• Region 10 Assistive Technology Websites and Resources

    Useful Technologies to Support Students with Dyslexia

    Technology Available for Free or at a Minimal Cost

    The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product. It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

    Operating System Features

    All computers have customizable options and settings included in the standard features of the operating systems. On the Macintosh (Mac) computer, these options are located in System Preferences in the Universal Access Window. In Windows, they are located in the control panel. Educators who work with students identified with dyslexia should start with exploring and adjusting the following customizable features:

    Auto Correct and Auto Text - This feature allows a user to change how word processing corrects and formats text while typing.

    Auto Summary - With this feature, a user can highlight the key aspects of text and assemble them to create a summary. For example, a student can use this feature to auto-summarize a collection of science articles or even create an abstract for a finished history report.

    Contrast or Color Display - A user can adjust the settings to make text and images on the screen appear larger and improve the contrast between items on the screen. This option allows the user to set a high-contrast color scheme that heightens the contrast of text and images on the computer screen, making items more distinct and easier to identify.

    Document Template - With this feature, a user can create a document template using a pre-formatted file-type. In the template, many features, such as font, size, color, background, and pictures, are pre-formatted; however, a user can also edit them for personal preference.

    Movement of the Mouse - A user can change how the mouse pointer appears and turn on other features based on personal preference to make using the mouse easier.

    Readability - With this feature, a user can check the readability statistics as part of the spelling and grammar check. For example, this feature provides information about the number of passive sentences contained in a text and gives scores for Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.

    Speech Recognition - This feature allows the user to access speech recognition to navigate the computer by voice rather than via keyboard and mouse.

    Speed of the Keystrokes - This feature allows the user the option to set filter keys to run when logging on to Windows. For example, changes can be made to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession and/or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally.

    Spelling and Grammar Check - The user may correct typos and misspelled words while composing text using the AutoCorrect feature. AutoCorrect is set up by default with a list of typical misspellings and symbols, but a user can modify the list to suit specific needs.

    Text to Speech - This feature allows a user to access a basic screen reader called Narrator, which reads text on the screen aloud while using the computer.

    Thesaurus - A user can click on an individual word or phrase to get alternative word choices.

    For further information and instructions regarding customizable features, consult the Microsoft in Education Teacher Resources.

    Digital Books

    Digital books websites can be useful. Individuals with dyslexia are eligible to obtain digital books, including digital textbooks. In some cases, a verification of disability is required. The following websites provide information about access to free digital books:

    Bookshare

    Learning Ally

    Local Public Library (check with your library to determine access)

    National Library Service

    Project Gutenberg

    US Library of Congress

    Text-to-Speech (TTS)

    Text-to-Speech (TTS) software provides students access to print by reading the contents on the screen aloud. The following websites may be beneficial for students with dyslexia:

    Balabolka

    Mac

    Microsoft Word

    NaturalReader

    Outlook 2010

    State approved adoptions (NOTE: When new state-adopted materials are chosen, districts should determine if TTS is available.)

    WordTalk

    Speech-to-Text (STT)

    Speech-to-Text (STT) software translates spoken words into text. The following websites may be beneficial for students with dyslexia:

    Efofex Software

    e-Speaking

    SchoolFreeware

    Speech Recognition in Windows XP

    Concept Mapping

    Concept Mapping can assist students in organizing and synthesizing information to make the broader connections necessary for reading comprehension and writing assistance that result in improved performance in content-area instruction. The following is a list of examples of free or low cost software:

    Bubbl.us - This is an online brainstorming website that exports images, such as mind maps.

    Gliffy - This is an online diagramming software tool with flowcharts, floor plans, Venn diagrams and more.

    Inspiration - This visual thinking software is suitable for grades 4 to adult. The software is designed to help students develop and gather ideas, organize thoughts, analyze and interpret information, clarify understanding, and communicate ideas clearly.

    Kidspiration - This visual thinking software is suitable for grades 1-3. Students combine pictures, text, numbers, and spoken words to develop vocabulary, word recognition, reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills.

    Lucid Chart - This is a website that allows students to create collaborative flow charts and organizational charts.

    Mindmeister - This is a website – also available as an app – for collaborative concept mapping.

