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Friday, January 24, 2014
Monday, September 9, 2013
Technology Solutions for Dyslexics
Technology Solutions for Dyslexics
A big thanks to Cristin Trescoe for sharing this with the Forsyth Dyslexia Support Group
Here is a list of Susan Barton's favorite tech tools:
The Pulse SmartPen
At Stanford University, incoming freshmen who have dyslexia or other learning disabilities that make taking notes during lecture classes difficult, are encouraged to get and use a Pulse SmartPen.
That's where Susan Barton first heard about this new technology tool. Susan purchased one, tried it, and absolutely LOVES it.
Susan Barton, who has no financial ties to this company, will now be demonstrating it at all her professional development courses, and at all her presentations on Classroom Accommodations for Dyslexic Students.
It is very easy to figure out and use. It is the first practical, affordable -- and really cool -- solution to taking notes -- whether you're in a classroom, a lecture hall, a business meeting, an interview, or even an IEP eligibility session.
To watch short video clips of this amazing new tool, go to:
www.livescribe.com
Naturally Speaking
Naturally Speaking is voice recognition software. You talk into its microphone, and the software types what you said into the computer -- spelled correctly. The software will then read out loud what it typed in. If you want to change anything, just grab your mouse and edit it -- as if you had typed it in yourself.
Finally, dyslexic children and adults can get their wonderful thoughts onto paper without first having to learn how to type and spell. They can even use this software to send and receive email. When a new email arrives, Naturally Speaking can read it to them. They can then click on Reply, talk in their response, and click on Send.
Summer is a great time to install and learn to use Naturally Speaking. Then, when school starts, they will be able to do much more of their homework independently.The Premium edition of Naturally Speaking costs only $ 199, and runs on Windows-based computers.
To learn more, or purchase it online, go to:
http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-pc/premium-version/index.htm
The same company also offers a version for Macintosh computers.
Intel Reader
The Intel Reader has added and improved so many features since it was introduced that Susan Barton now strongly recommends it.
This fairly small handheld device, which runs on rechargeable batteries, contains a high-resolution camera that allows you to take pictures of handouts, articles, or even textbook pages -- which are instantly converted to text that you can see on its screen, and listen to them being read to you -- outloud or through earphones.
You can choose from a wide variety of voices, and you can change their speed.
You can also connect the Intel Reader to your computer's USB port and download audio textbooks in DAISY format from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic -- and any WAV or MP3 files, or ASCII text files.
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) works with leading publishers to make their books accessible to more than 270,000 individuals with visual disabilities and dyslexia. RFB&D members can use the Intel® Reader to access and enjoy its entire collection of 62,000 digitally recorded, DAISY-formatted textbooks and literature titles. RFB&D’s digital library – the largest of its kind in the world – provides current editions of state-adopted texts, ensuring that students who struggle with reading can learn from the same versions as their classmates and enjoy educational success. RFB&D recently changed their name to Learning Ally. See more on that organization below.
It see how easy the Intel Reader is to use, and what it can do, watch this very short video:
www.intel.com/about/companyinfo/healthcare/products/reader/overview_video.htm
For a more in-depth demo, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJQuZv-RO8
For a list of dealers, and links to their websites, go to:
www.intel.com/about/companyinfo/healthcare/products/reader/buy.htm
Type To Learn
Most children with dyslexia also have dysgraphia -- extreme difficulty with the physical act of handwriting. For them, handwriting is slow, tedious, and painful (from using too much pressure) -- and it is difficult to read their handwriting.
One solution is to get rid of as much handwriting as possible, and allow them to type their work. Typing will allow them to produce written work faster, and the results will be much easier to read. But it will take a dyslexic child longer to master typing than most children because it requires two weak areas: memorization and directionality. So start teaching them now. If they practice typing 10 minutes a day during the summer, they can become a decent typist by September.
Susan Barton's favorite typing program is called Type To Learn, published by Sunburst Software. It runs on both a Mac and a PC, and it is not expensive. You can purchase it at most computer stores, or directly from Sunburst Software by going to: http://store.sunburst.com/ProductInfo.aspx?itemid=176646
To prevent a child from looking down at the keyboard, you might also want to purchase a removable key-cap cover, which costs about $ 5.
