Language and Communication Skills
Boardmaker and Speaking Dynamically Pro
www.mayerjohnson.com
Boardmaker is a communication and learning tool containing over 3000 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS). It is designed to enhance the language and learning process for students of all levels. This graphic database is a tool for parents, educators, OT's and SLP's. It includes over 100 templates for creating schedules, worksheets, custom-made games and activities, and much more. The program allows you to create communication displays, find and paste PCS into your display or another program, print your displays in black and white or color, import digital photos, and more.
*This is the product that creates the Mayer Johnson images used with the Picture Exchange (PECS) system. Boardmaker is very often used with those with communication challenges to provide a consistent supply of pictures to support a visual communication system, generate a visual schedule, and label items. It is easy to use and comes with a great tutorial CD to walk you through how to create a simple communication board. It also comes with pre-made templates so that the pictures can be inserted into any of a number of specific communication devices.
Speaking Dynamically Pro (SD Pro) is a dynamic screen communication software which allows you to use a computer as a powerful speech-output device. SD Pro can also be used to create interactive educational activities and is most often used in conjunction with Boardmaker.
Price: $589.00 for both
*Allows you to use Boardmaker to create a communication board (such as picture list of activity choices, picture list of emotions, etc) and then rather than using the picture symbols to communicate by handing one to someone or using them via a communication device, you can use the computer monitor to communicate. SD Pro enables the computer to speak aloud. For example: If using a touch screen monitor, when a student touches the picture of an apple the computer can say "I would like an apple" or whatever text you decide is appropriate and meaningful communication for that particular individual. Other ways to activate the communication board would be by mouse click or switch scanning.
Laureate Learning Software
www.laureatelearningsystems.com
Inventory includes software programs that train cause and effect, turn-taking, early vocabulary, syntax, cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading.
Laureate’s Sterling Edition Software features Optimized Intervention® technology. An assessment and training system that tailors instructional delivery to each student's unique needs. The program constantly tracks a student's performance and uses this information to provide highly individualized presentation of material. At the end of each lesson, a summary of the student's performance is presented, allowing you to quickly review progress and ensure accountability. Offers a variety of different software packages including 5-6 programs in each package.
Parent Price for Starter Pack: $392
*This software is engaging and does a wonderful job of tracking data after each use. Great for those on the autism spectrum to help develop early concepts such as cause and effect. Allows customization of the material to be presented depending on the child's needs. Organized by levels, the child works through each level to master a communication skill or concept. At the end of a session the computer screen displays how many errors the student made, what they were etc. to enable focused support in weaker areas. Can be used with a touch screen, mouse, or by switch scanning.
Laureate Learning offers substantial price reductions for parents.
GoTalk 9+
www.attainmentcompany.com
GoTalk 9+ is a lightweight, rugged and inexpensive communication device. This device has a 45-message capacity (9 keys, each 1 3/4" x 2 1/4", and five recording levels). Plus three core messages which stay the same on each level so you don't need to re-record essential messages for each level. Plus all new technology providing good sound and volume control. Uses it's own software to create overlays to use in the device.
Size: 9" x 12" x 1 1/8" Weight 23 oz.
Price: $199.00
Pocket Go Talk
www.attainmentcompany.com
Pocket Go Talk is a wearable AAC device. It's a compact 25-message talker with five easy to activate buttons and five levels. Each message has 12 seconds of recording time. Lightweight and small size makes Pocket Go Talk very portable. It has a larger speaker than the other Go Talks so it plays back speech at higher volume - great for playground.
Scanning through switch access is also built-in for tabletop use, with five adjustable scanning speeds. Pocket Go Talk lets you change level five to a one-minute message. Overlays slide into the built-in transparent membrane.
