Assistive Technology Tools for Learning Disabilities, Learning Differences, and Other Needs
My Assistive Technology Toolbox
I use a wide variety of technologies in my practice -- both high-tech and low-tech -- too numerous to mention here. But I'd like to list some of the more significant ones that I rely on, and which I include in my trainings.
Because so many software tools perform multiple functions, it's difficult to list technologies by category such as "Technologies for Reading" and "Technologies for Writing" -- certain tools would show up in several places -- so I've chosen to list them in a more eclectic manner that's still somewhat logical.
Look for this section to be significantly expanded in the near future.
Reading, Writing, & Learning Software Suites
- Kurzweil 3000 (Mac & PC)
- Read & Write Gold (Mac & PC)
- WYNN (PC)
- ClaroRead (Mac & PC)
- SOLO Literacy Suite (Mac & PC)
Simple text-to-speech, text-to-MP3 applications
- TextAloud MP3 (PC)
- GhostReader (Mac)
Graphic Organizers
- Inspiration (Mac & PC)
- Kidspiration (Mac & PC)
- MindManager (Mac & PC)
- Free Mind (Mac & PC)
Portable Work Processors
Speech recognition (speech-to-text)
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking (PC)
- Macspeech Dictate (Mac)
- (also see MathTalk and MathPad by Voice, below)
Notetaking
- Microsoft OneNote (PC)
- Circus Ponies NoteBook (Mac)
- Livescribe Pulse Smartpen (Mac & PC)
- EverNote (online, Mac, and PC)
Math
- InspireData (Mac & PC)
- MathPad & MathPad Plus (Mac & PC)
- MathPad by Voice (PC)
- MathTalk (PC)
- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (online, Mac, & PC)
- Kidspiration-Math View (Mac & PC)
Instructional Tools
- mimio - interactive whiteboard & capture device (Mac & PC)
Resources for Alternatives to Printed Text
- Bookshare.org
- Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
- DAISY players, various (Mac & PC)
Assorted Standalone Reading & Writing Aids
- Visual Thesaurus (online, Mac, & PC)
- Ginger - contextual spellchecker (online, PC)
Other Noteworthy Tools I Use
Alternative Computer Access
- Keystrokes - customizable onscreen keyboard (Mac)
- SwitchXS - customizable switch access of compter (Mac)
- LayoutKitchen - programs Keystrokes and SwitchXS (Mac)