Writing Assistive Technologies

 Copernic Summarizer

This software program can analyse a text of any length, on any subject, in any one of four languages,
and create a document summary as short or as long as you want it to be. It can summarize Word
documents, Web pages, PDF files, email messages and even text from the Clipboard.

Copernic Summarizer ultimately focuses on the essential text elements, resulting in more relevant
summaries.

Teaching Ideas/Implications

Dyslexic children sometimes struggle to read and interpret the simplest of texts. By installing this
program onto classroom computers/PDAs you will be able to create clear and concise summaries of
web pages and word documents for all your students including those with Dyslexia. Furthermore,
the students themselves will be able to ulisize the software when completing research tasks and
other classroom projects to create shorter, simpler web documents which are easier to read and
interpret.
Text-to-speech Software
 Ghotit

Ghotit is a software program which can be installed as an add-on to Microsoft Word. It

incorporates the following functions:

- Unique spell checker that takes into account the context of the sentence the word is being
used.
- Can correct words that are spelled with multiple mistakes.
- Corrects grammar based on defined grammar rules and based on the context of the
sentence.
- Merges split words; for example, if you write “Happy Birth day”, Ghotit will correct and
suggest “Happy birthday”.
- Provides meanings and synonyms to help you choose the correct word.
- Integrated text-to-speech function so that the user can make sure what they wrote is what
they intended to communicate.

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhG17h-E_Mg

Teaching Ideas/Implications

Ghotit is a fantastic program not just for Dyslexic children but for any child who struggles with
writing, spelling and grammar. Allowing children to use the Ghotit program when writing will ensure
that errors are picked up instantly and the correct changes made. This software will not only give
your students confidence in their writing ability but encourage them to take more chances with an
expanded vocabulary. They know that the program is there to review their writing and offer the right
corrections.
Whilst there is an online version of Ghotit, your school can also sign up for free and get Ghotit for
word installed on every computer. DO IT TODAY!!!
  WordTalk

WordTalk converts Microsoft Word into a text-to-speech system. It in turn has the potential to
support reading in many ways. Furthermore, because it uses synchronized word-by-word
highlighting, it dramatically builds sight-word recognition. As a result, content becomes accessible
and students become independent. They no longer have to wait for people to read to them.
WordTalk can also convert text to mp3 files making text portable.

WordTalk also has the potential to support writing however. When students hear their words read
back to them they recognise problems in ways they simply can not while reading print. They hear
miss-spellings; they hear repeated and missing words. They hear repetitive words. They hear issues
with rhythm, even issues with description.

Teaching Ideas/Implications

- Reading Groups, smartboard, like having a parent helper reading to every child.

WordTalk and Ghotit are free solutions which allow schools to meet the
learning needs of a wide group of students and ensure that no one is left
behind. Get them for your school TODAY!!!

 Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 scans a printed document, displays the page just as it

appears in the original document (e.g., book, magazine), with all of
the color graphics and pictures intact. It then reads the document out
loud while highlighting the image of the print as it is being read. It
essentially does what a reading teacher does - reading to a pupil
while pointing out exactly what is being read.

Your students can essentially bring in a library book or article, scan

the material and then listen to it. It is also possible to change the
voice and speed that the program reads to suit each individual child.
The software also comes with a CD that contains numerous words
available to be read without scanning.

One drawback to the product is that scanning each page of text when reading a book is extremely
time consuming and takes a large amount of computer space. It is however a wonderful tool that has
the potential to give your students a sense of independence.

Image Source
http://www.bridges-canada.com/images/product/kurzweil3000box.jpg
  Clicker 4 by Crick Software

Clicker Writer is a talking word processor. You can type into it just like any word processor. When
you complete a sentence, the sentence is spoken using one of the clear voices included. If you like,
you can have each word spoken as it is entered, or even each letter.

Setup like an onscreen keyboard, each key (or cell) can hold a letter, word, phrase or picture. As the
students click on each cell, the text/graphic in the cell is sent into the build-in-word processor –
Clicker Writer. Alternatively, the text can be sent to any other word processing software already
installed on your computer.

Cells can also speak their text and students are given the option of recording their own voice directly
into a cell.

Clicker 4 is a fantastic program which offers students scaffolding in their writing. With access to an
unlimited number of words of pictures, it is suitable for students of all ages.

Teaching Ideas

Amazingly easy to use and create, why not use words from reading books or the current topic in
your classroom. Lots of ready-made grids are also included with the program, and hundreds more
are available online.

Clicker is also a powerful tool for designing multimedia presentations which could be enhanced
through the use of digital photographs, sound and video. For example, children could make a simple
talking book, produce a multimedia guide to the school or create collaborative onscreen
presentations.

