Assistive Technology Module 3 - Software

Although I had set up the Discovery exercises in a table/rubric format, the "paste" function did not work for this Blog (I had to reformat it). I hope the hyperlinks also "copied" (we'll see in view format). Never-the-less, the following is the summation of my investigation.

Rubric: Assistive Technology – Software

Category: Learning Disability, Teacher Resource
Name: Inspiration
Comapny: Inspiration Software
Price: $69 – $899
Features: Emphasizes visual thinking and visual learning. Uses innovative software tools to inspire thinkers and learners to brainstorm, organize, plan and create
Positives: Can be used with multiple curriculum (e.g. ELA reading and writing, math, social studies and science)
Negatives: Cost

Category: Low Vision, Physical and Learning Disability, Language Learners
Name: Kurzweil 3000
Company: Kurzweill Educational Systems
Price: $1995 - $2695
Features: Can save user settings and files on a USB flash drive which enables students to have ready access to their important files regardless of what computer they are using.
Postives: Gives access w/o installing software via USB port; allows for comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, attention deficit disorder) or those who are English Language Learners
Negatives: Costly

Category: Physical Disability, Low Vision
Name: Windows Vista Accessibility
Company: Microsoft and partners
Price: Varies by impairment
Features: Interfaces with many AT devices as well as integrated into existing software
Positives: Ease of use, makes computers easier to see, use of computer w/o a display, make keyboard easier to use, control w/o mouse or keyboard, use text or visual alternatives for sound, make it easier to focus on tasks, has windows speech recognition, make internet easier to use
Negatives: Works on MS platform

Category: Low Vision
Name: InfoEyes
Company: Non profit partners w OCLC
Price: free
Features: Access to participating Libraries
Positives: Allows for user to communicate w human Librarian
Negatives: Requires use of Talking Communities Software and QuestionPoint software) which can be costly.

Category: Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Physical & Learning Disability
Name: iCommunicator
Company: Interactive Solutions, Inc.
Price: $4999 - $6499 plus upgrade $1999-2499
Features: Speech to Text
Postives: Speech/Text to Video Sign-Language, speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice, makes effective two-way communication possible for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or experience unique communication challenges
Negatives: Costly w/ Annual renewals

Although it was time consuming, I found this module a bit more interesting than the hardware. I particularly enjoyed the demonstration videos and facts regarding software I currently use (Microsoft) and plan to implement some of the accessibility features. I had used earlier versions of Inspiration in the classroom and found the newer version very enticing. It’s on my list of “must haves”. I also liked the fact that YouTube (e.g. iCommunicator) was a component reinforcing digital delivery.

My plan is to use the resources of this investigation for the Grant and Tech Plan/RFP assignments.