Weighs only 7.5 oz
Price: $199.00
*Touching a picture button activates the GoTalk device. Once the button is pressed a short message is spoken. The advantage to these devices is that they are very simple to use and typically pretty durable. The device is prepared for use by an individual recording a message for each button on each level. Overlays (the pictures for the buttons) can be made on the computer with specialized software, drawn by hand, or even small digital photos could be laminated and used.
Pal Pads
Flat colored switches
www.adaptivation.com
Applying only 1.2 ounces of force will activate Adaptivation's Pal Pad. They can be activated with the slightest touch whether it comes from directly above or at a shallow angle. Pal Pads are true switches, so you can plug them into any communication aid or battery operated assistive device.
Pal Pads are flat membrane switches approximately 1/10th of an inch thick yet are very rigid and durable. They are designed to be tolerant of rough usage.
Price: Mini Pal Pad: $30.00; Small Pal Pad: $33.00; Large Pal Pad: $35.00
Great for those with motor challenges, these switches require minimal pressure to activate. Can be used with many of the programs listed above. Switch scanning means that picture or buttons on the computer monitor are highlighted slowly one at a time and when the highlight is on the picture the person wants to activate they press the switch to make the choice.
Reading and Writing Support
AlphaSmart
www.alphasmart.com
Portable word processing keyboard
The AlphaSmart 3000 allows you to enter and edit text, then send it to any computer for formatting or directly to a printer. Powered by 3 AA batteries for 700+ hours of typical use.
Rugged, lightweight design. Engineered to withstand handling by students, and features a kid-proof computer connection port. Can save up to 8 different files. Many features including spell check.
Neo
www.alphasmart.com
Portable word processing keyboard
Like the AlphaSmart 3000, Neo offers a full-sized keyboard and long battery life, but adds a 50% larger display and twice as much memory. Rugged, lightweight design. Engineered to withstand handling by students, and features a kid-proof computer connection port. Can save up to 8 different files. Many features including spell check.
Price: $249.00
*Great for those with fine motor/writing difficulties. Small enough to fit in a backpack, easy to use, very durable. The lack of strong contrast of text to background on the AlphaSmart screen can be difficult for those with visual issues, but the Neo's screen enables text to be enlarged for better viewing. AlphaSmart is fine if issues are confined to fine motor skills, but Neo is preferred if there are additional challenges, such as poor visual tracking skills. Many schools have AlphaSmarts and they are fairly inexpensive. Now "Write Outloud" ($210.00) can be purchased for use on the slightly more expensive Dana Keyboard ($400.00) edition enabling the keyboard to become a talking word processor.
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 speech-to-text software
www.scansoft.com
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 is the most accurate speech recognition product ScanSoft has ever developed - delivering up to 99% accuracy. With Dragon NaturallySpeaking you can use your voice to turn speech into text. Create text documents, e-mail, instant messages and surf the web - simply by speaking.
*This software does require an initial training process in order for computer to recognize your voice, but this process is much quicker and more accessible than it has been in past versions. (Not strongly recommended for students younger than middle school)
Price:$200.00
*Great for those with fine motor difficulties in high school and post secondary education, or wherever the writing demands are increased. Wonderful for those with physical disabilities as it allows the user to control the desktop, including opening all programs and files and dictating text, all by voice. Those who have used this software in the past may have bad memories of it, but it has improved by leaps and bounds and is now easily accessible for a wide range of voices including children and those with mild speech difficulties. Now also comes with a "play that back" feature allowing the user to listen to what they have dictated to ensure accuracy, great for those with reading difficulties.
*Works most effciently with a minimum of 1GB of RAM to use without frustrating delays.
Kurzweil 3000 text-to-speech program
www.kurzweiledu.com
Kurzweil 3000 is reading, writing, and learning software for students with learning disabilities. It is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and integrated solution for addressing language and literacy difficulties. The software uses a multi-sensory approach - presenting printed or electronic text on the computer screen with added visual and audible accessibility. The product incorporates a host of dynamic features including powerful decoding, study skills, writing and test taking tools designed to adapt to each individual's learning style and to minimize frustration for both the learner and educator. As well, an audio file (MP3 or WAV) can be created from any text document.
