(Assistive Technology) for Students and Adults with Reading/Writing Problems
Special Education programs have been designed for young students as well as adults with learning disabilities such as reading and writing. The needs of these students or grown-ups are considered “special” and cannot be resolved by traditional classroom instructions. A Special education platform makes use of content, teaching method and delivery of instruction to meet the unique requirements of each youngster and adult.
In the case of children, special education services are free for families and made available to kids until 21 years of age. Most state governments have separate services for adults who require specialized services after they reach the age of 21. On the other hand, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) describe Special Education as instructions formulated specifically for kids and grown-up persons who have problems in school along with social, emotional, and physical aspects in life.
Assistive Technology for Kids
Students with restricted capabilities in learning encounter stumbling blocks when it comes to reading, writing, listening and writing. Assistive technology tools are not high-technology devices fabricated for people with disabilities. In basic terms, these are tools which might not be commonly used in classrooms or technology which is someone with learning impairments. The legal meaning of assistive technology is quite broad. However, you should be able to distinguish between instructional and assistive.
In case the problem of a child has something to do with writing, assistive may be the technology that will enable him or her to complete spelling tests correctly. It may be utilized in different conditions and help a child with assignments that cannot be performed in the classroom, at home or in the community. Technology which can be used by students with learning incompetency to make up for their talent shortfall is a fast developing area in assistive technology at this time.
Assistive Technology for Adults
The right assistive technology for elders who find it hard to read or write can be the usual low-technology gadgets like the traditional tape recorders or urbane high-tech tools like voice input and output apparatus. The thing is to find out the functional inadequacies of this disability. It is not a treatment for dyslexia or the learning syndrome characterized by an acute disorder in distinguishing and comprehending written language and spelling. This is not produced by brain conditions or substandard intelligence.
This know-how offers adults options to make up for weaknesses and take advantage of strong points. There should be an evaluation to determine the technologies that will enhance performance, involvement and self-sufficiency. It should not only consider the adult’s forte and weak points but the type of particular duties to be carried out and atmosphere wherein the individual will do these tasks. An assistive technology specialist can be called upon to conduct special assessment and training, propose modules and coordinate the entire process. The appropriate AT assessment should also take into account support services like training and evaluation methodologies.
Example of AT Tools for Adults/Kids
One effective AT instruments is the software for screen reading wherein the text will appear on the PC screen. This software is functional for persons with dyslexia as well as auditory learners. Om the other hand, speech and voice recognition apps or speech-to-text programs convert oral word into content on a specific page or computer commands using microphones. These include navigation software applications. Speech recognition software is designed for individuals with expressive problems in writing and problems in using keyboards to follow through software programs.
Voice recognition has improved although there is some learning curve in this technology. Voice recognition app recognizes individual speech patterns of users. Constant utilization of said software facilitates recognition of the users’ voice. However, ample patience is needed for this particular program due to the necessary time investment.
Word prediction software presents possible words that users look for while in the process of typing or encoding text. It predicts the next probable word according to regularity of use and context. This is relatively useful for persons who find it hard to type and spell words.
Optical Character Recognition programs translate paper-based text into digital files for screen readers. You may require a scanner to skim through materials from books or text documents.
The software recognizes letter shapes by means of imaging analysis and converts these into electronic text. This technology is ideal for students or older folks who are not capable of accessing printed materials because of poor eyesight.
Visual organizers can be sued for presentations through charts, images and diagrams. The technology is recommended for those with difficulty in processing, analyzing, and understanding text-based information. It is also an effective tool for visual learners. Digital organizers are hardware or software used in time management and resource organization.
Conclusion
These are just some assistive technology implements that adults and young people can use for reading and learning enhancement.