After installing Type To Learn, make sure it won't frustrate a child with dyslexia by changing its settings to Low Vocabulary, Large Font, 8 words per minute, and 70% accuracy.
When a student has gone through all the lessons once, change the settings to Medium Vocabulary, Medium Font, 20 or 25 words per minute, and 85% accuracy. That will make the lessons look entirely new.
Most students will be able to type at least 25 words per minute by the time they've gone through the lessons a second time. At that point, a child with dyslexia should be allowed to type all school assignments. For in-class assignments, they can use an Neo portable keyboard (which used to be called the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard). These battery operated keyboards weight about a pound, fit easily in a backpack, are very sturdy, and the Neo version costs only $ 169. To learn more, go to:
www.neo-direct.com/
Audio Books and Textbooks
Students with dyslexia can learn what's in the textbook, even if they cannot yet read at grade level, by listening to the textbook.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (which recently changed its name to Learning Ally) has over 200,000 textbooks already recorded. Parents can sign up for a membership, and then download their child's textbooks as audio files, recorded by a human.
You can even play them on a iPad, iPhone or iTouch using their app, called RFB&D Audio, which is available on the Apple iTune store.
To learn more, go to:
www.LearningAlly.org
Here are some other sources of books on audio:
Recorded Books rents current best sellers, classics, and leisure books recorded by professional actors.
www.recordedbooks.com
Books on Tape also rents current best sellers and classics.
www.booksontape.com
Check with your local librarian. Many classics are available through inter-library loan.
You can also download e-books -- the text from books. Then, if you have screen-reading software, the computer can read the book to your child.
For a list of sources of e-books, go to:
www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=1117
Kurzweil 3000: the Reading Machine
This combination of scanner and software does more than just read any book, magazine article, or set of notes to you. It is a fantastic study tool. It will read definitions of words to you (or show you synonyms and antonyms), allow you to highlight text in 4 different colors (just like you highlight a real textbook), put post-it notes on a page, and even extract a study guide.
Many colleges have Kurzweil 3000 "Reading Machines" available for students with learning disabilities to use at no cost. Innovative high schools and middle schools which own the Kurzweil 3000 Professional Version often hire someone to scan their textbooks during the summer. Those schools then give those scanned textbooks on CD to parents, so that parents only have to purchase the much-less-expensive Learnstation software.
To learn more, or to request their free trial version, go to:
www.kurzweiledu.com
A similar product is available from Arkenstone, called WYNN. To learn more, go to:
www.nanopac.com/Wynn.htm
If you have an iPad, here is a list of Susan Barton's favorite iPad Apps.
Learning Ally
Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) has over 200,000 textbooks recorded by humans in digital format. Once you become a member and buy their app, you can download their audio textbooks directly to your iPad. You can listen to them out loud or through earbuds. You can speed up or slow down the voice without distorting it. And you can also jump to specific pages or chapters.
That app is $ 19.95.
Speak Selection
When this free built-in feature is turned on, it reads text or webpages to you – with very good voices.
To turn it on, press the Home button to go to your Home screen (your desktop). Then find Settings and tap on it.
In the Settings column on the left, tap on General.
In the General column on the right, scroll all the way down to Accessibility, and tap on it.
In the Accessibility column on the right, find Speak Selection, and turn it on. Then use the slider bar below it to adjust the Speaking Rate.
Then press the Home button to Home screen.
To use that feature, open an email or a webpage. Gently press and hold on any word until a row of choices appears. Either choose Select All or drag the handles. Then choose Speak.
vBookz PDF Voice ReaderSpeak Selection does not work on PDF files. But the app called vBookz PDF Voice Reader reads them to you with an excellent voice, and highlights each word as it is read.
That app is $ 4.99.
Dictation
If you have the brand new “next generation” iPad, you can dictate into any app because the dictate button (the microphone) is right next to the space bar each time the keyboard appears.
If you have the original iPad or iPad2, download the free app called Dragon Dictation. When you open that app, follow the directions to tap and dictate.