Kurzweil 3000 Professional Color provides for the creation and delivery of electronic documents. Documents can be scanned in color or black and white or opened from another application and saved into Kurzweil 3000 proprietary format. Kurzweil 3000 users who only have one copy of the product typically find it best to have a Kurzweil 3000 Professional which allows them to create and prepare documents as well as use the powerful reading, writing and learning tools.
A free 30 day trial is available online.
Price: $1495.00
Kurzweil 3000 LearnStation allows users to open previously scanned documents as well as other electronic documents. Kurzweil 3000 LearnStation provides the same powerful reading, writing and learning tools as the Kurzweil 3000 Professional product. Users who have more than one copy of Kurzweil 3000 often have a combination of Kurzweil 3000 Professionals and Kurzweil 3000 LearnStations.
Price: $395.00
*One stop shopping for those with language based learning difficulties. Includes word prediction (similar to Co-Writer), virtual highlighters to highlight digital text, including online material, and create outlines by extracting highlights (eliminates the need to print out reams of online material and copy notes by hand). In professional version a test can be scanned into the program and the instructions and material are then read aloud to the student by the computer. The student then has the option of answering the question via a "voice note", recording the answer and saving it in the form of a small speaker icon in the document, or typing directly into the scanned test. Eliminates the need for a scribe and reader and increases student's options for independently completing work. Available in most college student support centers. Can be used in conjunction with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred.
WYNN text-to-speech program
www.freedomscientific.com
WYNN, like Kurzweil 3000, is also available in two versions: WYNN Wizard and WYNN Reader. Both these computer programs read text aloud while highlighting spoken words, include four color-coded toolbars, and provide reading, writing, studying, productivity, and Internet features.
WYNN Wizard is scan and read software. It includes optical character recognition (OCR), the ability to scan printed pages and convert them into electronic text. Speech synthesis enables this scanned text to be read aloud. Additionally, WYNN Wizard can read word processing documents, Adobe Acrobat PDF files, text files, and the Internet. A demo is available online.
Price: $995.00
WYNN Reader includes all features of WYNN Wizard except OCR, or scanning capability. Additionally, files that have been previously scanned and saved using WYNN Wizard can be read with WYNN Reader.
Price: $425
*Very similar to the Kurzweil 3000 program with similar benefits. Scrolling menus are very simple to use. Scanning and editing features not quite as highly developed as in the Kurzweil program. The AT Center is currently running older version of WYNN so it is currently difficult to compare features and benefits.
Soliloquy Reading Assistant
www.soliloquylearning.com
Soliloquy Learning's core concept is students will more easily learn to read if someone listens to them read and provides guided oral feedback.
Soliloquy Learning's technology provides students and teachers with an automated "helper" that allows students to practice oral reading independently with immediate feedback - practice that builds reading fluency and comprehension. This software uses proprietary speech recognition technology specifically tailored for children to listen to new readers and record and track their individual progress.
Here's how it works. Students read content from common publishers (Charlesbridge, Pearson Learning, Scott Foresman, etc.) into a computer through a microphone included with the software. As students read into the microphone, the speech recognition technology tracks their reading performance and offers help - by pronouncing the word or providing a definition - when it's needed. The application includes a record and playback feature as well as progress reports for teachers and parents. It also includes an interactive dictionary to help students view new words and concepts contextually.
Price: $229.00
*Great for independent practice of oral reading skills. Computer program is very quick to train to student's voice (1-2 minutes). Saves data to enable progress tracking.
