $45.
Read and Write by textHELP! Systems is a complete package of useful writing
tools including text-to-speech, a spelling and homonym checker, word prediction,
abbreviation expansion and more. It can be used within spreadsheets, word processing,
databases and desktop publishing programs, databases and desktop publishing
programs, as well as with Web pages and E-mail. The program is for Windows,
but a similar program called Type and Talk is available for Mac. Read and Write
version 4.0 costs about $250.
Ultimate Writing and Creativity Center by the Learning Company helps inspire
children to write by leading them through the stages of the writing process
with Penny, an on-screen animated character. Students can write a story, create
a picture, add clip are, sound or animation. A spell checker, thesaurus and
dictionary are available. The CD is for Macintosh and Windows and costs about
$70. For older students, the student Writing Center by the Learning Company
may be more appropriate. it contains many of the same features including writing
and grammar tips, spelling checker and templates.
WiVox by Prentke Romich is a text-to-speech program that works with any Windows
application, E-mail and the internet to read back andy text the user types.
Can be used with KeyREP word prediction software. For Windows only, the program
costs about $200.
Write:OutLoud by Don Johnston is an easy-to-use talking word processor with
a talking spell checker. It can be configured to speak letters, words, sentences
or paragraphs. Users listen to what has been typed to choose the right word
and revise word choices, spellings and sequence. The spell checker even catches
phonetic misspellings. This program is available for Macintosh and Windows and
costs about $99.
Word prediction and abbreviation expansion
Word prediction software can assist writers with learning disabilities by lessening
the time spent typing each word. The user types the first few letters of a word.
Then a prediction list appears from which the appropriate word is selected,
and the word prediction program then types it into the word processing application.
With word prediction, there is no need to typed the whole word. Predictions
are based on the letter(s) typed, personal preference and how frequently words
are used.
Abbreviation expansion software programs allow two or three letters to expand
into phrases or full sentences. The abbreviation expansions can be data, such
as commonly used phrases, a person’s name and address or any other text.
This assists users by speeding up their typing when it is necessary to type
repetitive information.
SoothSayer by Applied Human Factors is a word prediction program with abbreviation
expansion and sentence completion. This program also functions as a text-to-speech
program. An extensive dictionary and Hot Key functions are also included. This
program is only available for Windows, and costs about $99.
Aurora Prediction is word prediction software from Aurora Systems, Inc. The
program features a dictionary, grammar and spelling checker. The program learns
and predicts phrases as well as individual words, and can be used with a single
finger. Can be used with speech output software called Aurora Talk or Aurora
Echo. The program is for Windows only and costs about $400.
Co:Writer by Don Johnston is a word prediction program that helps students build
and write complete sentences. As the student writes, Co:Writer uses its built-in
intelligence to prompt the student with words that fit into the sentence. There
are three dictionaries to choose from 2,000 words, for beginning writers, and
10,000 words and 40,000 words for students of all ability levels. This program
is available for Macintosh and Windows and costs about $290.
KeyREP by Prentke Romich is a word prediction and abbreviation expansion software
package. KeyREP works with any keyboard and any application running under Windows.
It can also be used with WiVox, a text-to-speech program. This program costs
about $250 an is only available for Window.
ShortKeys by Insight Software Solutions replaces a word with a sentience, paragraph
or several paragraphs allowing the user to save time by not having to key in
the sentence or paragraphs. Users simply choose a word and associate it with
the replacement text. This is a shareware program for Windows which costs about
$20.
Telepathic II by Madenta acts as if it is reading your thoughts. It also includes
abbreviation expansion and Hot Keys, which allow the user to set one keystroke
to do simple functions such as picking a word from the word list or hiding the
prediction pallette. It also acts as a text-to-speech program. Available for
either Macintosh or Windows, the program costs about $260.
TypeIt4Me is shareware abbreviation expansion for the Macintosh. It works with
all applications including word processing and E-mail. French,Dutch and Italian
versions are available as well. It can be downloaded form www.hebel.net/rettore/AboutTypeIt4Me.html.
Reference software
Encyclopedias, dictionaries and other research tools allow students with learning
disabilities to complete essays and other written work independently. Many of
these reference programs offer speech support so users can listen to the information.