    Mindomo - This site allows students to create mind maps for a long-term project. Maps can be exported to Microsoft Word and Excel.

    MyStudyBar - This software comes with a literacy toolbar that includes mind mapping, screen masking, word prediction, talking dictionary, and text-to-speech to help students convey their thoughts in writing.

    Quicklyst - This website provides an organizational process for taking notes in an outline format.

    Slatebox - This website provides mind-mapping collaborative slates.

    Time Line Maker - This website allows for the development of time lines with a choice of templates.

    VocabularySpellingCity - This site is meant to improve a child’s spelling and vocabulary skills.

    Webspiration - This website is suitable for grades 5-12. Students will use visual frameworks to aid in writing skills.

    Vocabulary

    Vocabulary can be explored by using websites. For students with dyslexia, slower or difficult reading leads to reduced vocabulary knowledge. The following tools can be explored to support students in accessing difficult vocabulary:

    Lexipedia - This is an online visual semantic network supporting six different languages.

    MathWords - This is an online interactive math dictionary.

    Visual Thesaurus - This online dictionary analyzes and generates a list of useful vocabulary words from any text.

    Visuwords - This online graphic dictionary allows students to create a graphic organizer for individual words.

    VocabAhead - This website provides a visual dictionary using short vocabulary videos for SAT/ACT test preparation.

    WordSmyth - This website provides a traditional look and feel to an online dictionary.

    Web 2.0 Tools

    Web 2.0 Tools have made the Internet a participatory, interactive place where readers create, collaborate, and share information, bringing new and powerful opportunities to the classroom. Students can interface via text-to-speech (TTS) and screen reader (SR) by accessing a variety of resources. The following are tools that can be used by all students; they are especially helpful for increasing content knowledge through collaboration.

    • Blogs are a personal journal published on the World Wide Web consisting of entries, known as "posts," typically displayed in reverse chronological order so the most recent post appears first. Blogs are usually the work of a single individual (occasionally of a small group) and often are themed on a single subject. The following is a list of examples:
    • Multimedia Tools include a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and/or interactive content forms. Teachers and students can access such tools for educational and recreational purposes. The following is a list of examples:
      • Glogster - This is an interactive multimedia poster tool.
      • Prezi - With this tool, the user can create an interactive presentation that serves as an alternative to PowerPoint.
      • Voicethread - This tool allows the user to create an interactive, multimedia slide show.
    • Project Share is an online environment of educational resources that incorporates the use of today’s digital tools. Available for public school teachers and students, Project Share offers an opportunity to move beyond the walls of the traditional and expand the learning environment through multiple avenues, including online courses, wikis, digital portfolios, and more.
    • Wikis offer users the ability to add, modify, or delete content via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a rich-text editor. Most Wikis are created collaboratively. They serve many different purposes, including knowledge management, collaborative learning, and content attainment. The following is a list of examples:
    • Word Processing using Google Drive, formerly known as Google Docs, is a free, web-based office suite and data storage service offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real time with other users.

    Technology Available for Mobile Devices

    The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product. It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

    The price, capacity, and flexibility of handheld devices make them attractive complements to laptop and desktop computing for students with dyslexia. In addition, tablets and other touch devices make text more accessible. The following apps are a sampling of what is available for free or at a low cost; however, students must have access to a mobile device in order to use them:

    Organizational Apps
    Google Mobile
    Search the web (using Google) with voice, access Google account.
    iReward Chart
    Keep up with homework, chores, and other tasks. Setup includes adding rewards and points.

    Reading Apps

    Fry Words
    This app provides a list of the most common words used for teaching reading, writing, and spelling.
    Kindle for the iPhone
    Download and read Kindle books.
    Read For Me
    This app allows students to take a picture of the text to be read and the application will read aloud.
    Read to Kids
    This app allows for the creation of custom audio books.
    StoryKit
    Create a story with drawings, photos, and text entered through typing and voice recording.
    Vocab Rootology
    This is an interactive app teaching the most common word roots in the English language.
    Wikipanion
    Access Wikipedia using a non-cluttered screen and have access to an online dictionary for any word in the article. Search Wikipedia using word prediction.