CoWriter 4000
www.donjohnston.com
Word prediction for struggling writers, CoWriter provides explicit vocabulary, spelling, composition and revision supports that build skill and effectively support a broad population of struggling writers. As a student begins to type a word a selection of choices appears, for example: when they begin to type "th" the words "this, there, the, they" may appear in a list form in the Co-Writer window and they can choose which word they were actually writing from this list. With one mouse click on the word, or by using the numeric keypad they can then insert that word right where they are writing. You can also import text files to create your own "dictionary" of words that are common for you to use. For example vocabulary from a particular story ("Muggle", Hogwarts) can be entered and then those words will also come up as selections in the word prediction box. This is wonderful tool to use both with struggling writer and those who fatigue easily due to physical or sensory impairments.
Price: $325.00
Allows those with spelling difficulties to access correct spelling of words and insert them quickly and easily while typing. Also wonderful tool to decrease the amount of typing required and reduce fatigue for those with physical limitations. Acts as a talking word processor to allow students to hear what they have written and assist with catching errors.
Lexia Reading Software
www.lexialearning.com
Lexia's reading programs build strengths in phonemic awareness, sound-symbol correspondence, decoding, fluency, phonics and vocabulary. At each level, students navigate independently through an increasingly complex sequence of skill-building activities that use age-appropriate graphics and high-quality audio with clear, consistent pronunciation. Students gain competence as the software automatically adjusts to each user's progress and presents additional practice when necessary.
Based on the Orton-Gillingham method of reading remediation, Lexia software provides a structured approach to mastering reading skills. Database capabilities help teachers and administrators to monitor individual and group performance over time. Family versions for home use provide extra practice with minimal supervision needed.
Price: $120.00
*This is wonderful software for building reading skills, however, it can seem dry to those students who have had more exposure and experience playing with typical computer games. These programs should not be thought of as games, although some of them are set up as very simple ones, but rather as well put together "lessons" and an opportunity for independent skill building
Inspiration Organizing Software
www.inspiration.com
Students build graphic organizers to represent concepts and relationships and use the integrated outlining capability to further organize ideas for reports.
Inspiration's integrated graphic diagramming and written outlining environments work together to help students comprehend concepts and information in language arts, science and social studies. Many templates are included with the program to help guide the writing process. Examples of these include literary analysis, book comparison, autobiography, etc. Educators can use Inspiration to customize instruction by building templates for students to follow within the program. Once a graphic map is created, all the written material presented in thought bubbles can then be easily converted into a standard outline in Microsoft WORD with the click of a button. By using the Ear icon all instructions and student writing can be read back to the student by the computer. A free 30-day trial is available online.
Price: $69.00
*Great tool for those students who need assistance in organizing their thoughts for the writing process. Comes with many wonderful templates that guide the student through creating a comprehensive outline. Great for those in middle and high school and all the way through post secondary education. Amazingly helpful tool for a very low price!
Kidspiration Software
www.inspiration.com
Originally created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration® provides an easy way to apply the principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Skills addressed:
Categorize and group
Develop emerging literacy skills
Build comprehension skills
Express and organize thoughts
A free 30-day trial is available online.
Price: $69.00
*A wonderful tool for beginner level readers and writers. Very engaging and fun to use, many picture and template choices included.
Intellitools software
www.intellitools.com
IntelliTalk 3 is an innovative and award-winning word processor that allows students to combine graphics, text, and speech to support and enhance writing and communication skills. It includes special features that promote comprehension, reinforce concepts, and provide a multi-sensory writing environment for all learners.
Price: $140.00
The IntelliKeys® keyboard is a versatile enlarged keyboard that plugs into any Macintosh or Windows computer with only the change of a cable. It enables users with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities to more easily type, enter numbers, navigate on-screen displays, and execute menu commands. Overlays for numbers, mouse movement, and alphabetical and QWERTY key layouts can be slid into the IntelliKeys for instant use. Customized overlays can also be created and printed with the Overlay Maker Program.
Price: $395.00
*Great for younger users or those with physical disabilities who need alternative access to the computer. Buttons can be customized easily when creating overlays for the keyboard to be larger and button functions programmed in easily. Many supporting programs can be purchased to use with keyboard (Intellimathics, Intellipics, Intellitalk, ect.) or can simply be used as an alternative access method.
