Educators have many options when deciding what types of assistive technologies to integrate into classrooms. Experts encourage schools to weigh all those options carefully based on the particular needs of students. Below are examples of the assistive technology products currently in use in K-12 schools. (Inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement by Education Week of any of these products.)
Classroom Organizational Tools
Features: Customizable lessons for individuals; programmable keyboards with overlays for math, writing, and make-your-own overlays; stages software; programmable keyboards; switch inputs, which are large buttons that allow students to easily answer questions or give input
For: K-8 students; building custom keyboard overlays; developing reading and math skills
To read about the use of assistive technology in the classroom, see 鈥淎ssistive Technology Broadens Its Range.鈥�
Features: Mapping tools (mind maps, process flows); outlining tools with a variety of formats; text-to-speech; audio recorder.
For: Chunking information; differentiating lessons for individuals with unique learning styles; addressing attention disorders
Literacy Instruction
Features: Focus on reading, reading tools, study-skills development; special edition of software designed for students who are blind and visually impaired; includes Braille note takers and embossers; many text-to-speech tools and features
For: Mix of students with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, visual impairments
Features: Templates, individual student preferences, scaffolding tools; phonics instruction and corrective feedback for beginning readers; SOLO鈥檚 Reading-Research-Writing program , step-based process; includes mathematics and language arts; focus on text-to-speech tools
For: Addressing dyslexia
Features: Text automatically highlighted as it is broadcast in text-to-speech function; toolbars for reading, study, and writing provide different options for optimizing readability for students with visual impairments; text-to-speech function, with speed options and voice options; can annotate, zoom text.
For: Mix of students with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, visual impairments
Reading Resources
Features: Converts text to MP3 or WAV files; typing-echo feature reads out words as they are typed鈥攂y letter, word, or sentence; converts electronic books to audio; offers audio recorder, editor
For: Students with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, visual impairments
Features: Electronic book and text reader with study tools to boost comprehension; easy access to Bookshare鈥檚 library; includes a Web browser with the same interface as the electronic book reader
For: Students with dyslexia or others with comprehension barriers, low vision
Writing in Focus
Features: Software calibrates user鈥檚 voice for speech-to-text; allows dictation of assignment, research, notes, email, and instant messages; enables voice-based searching on Web browsers
For: Students with attention disorders and dyslexia; students with motor-skill problems that make keyboarding challenging
Features: Designed specifically for helping students with dyslexia in spelling and in checking and improving grammar; by using contextual spell-check, catches both misspelled and misused words
For: Students with dyslexia
Features: Includes integrated text-to-speech function; checks spelling, context, and grammar to ensure correct word usage
For: Students with dyslexia and attention disorders
Features: Integrates word prediction, speech-to-text, and audio playback, allowing students to write鈥攂y typing or dictation鈥攁nd immediately review and hear the text, to identify errors
For: Elementary school or older students who struggle with reading and writing and need to hear text read back to them to identify errors
Visual Impairments
Features: Reads aloud all on-screen content; MAGic large print keyboard and Braille keyboard input; translates Braille to regular text; bookmarking function allows users to return to place in text where they left off; can be used without a computer monitor
For: Students who have low vision or are blind and who want access to all digital content, not just electronic books and documents
Features: Magnifies content on screen by up to 26 times; gives audio reading of on-screen content; multiple viewing options, including various color combinations that aid viewing and reading for low-vision users; works on Web browsers
For: Students with low vision who want access to all computer functions
Features: Works with all commercial Braille embossers to translate text into Braille and Braille into text; works with Word and HTML files; translates into and from many foreign languages
For: Students who read Braille and want fast, complete translation of assignments, and students who want to complete assignments using Braille for non-Braille reading audience
Speech Therapy
Features: An iPhone/iPad application that helps students鈥� articulation using flashcards and matching activities for students with speech-sound delays; enables users to record and play back their voices for quick assessment
For: Elementary school-age students
Features: Boosts phonological awareness and processing skills; tools help students segment, blend, and rhyme sounds
For: Tailoring for specific skills development; used in classroom, speech therapy, and home settings
Features: Alternative and augmentative communication devices
For: Students with speech impairments
Features: Communication boards and text-to-speech keyboards
For: Students with speech impairments
Hardware Tools
Features: Audio-recording pen and paper systems that allow students to take notes in class while also recording the audio portions of lectures through a microphone built into the pen; audio files can be saved in PDF format and sent to GoogleDocs
For: Students who need help taking notes or transcribing
Features: Wireless keyboard intended to help students who have dysgraphia (difficulty writing, especially handwriting), but who can type, to capture notes during class
For: Students with dysgraphia
Features: Mobile document reader captures printed pages and converts them to audio files, which students can read and listen to at the same time
For: Students who need help reading printed text
