Assistive Technology

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Assistive Technology

• Promoting Accessible Solutions for All Students

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What is Assistive Technology?

• any item, piece of equipment, or product that is
  used to increase, maintain, and improve the
  abilities of individuals with disabilities
• includes any tool that promotes independence

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What are the types of Assistive Technology?

• Text-to-Speech Software
• Speech-to-Text Software
• Organizational Software
• Portable Notetakers
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

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Kurzweil Scan and Read

• Software application that reads text aloud
• Reads any electronic text format
• Any document or book can be scanned into the
  program with an attached scanner
• A study skills toolbar allows you to highlight
  and extract text selections

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TextHelp Read Write

• A reading and writing toolbar that works with
  most popular word processing programs
• Reads word processed text in real time
• Advanced writing tools allow you to improve
  spelling, grammar, and research skills.

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Dragon Naturally Speaking

• Speech recognition toolbar used with most popular
  word processing programs
• Allows you to speak into a computer and have your
  words appear on the screen
• Learns your specific pronunciation patterns to
  improve accuracy
• Spoken commands allow you to access programs and
  the internet

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Draft Builder

• Assists with organization of notes for writing
• Students use the writing process to improve
  writing skills
• Helps students write in different genres
  (narrative, compare-contrast, persuasive)
• Students create high-quality first drafts

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Inspiration

• Diagramming, outlining, and concept mapping tool
• Strengthens organization, critical thinking, and
  writing skills
• Reinforces concepts for visual learners through
  easy-to-use graphics tools

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AlphaSmart Keyboard

• A small, light, portable keyboard that allows you
  to enter and edit text
• Text can be sent to a computer for editing or
  directly to a printer
• Files are saved automatically to ensure data is
  not accidentally deleted
• Up to 100 pages of text can be stored

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Palm Pilot

• Handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)
• Allows users to input notes, store contacts,
  schedule appointments, set reminders, and
  maintain a To Do List
• Data can be transferred from PDA to computer

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JAWS for Windows

• Screen reading software that reads all
  information displayed on a computer screen
  including text, buttons, menus, and graphical
  interface icons
• Provides reading support for software programs
  used on a PC

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ZoomText

• Screen magnification and screen reading software
  program
• Provides up to 16x magnification for PC screens
• Screen view can be customized with 7 different
  zoom windows and colour controls
• Complete screen reading capability

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Contact Information

• Interested in learning more about Assistive
  Technology?
• Contact Disability Services at
• 905-575-2389

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Our Mission

• Promoting Self-Reliance
• Maximizing Potential
• Encouraging Lifelong Learning

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Meet Carol
Carol always dreamed of working in a large
office. However, Carol always found reading and
writing difficult because of her learning
disability. After graduating from high school,
Carol enrolled as a full-time student in Mohawks
Office Administration program. Before the start
of her program, Carol met with a Disability
Services Consultant. Heres how her Disability
Services helped Carol..
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