Then, with Speak Selection turned on (see prior article), the iPad can read it back to you. Just click on the tiny keyboard at the bottom of the screen (to make your keyboard appear), then gently press and hold on any word until a row of choices appears. Choose Select All, then choose Speak.
To edit that text, make the keyboard disappear, then make your changes. To insert a few words, click where they should appear, then tap the Record button at the top of the screen. To delete a word, just tap on it, then choose delete.
You can then have the iPad read it back. You can repeat that editing process as many times as you wish.
When you are happy with it, tap on the icon in the upper right corner, which allows you to copy that passage (to paste into a different app), or to email it to someone, or even post it on Facebook or Twitter.
By the way, Dragon Dictation also works on iPhones.
AudioNote
This is a great solution for students who have a difficult time taking notes in class. This app boosts the internal microphone so you can record the teacher while you are writing, drawing, or typing on its pad of paper.
Later, when you bring up that “pad of paper,” you can touch anything on the page to hear what was being said at that time.
All of that for only $ 4.99.
And you can try it out for free by downloading AudioNote Lite.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
This free app has one great feature: voice search. You just say a word, and the app finds it and displays it.
But no, Barton users, it does not do all of the neat things that the Franklin Spelling Ace does. I have searched for, but not yet found, any app that does.
Barton Tiles App
The Barton Tiles App gives Barton Tutors more teaching time in each hour -- because you never have to set up, or put away, the color-coded letter tiles.
But it is much more than just tiles on an iPad.
To learn more about the Barton Tiles app, go to:
www.BartonTiles.com
Even More
A bright teenager with dyslexia has created a wonderful blog with great reviews (both on video and in writing) of assistive technology tools he feels are useful for those with dyslexia.
To view his blog, go to:
http://www.bdmtech.blogspot.com/
Also, the authors of The Dyslexic Advantange have a blog they update constantly with announcements and reviews of technology tools.
To view their blog, go to:
http://www.scoop.it/t/dyslexia-technology
If you have any other questions, just send them to me.
Susan Barton, Founder
Bright Solutions for Dyslexia
www.BrightSolutions.US
A big thanks to Cristin Trescoe for sharing this with the Forsyth Dyslexia Support Group
Here is a list of Susan Barton's favorite tech tools:
The Pulse SmartPen
At Stanford University, incoming freshmen who have dyslexia or other learning disabilities that make taking notes during lecture classes difficult, are encouraged to get and use a Pulse SmartPen.
That's where Susan Barton first heard about this new technology tool. Susan purchased one, tried it, and absolutely LOVES it.
Susan Barton, who has no financial ties to this company, will now be demonstrating it at all her professional development courses, and at all her presentations on Classroom Accommodations for Dyslexic Students.
It is very easy to figure out and use. It is the first practical, affordable -- and really cool -- solution to taking notes -- whether you're in a classroom, a lecture hall, a business meeting, an interview, or even an IEP eligibility session.
To watch short video clips of this amazing new tool, go to:
www.livescribe.com
Naturally Speaking
Naturally Speaking is voice recognition software. You talk into its microphone, and the software types what you said into the computer -- spelled correctly. The software will then read out loud what it typed in. If you want to change anything, just grab your mouse and edit it -- as if you had typed it in yourself.
Finally, dyslexic children and adults can get their wonderful thoughts onto paper without first having to learn how to type and spell. They can even use this software to send and receive email. When a new email arrives, Naturally Speaking can read it to them. They can then click on Reply, talk in their response, and click on Send.
Summer is a great time to install and learn to use Naturally Speaking. Then, when school starts, they will be able to do much more of their homework independently.The Premium edition of Naturally Speaking costs only $ 199, and runs on Windows-based computers.
To learn more, or purchase it online, go to:
http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-pc/premium-version/index.htm
The same company also offers a version for Macintosh computers.
Intel Reader
The Intel Reader has added and improved so many features since it was introduced that Susan Barton now strongly recommends it.
This fairly small handheld device, which runs on rechargeable batteries, contains a high-resolution camera that allows you to take pictures of handouts, articles, or even textbook pages -- which are instantly converted to text that you can see on its screen, and listen to them being read to you -- outloud or through earphones.