Image Source http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/35

 Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a program which turns your speech into writing on the screen.

Dragon speech recognition software is helping to enhance the educational process for students and
teachers alike. It has been shown to improve core reading and writing skills for students of all
abilities, including those with physical or language-based learning disabilities as well as English
Language Learners. Dragon lets students dictate papers and assignments three times faster than
typing — with up to 99% accuracy

Dragon Naturally Speaking - well reviewed program which turns your speech into writing on the
screen! Highly recommended for dyslexic teenagers and students: 'An invaluable program, which I
use every day. The more time you spend at the 'training stage' - reading chapters of a book out loud -
the better it works. Also, let it take a look at your 'My Documents' folder, so that it can learn the kind of
expressions you use a lot. You are offered the option to do this during the training stage.
  Jollymate

Jollymate is a self learning device which helps dyslexic children to identify letters and numbers
correctly.

http://vimeo.com/8345158

 Keyboard
 Other Technologies

Mind-Mapping Software

 Kidspiration

A visual way to explore and understand words, numbers and concepts

The benefits of Mind Mapping are well known. Used for a wide variety of activities from
planning, organising, summarising ideas and learning to problem solve, there are a variety of
mind-mapping softwares currently available to suit the needs of you and your students.

Widely accepted characteristics of dyslexia include poor memory, trouble with focusing,
planning, and organization. In general, tasks also take longer to carry out. However, with
Mind Mapping these problems can be alleviated. The colorful, symbolic and image related
stature means that Mind Maps are less dense than text. Furthermore, the substantial lack of
words creates an easier and more supportive environment for Dyslecix students as well as
those who are predominately visual learners.

Teaching Ideas/Implications

- Create flow charts which summarise key points and concepts for your students

- Pre writing brainstorm tool

- Assist recall of information post research/reading

- Alternate assessment tasks for Dyslexic students

  Podcasting
Audio-only podcasts allow students who have dyslexia the opportunity to learn material
without being hindered by the challenges of reading words on a page.

 Search Cube

 Keep me out

 Teamviewer/Mikogo

Go Phonics

Workshark

Wordshark is a computer program to help you read and spell.

It uses 55 specially designed games to teach and to reinforce reading and spelling using 9,000
pre-recorded words grouped in specially selected word lists. You can also add your own
words

Wordshark includes a high quality phonics approach to reading based on 'Letters and
Sounds'. Different games include blending sounds into words for reading and also
segmenting into sounds and syllables for spelling. All common letter patterns and auditory
patterns are covered, also spelling rules, homophones, alphabet and dictionary skills.

Kindle 2 Electronic Book - 'One of my students has found Amazon’s Kindle 2 electronic book
system very useful because she can load her school English texts and pre-read them in a font size
best suited to her reading ability.
Kindle2 also has a text to speech feature so that she can have the book read to her while she follows
the text.'
Recent Research

Reading and retaining information. That's the challenge faced by the one in five children who have
some form of dyslexia. Overcoming that challenge could soon become easier for educators and
children thanks to an innovative electronic project from the University of Cincinnati's College of
Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. The research project entitled “Reading by Design: Visualising
Phonemic Sound for Dyslexic Readers 9-22 Years Old” may revolutionize education for dyslexic
children. Have a look for yourself and tell us what you think on the discussion board.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126141638.htm
 Reading Technologies

 Reading pen by Whizcom

 Text-speech programs

Quicktionary Reading Pen - reads single words of text through an

earphone, as well as providing a definition on its small screen.
- 'My son's grandparents bought him the pen this year. He is eight
years old. He finds it difficult to use. When running the pen over a
word he sometimes misses out some of the letters and the word
makes no sense. Bieng dyslexsic he does not know that the word
that he has scanned is wrong. You have to be very accurate and
this can take a long time. At his age I find it is a bit too complicated
for him. I might try using it again when he is older. I hope this helps
you.' (L.H.)'
- 'I went to a workshop where the pen was being demonstrated. I was rather doubtful before, but I
liked the way the pen enlarged the letters of the word you wanted to read (it has an inbuilt screen) you
can then check the spelling if you are doubtful of the pronunciation. Like everything else it requires an
element of handiness and practice. I would say from 10+ it could be used but you should consider the
child. Does he like to be independant therefore would appreciate using the pen rather than asking for
the odd word. Is he prepared to be patient when using the pen and does he have reasonable dexterity
to use it? Some suppliers will arrange a day for adults or children to try out their products so maybe
it's worthwhile phoning round.' (Lori)

http://www.nuance.com/for-business/by-industry/education/dragon-education-solutions/index.htm

http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t10e.html

http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/35