Webster’s Internet Ready Dictionary & Thesaurus by Exceller Corporation
is a talking dictionary program that reads aloud both the word and definition.
It allows the user to find the spelling and definition of any word, abbreviation
or synonym, or even biographic and geographic information. It also contains
practical supplements and reference tales that include Guide for Writers, Avoiding
Sexist Language, From Sounds to Spellings, and more. It can by easily launched
while you are in another program such as a word processor, E-mail, or Internet
browser. It is available for Macintosh or Windows and costs about $30.
Inspiration, by the Inspiration Company, is a powerful visual learning tool
that inspires students to develop ideas and organize their thinking. Users can
create and modify concept maps, webs, and other graphical organizers. As well,
an outline view enables students to quickly prioritize and rearrange ideas,
helping them create clear, concise writing. It is available for Macintosh or
Windows, and costs about $100.
Portable word processors and hand-held devices
Hand-held devices such as portable notetakers, spelling checkers and speaking
dictionaries offer students flexibility and assistance when they are away from
a computer.
AlphaSmart 2000 by Intelligent Peripheral Devices is a portable word processor
with a built-in spell checker for taking up to 60 pages of class notes. It weighs
only two pounds and will run 200 hours on two AA batteries. The data files can
be uploaded to a Macintosh or Windows computer or sent directly to a printer.
The cost is approximately $250.
Laser PC by Perfect Solutions is a portable notetaker with word processing and
a spell checker, a spreadsheet, built-in typing tutor, phone directory and simple
database functions. It can store up to 100 pages of text. The files can be uploaded
to a Macintosh or Windows computer or sent directly to a printer. It also has
the ability to send and retrieve E-mail. The cost is approximately $270.
Quicktionary Reading Pen by Seiko USA in an assistive reading device that can
be used anywhere. Simply scan in a word and the Reading Pen will read that word
aloud using a built-in speaker or headphones. A dictionary is also built-in.
Also made by Seiko is a product called Quicktionary D-Fine that contains the
American heritage Dictionary. The cost is about $300.
Speaking Fundamental Dictionary by Franklin electronic Publishers is a hand-held
talking dictionary with spelling corrections and animated graphics. It also
comes with various word games for language practice. There are other options
and “books” to expand the functionality of the unit. A dictionary/thesaurus
and a portable spell checker are also available. The cost is approximately $200.
Screen reading programs
Screen reading programs allow students to scan in books, magazines and any other
text document and have the text read aloud. The programs often require a newer
computer and a scanner with OCR (optical character recognition) to work.
Kurzweil 3000 by Lernout & Hauspie is a screen reading program that provides
both an auditory and visual presentation of scanned text and images on the computer
screen. It helps readers improve reading speed and comprehension. the Kurzweil
3000 program, which is only available for Windows, requires a scanner and costs
about $2000.
WYNN (What You Need Now) by Arkenstone Inc. is an easy-to-use optical character
recognition program designed by individuals with learning disabilities to allow
users with print reading difficulties access to books, newspapers, worksheets
and any printed matter that can be scanned. As well, files with text can be
read aloud to the user. WYNN Wizard for Windows with OCR costs about $995, WYNN
Reader (without OCR) costs $399.
Internet sites related to LD
Many Internet sites address the needs of individuals with learning disabilities.
Following is a list of several useful sites that offer a variety of information
for individuals, parents and educators. Many of the sites contain useful links
to other sites. Happy surfing.
Bob’s Little Corner of the Web - www.ruralnet.net/~bobseay/homepage.html
- This site ("under development" as of 5/03)
offers an alternative philosophy of ADD, and contains information about ADD,
inspirational quotes, research and articles, theory about temperament, creativity
and intelligence and more.
CHADD - www.chadd.org - This organization provides
support and education to people affected by ADD and ADHD. Included FAQs, legal
rights and legislative information, school discipline and much more.
Cyberwink - www.cyberwink.com - Don Winkler,
who is dyslexic, knows the benefits and gifts that come from seeing the world
from a different perspective. Visit this website to meet Don, learn about his
Breakthrough Leadership Process and find out more about learning differences.
Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation - www.hellofriend.org
- This site was established to celebrate the life and fulfill the goals and
dreams of Ennis William Cosby. This web site is dedicated to helping visitors
learn about Ennis, about the foundation established in his memory, and about
learning and learning differences.
Homework Central - www.nosweat.com - HomeworkCentral.com
is an on-line learning environment made up of the world’s bet links to
knowledge on the Internet. Explore over 10,000 study subjects linked to 75,000
scholar-selected Internet resources. This site also has a learning disabilities
resource section with a chat room and bulletin board.
International Dyslexia Association - www.interdys.org
- This site provides a wealth of information about dyslexia, including useful
technology, resources, conferences, bulletin boards, legal assistance, and much
more.
LD Online - www.ldonline.com - This comprehensive
site offers many useful features, including a newsletter, where to find help,
information about specific learning disabilities, assistive technology and discussions
on a variety of topics related to learning disabilities.
LD Pride - ldpride.net - This web site is focused
on bringing together the LD community and encouraging pride in those with LD.
This site also has bulletin boards, chat rooms, information about learning styles
and much more.
LD Resources - www.ldresources.com - This
is Richard Wanderman’s site, which contains a wealth of LD information,
including the “LD Reader” newsletter, information about LD culture,
intelligence, articles and essays, writing process, computers, colleges, quotations,
electronic books, useful links, and more.
Learning Disabilities Association of America - www.ldanatl.org
- This site has lots of information about self-advocacy, books and other resources,
IEPs, early education, transition, home schooling, inclusion, information for
parents, and much more.
National Center for Learning Disabilities - www.ncld.org
- This comprehensive site contains a variety of information about learning disabilities,
and includes tips, testing issues, college resources, legal issues, home schooling
and much more.
Schwab Foundation for Learning - www.schwablearning.org
- This site offers a wide range of services for parents and educators to provide
information, support and resources to improve the lives of students with learning
differences. Includes articles, a bulletin board, web resources, and more.
Teens Helping Teens - www.ldteens.org - A page
designed by LD teens to help other teens. Includes coping techniques, a place
for art, poetry and stories, study help, famous people with LD and more.
National Resources
There are many national organizations that offer information, support and assistance
to individuals with learning disabilities, parents and educators.
American Hyperlexia Association, 479 Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126, 708-530-8551
Attention Deficit Disorder Association, P.O. Box 972, Mentor, OH 44601, 800-487-2282,
www.add.org, natladda@aol.com
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD), 8181 Professional
Place, Suite 201, Landover, MD 20785, 800-233-4050, 301-306-7090 (FAX), www.chadd.org
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD),
1920 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091-1589, 800-328-0272, CEC web - www.cec.sped.org,
DLD web - www.cec.sped.org/dv/#12
Council for Learning Disabilities, P.O. Box 40303, Overland Park, KS 66204,
913-492-8755, 913-492-2546 (FAX), coe.winthrop.edu/cld,
KMcbr41457@aol.com
International Dyslexia Association (formerly The Orton Dyslexia Society), 8600
LaSalle Road, Chester Building, Suite 382, Baltimore, MD 21286-2044, 800-222-3123
or 410-296-0232, 410-321-5069 (FAX), www.interdys.org,
info@interdys.org
LD Resources, Anne and Richard Wanderman, 202 Lake Road, New Preston, CT 06777,
860-868-3214, richard@ldresources.com
Learning Disabilities Association of America, 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh,
PA 15234, 888-300-6710, 412-344-0224 (FAX), www.ldanatl.org,
ldanatl@usaor.net
National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center, c/o Academy for Educational
Development, 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20009-1201,
202-884-8185 or 800-953-2552, info@nalldc.aed.org
National Center for Law and Learning Disabilities, P.O. Box 368, Cabin John,
MD 20818, 301-469-8308
National Center for Learning Disabilities, 381 Park Avenue, S., Suite 1401,
New York, NY 10016, 888-575-7373 or 212-545-7510, 212-545-9665 (FAX), www.ncld.org
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY),
P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013-1492, 800-695-0285, www.nichcy.org,
nichcy@aed.org
Parents of Gifted/LD Children, Inc., 2420 Eccleston Street, Silver Spring, MD
20902, 301-986-1422, 301-565-7809 (FAX), pgtld@geocities.com
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, 800-221-4792, 609-520-7990 (FAX), www.rfbd.org
Schwab Foundation for Learning, 1650 S. Amphlett Blvd., #300, San Mateo, CA
94402-2516, 800-230-0988 or 650-655-2410, 650-655-2411, www.schwablearning.org
Vendors
Following is a list of vendors who manufacture and distribute the software and
assistive technology listed in this article.