You can choose from a wide variety of voices, and you can change their speed.
You can also connect the Intel Reader to your computer's USB port and download audio textbooks in DAISY format from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic -- and any WAV or MP3 files, or ASCII text files.
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) works with leading publishers to make their books accessible to more than 270,000 individuals with visual disabilities and dyslexia. RFB&D members can use the Intel® Reader to access and enjoy its entire collection of 62,000 digitally recorded, DAISY-formatted textbooks and literature titles. RFB&D’s digital library – the largest of its kind in the world – provides current editions of state-adopted texts, ensuring that students who struggle with reading can learn from the same versions as their classmates and enjoy educational success. RFB&D recently changed their name to Learning Ally. See more on that organization below.
It see how easy the Intel Reader is to use, and what it can do, watch this very short video:
www.intel.com/about/companyinfo/healthcare/products/reader/overview_video.htm
For a more in-depth demo, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJQuZv-RO8
For a list of dealers, and links to their websites, go to:
www.intel.com/about/companyinfo/healthcare/products/reader/buy.htm
Type To Learn
Most children with dyslexia also have dysgraphia -- extreme difficulty with the physical act of handwriting. For them, handwriting is slow, tedious, and painful (from using too much pressure) -- and it is difficult to read their handwriting.
One solution is to get rid of as much handwriting as possible, and allow them to type their work. Typing will allow them to produce written work faster, and the results will be much easier to read. But it will take a dyslexic child longer to master typing than most children because it requires two weak areas: memorization and directionality. So start teaching them now. If they practice typing 10 minutes a day during the summer, they can become a decent typist by September.
Susan Barton's favorite typing program is called Type To Learn, published by Sunburst Software. It runs on both a Mac and a PC, and it is not expensive. You can purchase it at most computer stores, or directly from Sunburst Software by going to: http://store.sunburst.com/ProductInfo.aspx?itemid=176646
To prevent a child from looking down at the keyboard, you might also want to purchase a removable key-cap cover, which costs about $ 5.
After installing Type To Learn, make sure it won't frustrate a child with dyslexia by changing its settings to Low Vocabulary, Large Font, 8 words per minute, and 70% accuracy.
When a student has gone through all the lessons once, change the settings to Medium Vocabulary, Medium Font, 20 or 25 words per minute, and 85% accuracy. That will make the lessons look entirely new.
Most students will be able to type at least 25 words per minute by the time they've gone through the lessons a second time. At that point, a child with dyslexia should be allowed to type all school assignments. For in-class assignments, they can use an Neo portable keyboard (which used to be called the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard). These battery operated keyboards weight about a pound, fit easily in a backpack, are very sturdy, and the Neo version costs only $ 169. To learn more, go to:
www.neo-direct.com/
Audio Books and Textbooks
Students with dyslexia can learn what's in the textbook, even if they cannot yet read at grade level, by listening to the textbook.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (which recently changed its name to Learning Ally) has over 200,000 textbooks already recorded. Parents can sign up for a membership, and then download their child's textbooks as audio files, recorded by a human.
You can even play them on a iPad, iPhone or iTouch using their app, called RFB&D Audio, which is available on the Apple iTune store.
To learn more, go to:
www.LearningAlly.org
Here are some other sources of books on audio:
Recorded Books rents current best sellers, classics, and leisure books recorded by professional actors.
www.recordedbooks.com
Books on Tape also rents current best sellers and classics.
www.booksontape.com
Check with your local librarian. Many classics are available through inter-library loan.
You can also download e-books -- the text from books. Then, if you have screen-reading software, the computer can read the book to your child.
For a list of sources of e-books, go to:
www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=1117
Kurzweil 3000: the Reading Machine
This combination of scanner and software does more than just read any book, magazine article, or set of notes to you. It is a fantastic study tool. It will read definitions of words to you (or show you synonyms and antonyms), allow you to highlight text in 4 different colors (just like you highlight a real textbook), put post-it notes on a page, and even extract a study guide.
