Assistive technology refers to creative solutions to help students who have various learning challenges, disabilities and impairments. These technology tools do not eliminate the learning problem, but they help students to make the most of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.
WordTalk
WordTalk is a free add-on program for Microsoft Word. This software add-on will verbally read text within documents. It can save the Word document as an audio files for download or listening. The functions of this program are accessed and initiated through customized keyboard shortcuts. This means that individuals with limited vision to read a computer screen or physical coordination to handle a mouse effectively can easily listen to what is written within documents. WordTalk technology is perfect for students with disabilities like dyslexia because it helps them to understand the coursework content.
Word Prediction Technology
Almost all smart phones and tablets come with word prediction technology. Anyone who has sent a text message will most likely see potential words presented for them to select while they type. Word prediction technology applications are available for free download and installation on traditional desktop computers. Students with writing challenges, such as those related to grammar, spelling and word choices, can use the word predictor technology to save time and improve their writing quality. Word prediction programs use syntax, spelling and frequency of use to predict. They work well for any student who struggles with short-term memory difficulties.
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning and subtitling services enable deaf students and English as a Second Language (ESL) students to keep up with other students and better understand the video’s content. Subtitles are especially important for ESL students to understand pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed and falling behind. Closed captioning or subtitling is actually becoming the new standard in corporate training and distance education programs. Some closed captioning programs allow users to create their own subtitled videos, which is useful for impaired students creating projects or multimedia content.
Alternative Peripheral Controllers
Students with limited mobility, such as the physically disabled, may be able to use the newly developed FaceMouse to perform computer tasks. The FaceMouse, which was created by Claro, transforms a regular webcam into a mouse that responds to the users’ facial gestures and head movements to perform tasks like pointing and clicking the mouse cursor. In a way, the users’ head becomes a virtual joystick controller that allows them to mimic keyboard buttons, such as pointing their head up for the up arrow key or opening their mouth for the enter key. The ingenuity of this system lies in the fact that the user can customize their actions to mouse movements and keystrokes.
Visual Support
Students with visual challenges may also benefit from a screen reader that comes with an integrated screen magnifier and text-to-speech recognition technology. Some of these programs come with Braille display support. As simpler solution is just a video magnifier program that acts as camera to maximize the display of text or content. This technology is best for students with low vision.
Assistive technology makes notable progress and performance differences to students with special needs by increasing their accessibility and understanding. Students who use these technology solutions may need more time to complete their tasks, but they will be able to create and submit high-quality academic work.
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