PixWriter
www.slatersoftware.com
PixWriter is the easy-to-use tool that enables students to have successful early writing experiences. Students write by selecting pictures and word buttons while built-in speech gives them immediate feedback on their selections. To create picture-keyboards, teachers simply type words and pictures are automatically inserted. Teachers can also create talking documents for early reading experiences. PixWriter includes more than 1800 symbol/word pairings.
Price: $180.00
Speaking Language Master
www.franklin.com
The Speaking Language Master™ Special Edition - For anyone challenged by visual impairments, learning disabilities or dyslexia. Headphones are included for private listening, along with an AC adapter; press on locator dots, a large print reference card, and instructions in print and CD.
Students can type in a word and can hear it said, read, and spelled aloud. Automatically checks the spelling. Instantly finds definitions, synonyms, grammar help, and other reference information. Can save words and messages for reminders and study. Comes with 10 educational word games. Device measures 5 inches tall by 5 inches wide by one inch high and requires four AA batteries.
Price: $450.00
*Very portable device has many features, but not inexpensive.
Earobics Software
www.earobics.com
Earobics provides explicit, comprehensive early literacy skill training. It systematically teaches phonological awareness, listening and introductory phonics skills required for learning to read and spell. With entertaining characters and encouraging feedback.
Earobics features sophisticated adaptive training technology that automatically adjusts the level of instruction to the child's skill level and progress. You can set the starting level for each game at Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced. A Progress Chart tracks the child's skill improvements.
Price: $60.00
*Great skill builder for those who may struggle with auditory processing difficulties.
Math Skills
Modumath Math Software Program
www.modumath.org
ModuMath is designed for learners who struggle with math. Created by professional educators, the ModuMath approach is tailored for the needs of students who have had little success with classroom/textbook instruction. AT Center has Basic Math version, but Algebra version is also available through modumath.
Video and audio narration guide the learner through concepts step-by-step, while interactivity builds confidence and comprehension. A free demo and a sample lesson are available online.
Price: $200.00
*Provides simple, step-by-step auditory instructions combined with interactive, on-screen lessons. The multi-sensory approach can be helpful for those who learn better auditorially and those who struggle with math concepts.
Basic Coins CD-ROM
www.attainmentcompany.com
Basic Coins has three progressively challenging segments: Name, match and purchase. This coins-only program includes Penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar and the new golden dollar coin. In the first segment, the computer names coins and gives their values. The most challenging segment of Basic Coins has students buy from a computerized vending machine. You select coins presented to the student.
Price: $60.00
*Simple to use program with realistic graphics of coins. Drawback: It ONLY has coins including more obscure gold dollar coins and may be confusing for some individuals.
Low Vision Supports
Zoom Text 8.1
www.aisquared.com
ZoomText is magnification and reading software. Features include:
Web Finder - Makes it easy to find links on any web page. Once the desired link is found, it can be executed (clicked on), scrolled to, or read from with ZoomText's AppReader feature.
Desktop Finder - Helps you find and open programs and documents on your desktop, including items in the Programs and My Documents folders, and the Control Panel.
Line Zoom Window - Magnifies a single line at a time, while automatically adjusting to the height of text in your documents.
Fractional magnification - New powers of 1.25x, 1.5x and 1.75x let you get more information on the screen.
Support for PDF documents - In Windows XP, ZoomText's AppReader can now read and highlight PDF documents opened in Adobe Reader 6.1 or later.
ZoomText 8.1 enlarges, enhances and reads aloud everything on the screen. Provides access to documents, email and the Internet.
Price: $595.00
*Great product to enable computer access for those with visual impairments.
Big Keys LX & Plus Keyboard
www.bigkeys.com
BigKeys keyboards are standard size computer keyboards with very large keys. The keys are one-inch square -- 4 times bigger than the keys on standard computer keyboards. Great for those with low vision or students with disabilities that would benefit from a less distracting, easier to read keyboard.