    Teaching Apps

    ABC Spelling Magic
    This interactive app provides students with practice to hear the sounds of letters as well as build words.
    ABC Spelling Magic 2
    This interactive app provides students the opportunity to practice spelling words with consonant blends.
    ABC Spelling Magic 3
    This interactive app provides students with the opportunity to practice spelling words with two or more syllables.
    ABC Spelling Magic 4
    This interactive app provides students with the opportunity to practice spelling words with the silent final "e."
    Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic
    This app teaches young students early phonics.
    Cursive Writing
    This app allows students to practice cursive writing after receiving explicit instruction.
    Discovery Channel
    This app allows students to watch short clips or full episodes.
    FirstWords Deluxe
    This interactive app provides students with spelling practice while working on listening skills and building their vocabulary.
    Interactive Alphabet
    This is an interactive app that allows students to hear words, letters, and phonics sounds while matching to letters. This app also teaches upper and lower case letters.
    iSpy Phonics
    This app provides a fun and highly interactive way to help students learn to recognize letters and their phonic sounds.
    iWriteWords
    Trace the formation of letters and numbers.
    Oresome Elements
    This interactive game is for the secondary student learning about the elements and the periodic table.
    Nova Elements
    This interactive app explores the periodic table and play games while learning about the elements.
    Simplex Spelling with Reverse Phonics
    This app is designed to improve spelling and reading skills beyond memorizing a word list for a weekly spelling test.
    Sound Beginnings
    This interactive app provides students with practice to build strong phonic skills.
    Smithsonian Channel
    This app allows students to view rotating selections of full episodes with quizzes.
    WWF Together
    This interactive app allows the student to get a closer look at elephants, whales, rhinos and other fascinating species.

    Writing Apps

    Dragon Dictation
    Dictate using the built-in microphone.
    Dragon Search
    Search the web with voice recognition capabilities.
    MindMeister
    Create mind maps (also called concept maps) and share on the web.

    Classroom Uses of a Handheld Device, and/or Tablet

    The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product. It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

    Handheld technology has the ability to offer quick access for students. This technology is usually readily available, mobile, flexible, and convenient. When budgetary constraints limit the purchase of permanent technology, mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, may be a more plausible purchase. The following are examples of classroom uses of mobile devices:

    Language Development - Students use the voice recording feature to podcast their work. After reading a book, a student develops a book report that includes a brief summary of his or her story and then records the report using a handheld device. The teacher posts the podcast to the class website where it can be accessed from home or the classroom.

    Lesson Review - Students use the video feature to capture lesson examples in the form of short video clips. The students then review the lessons at a later date and share ideas with each other.

    Organizational Skills - Students organize their daily class work and homework assignments using the calendar application.

    Reading Fluency - Using the voice recording feature, students record themselves reading to improve their accuracy, rate, and prosody. Students then listen to each other’s recordings and follow along with the books.

    Reminders Feature - Students set appointments and are sent reminders based on the time of day or their location as indicated by the Global Positioning System (GPS).

    Video Conferencing - Students use "Facetime" or other video conferencing software that works with Wi-Fi to collaborate on homework assignments.

    Comments (-1)

  • Cloze Pro

    Great for Reading and Writing
     
    Programs with generated word banks so that the retrieval demands during writing are lessened and vocabulary is indirectly expanded by having the student use target words in sentences
    Comments (-1)

  • Reciprocal Teaching Cards

    FREE
     
    Great for Targeted Feedback and Cooperative Learning
    Comments (-1)

  • Word World: Where Words Come Alive

    FREE
     
    Great interactive site for building sight words using visual images with comprehension.
    Comments (-1)

  • Reading Rockets

    FREE
     
     
    "Reading Rockets is a national multimedia literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help." (intro from website)
     
    This website includes resources that will help students with their Phonological Awareness (sound-symbol connections) be able to go from Partial Alphabetic to Fully Alphabetic Phase.
     
    Translation:  Students know the sound-symbol connections and move from guessing a word from the first or last letter to complete decoding sound by sound (e.g., /b/  /a/  /n/  /k/)  Students are able to sound out words successfully.
    Comments (-1)