1. Assistive Technology &
Universal Design for
Learning: Helping
Elementary School Children
Learn to Read and Write
Kelly Stoeckle
Courtney Tyra
Melissa Murphy
9. Hip Talk
http://blog.eastersealstech.com/communicating-with-assistive-technology/ or
http://enablingdevices.com/catalog/assistive_technology_devices_used_in_ed
CT ucation/hip-talkers/hip-talk-12-wlevels-accessory
Reading time communicator can help motivate students to read. Adults read and record the book, page by page and label the page with a color coded sticker. The sticker matches a button on the book holder. Children *air quotes* read the book by following along and pressing the same color button to hear the recording. As students become more confident with the story, they will be able to read the book without the use of the recordings.
Earbonics is computer software that helps students increase reading, speaking, and comprehension skills by strengthening phonological awareness through 6 interactive learning games with over 300 levels. This version focuses on ages 4-7 and provides reports to help teachers monitor students’ progress on the five key aspects of reading.
The hip talk is a portable communicator that can be worn on the hip like a fanny pack. Adults can prerecord sentences to match pictures for the students to use. A picture may say eat but the recording may say “I am hungry” The setting can be changed to match different activities and messages. This device helps students communicate their ideas quicker and with less frustration than trying to communicate verbally.
Students with physical challenges may struggle with turning the pages of traditional books, which makes reading frustrating. The touch turner will hold the book and turn the pages for the student. On some models the students simply touch the switch with any kind of tool, other models are motion activated. This can help students feel more independent and less frustrated while reading.
Students often learn to spell words based on how they sound. Thus phone may be spelled F O N by an emergent reader. Franklin Speaking Children’s Dictionary and Spell Corrector can help students work on the correct spelling of the words. So the invented spelling of phone would be corrected. This device also provides definitions, has a rhyme finder, word games, and vocabulary list options.
An alternative keyboard for students who have difficulty using a standard keyboard. Provided with six different overlays, teachers can facilitate physical and cognitive access for students to locate letters and numbers.
An intel reader converts printed text to digital text and reads it aloud. This equipment enhances independence for people with visual impairments, blindness, or reading learning disabilities.
Click-N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard designed for anyone that is physically challenged and cannot use a regular keyboard. The physically challenged person would use keystrokes using a trackball, pointing device, or touching the screen.
This is a line marker designed for individuals with perceptual or attending disabilities. This transparent strip acts like a highlighter focusing students attention to the line or word being read.
IntelliTalk can be used to track students’ responses to quizs and print student records. Students can combine graphics, text and speech to enhance writing and communication skills.
