Assistive Technology for Reading
Assistive Technology (AT) is any piece of equipment, software program, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. AT assists people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, as well as those with any other afflictions. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies. While AT has many benefits, it must be kept in mind that it cannot “cure” conditions like dyslexia or ADHD. It cannot replace good teaching and instruction either.
One of the biggest myths is that using AT will prevent kids from learning academic skills. That is completely false. For instance, experts agree that listening to audiobooks does not hinder childrens’ progress in learning to read.
AT can take on many forms. Some ATs are simple, low-tech adaptive tools such as pencil grips, highlighters, and organizers. However, many AT tools are high-tech. Due to modern technological advances, AT tools are now available on a variety of platforms:
Desktop and laptop computers
Mobile devices
Chromebooks and the Chrome browser used on any device
For the purpose of reading, Text to Speech (TTS) enables you to see text and hear audio simultaneously. To use this tool, you need to click on or highlight words. The selected words are then read by a computer-generated voice. Ivona, iSpeech, and NaturalReader are examples of TTS software.
Both audiobooks and digital TTS books allow you to hear books read aloud. However, they differ slightly as audiobooks are read by human voices, whereas digital TTS books use computer-generated voices. Audiobooks can be found and purchased on sites like Amazon Kindle.
Optical character recognition (OCR) reads aloud text from images and pictures using computer-generated voices. You can use OCR by taking photos of worksheets, paper documents, and even objects like street signs. Additionally, OCR can audibly read words from pictures on web pages (such as image files in formats like JPG).
Graphic organizers are visual representations of ideas and concepts. Students can use graphic organizers like diagrams and mind maps to take notes while reading, which can help with comprehension. Examples of graphic organizers include outlines, Venn diagrams, hierarchical organizers, and bubble maps.
Annotation tools let you take notes and write comments while reading, making it easier to retain information. This software can also be used by teachers to correct scanned answer papers. Kami and PDF Annotators are examples of annotation software.
Lastly, dictionaries and thesauruses allow you to find words you don’t understand when reading. A picture dictionary is a popular tool that uses images to define words, while a talking dictionary reads definitions aloud.
These tools allow people with a variety of disabilities to complete their daily tasks efficiently and comfortably. With the help of AT tools, reading becomes effortless for all. Therefore, they are valuable technological innovations that have improved countless lives.
References
Alper, S., & Raharinirina, S. (2006). Assistive technology for individuals with disabilities: A review and synthesis of literature. Journal of Special Education Technology, 21(2), 47–64.
Cook, A., & Hussey, S. (2001). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice (2nd ed.). California: Mosby Year-Book, Inc.
DeJong, G. (1979). Independent living: From social movement to analytic paradigm. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 60, 435–446.
Demers, L., Weiss-Lambrou, R., & Ska, B. (1996). Development of the Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST). Assistive Technology, 8, 3–13
DeRuyter, F. (1995). Evaluating outcomes in assistive technology: Do we understand the commitment? Assistive Technology, 7(1), 3–16.