Price: $160.00
Alternative Computer Access
Expert Mouse Trackball
www.kensington.com
Designed for PCs and Mac's, the Expert Mouse® employs Kensington's Diamond Eye™ optical technology for smooth, precise cursor movement.
Price: $99.00
*The trackball provides an alternative access method for those with limited fine motor skills and/or physical disabilities. Easier to use than a standard computer mouse, a trackball allows the cursor to be moved by rolling a ball rather than moving the mouse. VPIC has an older version of this mouse than the one shown on the website.
KidTrac Trackball
www.donjohnston.com
KidTRAC is a sturdy, full-sized three-button trackball with bright primary colors to engage students. Adjusts for right-or left-hand use and includes a drag lock that lets students drag and drop without holding a button down. Software includes features for locating the cursor and enhancing cursor visibility. Trackball is plug-and-play for easy connection in the classroom.
Price: $79.00
*Comes with great software that enables the cursor to be made extremely large and much more visible. Same great computer access advantages as any trackball.
Big Track Crayola Trackball
www.infogrip.com
The BIGtrack is the largest trackball available. The large ball requires less fine motor control than a standard trackball and it is ruggedly built. It has a left and a right mouse click button located behind the trackball to avoid unwanted mouse clicks.
Price: $79.00
*Appealing for younger children, very large ball supports easy movement of cursor. Two clearly defined buttons for clicking also easy to use.
Intellikeys
*Please see previous description.
Magic Touch Add On Touch screen
www.magictouch.com
Instantly converts a standard monitor display (LCD or CRT) or notebook computer into a touch-interactive device. USB or serial interface, compatible with Windows, Mac & Linux.
Available for 13-21" monitors & 12-15” notebooks.
Price: $179.00 - $300.00
*Excellent tool for younger children, those on the autism spectrum, those with communication needs, as well as many others. Supports direct interaction with the computer via touching the screen to make choices or activate programs. Wonderful for development of cause/effect and for communication support.
Keyboard Keyguard
www.fentek-ind.com
The Computer keyboard keyguard is especially designed for computer users with limited motor skills. Support your hands on the keyguard and press the keys through the keyguard holes.
Constructed of a clear Acrylic material
1/4" thick - will not bend or crack
Easy to attach and remove with velcro strips
Polished holes for smooth keyboarding
Allows the user to rest hands over the keys
Helps stabilize fingers on the right key
Price: $75.00
Other
Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair
www.equipmentshop.com
The Tripp Trapp chair adjusts easily to seat everyone from toddlers to adults with proper seat depth, back, and foot support at any standard height table. "The Equipment Shop" can also make many special, supportive adaptations to these chairs. To learn more about Equipment Shop adaptations for Tripp Trapp and Kinderzeat chairs you can call 800-525-768
Price: $200.00
*A wonderful seat because it provides what so many do not, foot support!! For those with lower muscle tone this can be very helpful. Very easy to adjust and very durable. "The Equipment Shop" is also available to adapt the chairs to provide additional supports for those who made need a little more.
Time Timer
Visual timer
www.timetimer.com
How it works:
To set the Time Timer, you move a red disc counterclockwise to the desired time interval. The red disc diminishes as time elapses until no red is visible on the timer face. The disc may be moved clockwise or counterclockwise without harming the mechanism.
Time Timers come in three sizes and a CD version.
Price: $30.00
*Great for those who have difficulty with the abstract concept of time. The red portion slowly gets smaller as time passes giving time a very concrete, visual format. A nice support for those on the autism spectrum as well as many others.
*This is not an exhaustive list of the technology available at the AT Center. However, items listed here are the most frequently requested. In addition, the AT Center also has a large inventory of older educational software games from companies such as Edmark, The Learning Company, Attainment, Don Johnston, and others.
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