12 Devices for AT

Below are 12 different devices that people can use when they are struggling with a specific topic. These devices are very helpful and can really change a persons lifestyle of learning and succeeding.

1. Word Prediction Software is a device that students who struggle with word processing, grammer and spelling. The device predicts the word choice that you are looking for when writing. It is very useful for not only students stuggling with grammer. Below is a youtube video explaining how to use the device. It gives step by step instructions on how to use the WordQ device.

http://youtu.be/YEgUw7HDRs4

The WordQ website below is very popular and very easy to use.
http://www.goqsoftware.com/

2. Talking Word Processor System is a device that will read what you typed back to you. It allows the student to understand what he/she just wrote and be able to self correct their work. ReadingMadeEZ is a well-known website that supports this device. This link ReadingMadeEZ will take you to the main website where you can purchase the device.

The ReadingMadeEZ also has a youtube tutorial that allows the student to understand how to use the product. 
http://youtu.be/ieR6MWHcEik

3. Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software is a device that basically types what the student says. When the student talks out loud the device will type out what he/she has spoken. The software is used for students with dyslexia, word recognition, and writing in general. Dragon Naturally Speaking12 is the most popular software that is used. The software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer. You talk, it types. It quickly and easily captures your thoughts and ideas and helps you get done faster.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LCBsC9wuFc

Here is the website to the Dragon Software, it has all the information that you would need.http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

4. Scan and Read Software is a device that helps students who struggle with reading, who have low eye sight or for those who are blind. The software reads off whatever the students scans into the computer. OpenBook Scanning and Reading is a software that is used. http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/openbook-product-page.asp

The device also has a youtube tutorial that allows the student to understand how to use the product.
http://youtu.be/lr6xDiwPTpQ

5. Books on CD is a great device that helps students follow along with the story. Teaching preschool, I use books on tape quite a lot. Students seem to engage more with the book when they are listening to it other than the teacher reading it out loud.

This website has many books on CD/Tape that you can purchase.  http://www.audioeditions.com/?gclid=CL-fucyQ9bUCFZCf4Aodhn8AUw

6. Multisensory educational software (Math) is a software that engages all students abilities and learning styles. It helps those who struggle with math, numbers, shapes, story problem, etc. TouchMath is a device that teachers can use for early grades, the website gives many different examples and ways to teach certain topics in math. http://www.touchmath.com/index.cfm?   fuseaction=WYT.welcome&page=AboutTouchMath

http://youtu.be/NrSOmXsIBTQ This video shows how to use TouchMath.

7. Adapted keyboard is a device that helps students whether they are suffering from visual impairments, or just have a hard time reading their computer's keyboard.

Independent Living Technology is one type of software that has a full line of large print keyboards, alphabetical keyboards, one handed keyboards and on screen keyboards for all of the students needs. http://www.iltsource.com/Assistive_Technology_Products_s/25.htm

This is also a tutorial of how one would use this type of device
http://youtu.be/gkWfGNfNd_Y

8. Portable Word Processor is lightweight device that is easy to transport (e.g., from classroom to home). It can be helpful to kids who may have trouble writing by hand and prefer to use a keyboard. Word processing allows the user to edit and correct his written work more efficiently than doing so by hand.

This website http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/961-portable-word-processors.gs  gives great sources of software to use for this type of device.

9. Assisted Literacy Software is software that helps students with read and write. One type of device used is Literacy Lab, it is a comprehensive literacy instructional program designed to help all students realize the goal of independent and meaningful reading and writing.

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/literacy-lab/?gclid=CJ3A3aSc9bUCFcqd4Aod3joAxg

Teaching preschool I try to always match words to pictures, this allows students to understand the word and meaning of it in a visual and auditory way.

10. Voice Output Communication Device is an electronic alternative communication systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate their needs. This device is important for people who have limited means of interacting verbally, as they allow individuals to become active participants in communication interactions.http://www.gateway2at.eu/page.php?page_ID=3&gen_ID=12&mensub_ID=4&submen_ID=4&AtDet_ID=55

Heres a video of how to use Voice Output Communication Devices http://youtu.be/vVVD63KgY3U

11. Type to Learn Software to teach keyboarding skills, there are many different softwares out there to help you learn how to type. One software that I came across was TypingWeb.com. It is a Free website that allows you learn quickly how to type. There are many typing games, typing tests and ways to receive your typing certificate. http://www.typingweb.com/

This website is great for all ages, its great to use something like this with the early grades. This video shows you how easy it is to use TypingWeb. http://youtu.be/NLw7lH52h-8

12. Electronic Touch Tablets are a type of devices that can be used for all ages from 1years old to 100years old. Its like a mobile computer that you can use your fingers or a pen to apply to. This video shows how great this device is for younger ages. http://youtu.be/-KNrsDep3L0
As a preschool teacher, using Ipads in my classroom is a must. Students are able to engage in many different types of subjects, math, science, reading, without even knowning that they are learning. These touch tablets are fun and are very easy to use

http://www.vtechkids.com/product/detail/2037/Write_and_Learn_Touch_Tablet