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Our Service

Our Service. ILC ILC Tech Information and Advice Assistive Technology Communication Aids Computer Access Software Environmental Controls Email: kelly@ilc.com.au or rod@ilc.com.au.

abraham-taylor
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Our Service

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  1. Our Service • ILC • ILC Tech • Information and Advice • Assistive Technology • Communication Aids • Computer Access • Software • Environmental Controls Email: kelly@ilc.com.au or rod@ilc.com.au

  2. “Word processing may be the most important application of assistive technology for students with mild disabilities” (Behrmann, 2002, pg 2)

  3. Literacy Support Software Literacy support software accommodates students and users who: • have dyslexia, • have reading and writing difficulties, • fatigue, • have vision needs, • wish to improve performance with text. Literacy support software • helps develop confidence, • lessens frustration, • reduces reliance on others, • improves productivity, • increases self-esteem and fosters a spirit of inclusion.

  4. Literacy Support Software A range of features that include: - Speech Synthesis (Text-to-Speech/Read-to-Me) - High Quality Voices (near to natural sounding speech) - Word Prediction (Phonetic Spell Checker/Creative Spelling) - Homophone Support - Speaking Dictionary - Word Wizard (Thesaurus) - Study Skills Toolbar/Web Highlighting - Scanning (OCR for PDF’s and other) - DAISY Reader - Screen Ruler/Masking - Concept/Mind Mapping (visual planning and organising) - Voice Recognition (Speech-to-Text)

  5. Literacy Support Software Two key tools that may provide more immediate cuing to the basic elements critical to effective written expression are speech synthesis and word prediction. The appropriate use of these tools can remove barriers and enable struggling and reluctant writers to gain more equitable access to successful learning experiences.

  6. Literacy Support Software Popular literacy support software includes: - ReadOn : http://www.readonsoftware.com/ - WordQ : http://www.wordq.com/ - ClaroRead : http://www.clarosoftware.com/ - Penfriend : http://www.penfriend.ltd.uk - TextHELP Read &Write : http://www.texthelp.com/ - SOLO Literacy Suite : http://www.donjohnston.com/ - W.Y.N.N. : http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/WYNN.asp - Kurzweil 3000 : http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx - Others (Soothsayer, Gus! Word Prediction, Intellitools Classroom Suite) Voice recognition software - Dragon NaturallySpeaking : http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/

  7. Free Screen Readers As some of these are available as free downloads, the voice quality can differ (electronic or robotic sounding). Popular free screen readers include: - DSpeech: http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/ - Word Talk: http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/ - Thunder: http://www.screenreader.net/ - Read Please: http://www.readplease.com/english/downloads/ - Verbose: http://www.nch.com.au/verbose/index.html - Natural Reader: http://www.naturalreaders.com/download.htm Hint: Google ‘free download screen readers’ (some may be a trial version only).

  8. Literacy Support Software Things to consider: • Software may allow a student to work independently in an inclusive environment ensuring they "keep up" with their peers in the same classroom. • Wide range of features and functions with different access methods designed to accommodate different audiences. • Single feature software V’s integrated packages. • Some versions available for Mac users. • Portable versions on USB thumb drives. • Licensing arrangements vary. • Laptop/Notebook with software installed may facilitate more successful integration in general curriculum.

  9. Summary • There are a number of literacy support products vying for customer support. • Each has its own unique features and strengths. • Choose the right tool for the task. • A free trial version or CD demonstration copy is available for nearly all products. • It is always wise to trial the software with users to assess the program before commitment. • The success of such tools depends on how they are matched to the user’s abilities and then used. Technology can help boost abilities and bypass or compensate for disabilities or difficulties; but, the technology cannot (and should not) write for them. • Contact the ILC Tech for further support or information.

  10. Suppliers Major Suppliers of Assistive Technology - Spectronics:http://www.spectronicsinoz.com - Novitatech: http://www.novitatech.org.au/ Local Suppliers of Assistive Technology - CompuEd: http://www.compued.com.au/ Tel: 9322 5617 - LEARN 4U: http://www.learn4u.com.au/ Tel: 9375 8810

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