Many colleges have Kurzweil 3000 "Reading Machines" available for students with learning disabilities to use at no cost. Innovative high schools and middle schools which own the Kurzweil 3000 Professional Version often hire someone to scan their textbooks during the summer. Those schools then give those scanned textbooks on CD to parents, so that parents only have to purchase the much-less-expensive Learnstation software.
To learn more, or to request their free trial version, go to:
www.kurzweiledu.com
A similar product is available from Arkenstone, called WYNN. To learn more, go to:
www.nanopac.com/Wynn.htm
If you have an iPad, here is a list of Susan Barton's favorite iPad Apps.
Learning Ally
Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) has over 200,000 textbooks recorded by humans in digital format. Once you become a member and buy their app, you can download their audio textbooks directly to your iPad. You can listen to them out loud or through earbuds. You can speed up or slow down the voice without distorting it. And you can also jump to specific pages or chapters.
That app is $ 19.95.
Speak Selection
When this free built-in feature is turned on, it reads text or webpages to you – with very good voices.
To turn it on, press the Home button to go to your Home screen (your desktop). Then find Settings and tap on it.
In the Settings column on the left, tap on General.
In the General column on the right, scroll all the way down to Accessibility, and tap on it.
In the Accessibility column on the right, find Speak Selection, and turn it on. Then use the slider bar below it to adjust the Speaking Rate.
Then press the Home button to Home screen.
To use that feature, open an email or a webpage. Gently press and hold on any word until a row of choices appears. Either choose Select All or drag the handles. Then choose Speak.
vBookz PDF Voice ReaderSpeak Selection does not work on PDF files. But the app called vBookz PDF Voice Reader reads them to you with an excellent voice, and highlights each word as it is read.
That app is $ 4.99.
Dictation
If you have the brand new “next generation” iPad, you can dictate into any app because the dictate button (the microphone) is right next to the space bar each time the keyboard appears.
If you have the original iPad or iPad2, download the free app called Dragon Dictation. When you open that app, follow the directions to tap and dictate.
Then, with Speak Selection turned on (see prior article), the iPad can read it back to you. Just click on the tiny keyboard at the bottom of the screen (to make your keyboard appear), then gently press and hold on any word until a row of choices appears. Choose Select All, then choose Speak.
To edit that text, make the keyboard disappear, then make your changes. To insert a few words, click where they should appear, then tap the Record button at the top of the screen. To delete a word, just tap on it, then choose delete.
You can then have the iPad read it back. You can repeat that editing process as many times as you wish.
When you are happy with it, tap on the icon in the upper right corner, which allows you to copy that passage (to paste into a different app), or to email it to someone, or even post it on Facebook or Twitter.
By the way, Dragon Dictation also works on iPhones.
AudioNote
This is a great solution for students who have a difficult time taking notes in class. This app boosts the internal microphone so you can record the teacher while you are writing, drawing, or typing on its pad of paper.
Later, when you bring up that “pad of paper,” you can touch anything on the page to hear what was being said at that time.
All of that for only $ 4.99.
And you can try it out for free by downloading AudioNote Lite.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
This free app has one great feature: voice search. You just say a word, and the app finds it and displays it.
But no, Barton users, it does not do all of the neat things that the Franklin Spelling Ace does. I have searched for, but not yet found, any app that does.
Barton Tiles App
The Barton Tiles App gives Barton Tutors more teaching time in each hour -- because you never have to set up, or put away, the color-coded letter tiles.
But it is much more than just tiles on an iPad.
To learn more about the Barton Tiles app, go to:
www.BartonTiles.com
Even More
A bright teenager with dyslexia has created a wonderful blog with great reviews (both on video and in writing) of assistive technology tools he feels are useful for those with dyslexia.
To view his blog, go to:
http://www.bdmtech.blogspot.com/
Also, the authors of The Dyslexic Advantange have a blog they update constantly with announcements and reviews of technology tools.
To view their blog, go to:
http://www.scoop.it/t/dyslexia-technology
If you have any other questions, just send them to me.
Susan Barton, Founder
Bright Solutions for Dyslexia
www.BrightSolutions.US
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