Applied Human Factors, P.O. Box 78107, San Antonio, TX 78278, 210-408-0098,
210-408-0097 (FAX), www.ahf-net.com, sales@ahf-net.com
Arkenstone, Inc., NASA Ames Moffett Complex, Bldg. 23, P.O. Box 215, Moffett
Field, CA 94035-0215, 800-444-4443, www.arkenstone.org
Aurora Systems, inc., 2647 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R-5H4, 800-361-8255,
www.djtech.com/Aurora, aurorasw@direct.ca
CAST, 39 Cross Street, Peabody, MA 01960, 508-538-0036 or 888-858-9994, www.cast.org,
ult@cast.org
Don Johnston Inc., 26799 W. Commerce Drive, Volo, IL 60073, 800-999-4660, www.donjohnston.com,
info@donjohnston.com
Edmark Corporation, 6727 185th Avenue, NE, Redmond, WA 98073-9721, 800-362-2890,
www.edmark.com, edmarkteam@edmark.com
Exceller Software, 10999 Reed Hartman Hwy., Suite 330, Cincinnati, OH 45242,
513-792-9555, 513-792-9546 (FAX), www.exceller.com,
exceller@aol.com
Franklin Electronic Publishers, One Franklin Plaza, Burlington, NJ 08016-4907,
800-525-9673, www.franklin.com
Insight Software Solutions, Inc., P.O. Box 354, Bountiful, UT 84011-0354, 800-317-3333,
www.shortkeys.com
Inspiration Software, Inc., 7412 S.W. Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Suite 102, Portland,
OR 97225-2167, 408-252-9400, www.alphasmart.com,
info@alphasmart.com
IntelliTools,Inc., 55 Leveroni Court, Suite 9, Novato, CA 94949, 800-899-6687,
www.intellitools.com, info@intellitools.com
Kurzweil Educational Systems Group, Lernout and Hauspie Speech Products (L&H),
52 Third Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803, 800-894-5374, 781-203-5033 (FAX), www.lhsl.com/education/dyslexia.asp,
education.sales@lhsl.com
Madenta Communications, Inc., 3022 Calgary Trail S., Edmonton, AB, Canada T6J
6VA, 800-661-8406, www.madenta.com, sales@madenta.com
Perfect Solutions Software. Inc., 15950 Schweizer Court, West Palm Beach, FL
33414-7128, 800-726-7086, www.perfectsolutions.com,
perfect@gate.net
Prentke Romich, Inc., 1022 Heyl Road, Wooster, OH, 44691, 800-262-1984, www.prentrom.com,
info@prentrom.com
Seiko Instruments USA, Inc., ATTN: CPD/EPD/RP, 2990 W. Lomita Blvd., Torrance,
CA 90505, 877-344-4040, www.readingpen.com
textHELP! Systems, Enkalon Business Centre, 25 Tandalstown Road, Antrim, Northern
Ireland, BT41 4LJ, Toll Free Voice Mail 877-631-5991, info@texthelp.com,
www.texthelp.com
The Learning Company, 7104 Ambassador Road, Baltimore, MD 55430-4003, 800-973-5111,
www.shoptlc.com, custserv@learningco.com
Note: The authors can be reached by contacting the PACER Center, 8161 Normandale
Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044, 952-838-9000, 952-838-0199 (FAX), stc@pacer.org,
www.pacer.org
This article was originally published in the October/November, 2000 issue of Closing the Gap, Computer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation. For more information visit www.closingthegap.com. Copyright Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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