"Text-reader programs, word-prediction software, and other aids empower youth with learning disabilities..." is the thesis for the article. The authors point out that not nearly enough students with learning disabilities are getting the help they need.
Now, with products such as Read & Write Gold, Read, Write, & Type!, Read Naturally, and READ 180, there is a plethora of assistive aids out there for these students. These aids provide summaries, comprehensions checks, word pronunciation, decoding, and spelling help, as well as background knowledge to clarify context.
Main points:
- 10% of U.S. students receive special education services
- Many of these students are learning in inclusive classrooms, so teachers need more effective aids to help educate them
- Assistive technology devices are used to aid with functional capabilities of individual with disabilities
- Assistive devices are more likely to be used in special education classes than in regular education classes, and for students with severe rather than learning disabilities
- Assistive technologies help greatly with reading support. This includes catching up and understanding, reading interventions, and strengthening and improving reading skills
- Read & Write Gold software is used in school and provides text-to-speech output of words, sentences, and paragraphs to help students read and write
- Read and write assistive technology allows students to succeed and take control of their own learning
- Technology is just a tool in education, students still need good teachers to succeed
I find it very interesting that so many assistive technologies are available, but that we do not use them here at Sitka High. I know that the amount of students with 504 and IEP plans is much higher than that of students with severe disabilities...
I like that these programs are made for older children (4th to 12th grades) because these are the students who need the most help, especially if they have slipped through the cracks for so many years. Also, the fact that these programs are individualized to the student and are in student control is essential in that it give the students ownership over their own learning.
