assistive tools

 

Reflection

Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Some examples of assistive technology are text- to-speech and word prediction Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches1, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices and Hearing aids to help people hear or hear more clearly. Assistive technology includes low-tech tools, too, like pencil grips.

As I go through some of assistive tools came across those tools such as, Text-to-speech (TTS) is a very popular assistive technology in which a computer or tablet reads the words on the screen out loud to the user. This technology is popular among students who have difficulties with reading, especially those who struggle with decoding. It is a tool which helps the person with visual impairment as it describes events such as notifications and calendar appointments, which lets you use your PC without a display. It is a software programs that allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. A screen reader is the interface between the computer's operating system, its applications, and the user. This assistive technology utilizes a voice synthesizer that speaks text and often a braille display that facilitates communication between you and the computer. The American Foundation for the Blind states, depending on the program you use, commands for a screen reader program can instruct it to: Read or spell a word. It is very helpful for kids who struggle with reading. TTS offers a more efficient, practical solution to reading by allowing the user with a learning disability to listen to written words and speech sounds through a read-aloud function.

Second tool is Narrator reads aloud the text on your PC screen. Reading aloud helps students learn how to use language to make sense of the world; it improves their information processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Reading aloud targets the skills of audio learners. Research has shown that teachers who read aloud motivate students to read. It can also help kids with writing and editing, and even focusing.

 

I had learned that to start or stop Narrator, press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter. To see all Narrator commands, press Caps Lock + F1 after you open Narrator. If your device has a touchscreen, tap it three times with four fingers. Repeated interactive read aloud a systematic method of reading aloud, allow teachers to scaffold children's understanding of the book being read, model strategies for making inferences and explanations, and teach vocabulary and concepts. Reading aloud with children provides benefits for adults too. The quality time spent together promotes bonding and strengthens relationships, making it easier for children to develop their social, communication, and interpersonal skills. It's sometimes called “read aloud” technology. With a click of a button or the touch of a finger, it can take words on a computer or other digital device and convert them into audio.

Lastly Google Voice Typing is a free dictation tool for Google Docs and Google Slides, Google's online word processor and presentation apps and also Best dictation software for typing in Google Docs. Google Docs includes a dictation feature that's both highly accurate and easy to use, called Google Docs voice typing but you have to be using Chrome to access this feature. It support struggling writers at Any Age. Writing is hard and it can be a struggle for writers of all ages. Voice Typing can be particularly useful for those that struggle, especially those with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or just struggle with the mouse and keyboard. To use it, you must be connected to the internet with the Google Chrome Browser on Windows, MacOS or Chrome book devices. Voice Typing is also available on Google Android devices. Voice typing is Awesome! , Voice Typing only works on the latest versions of Google Chrome. We can get basic voice dictation in the Google Docs app for Android and iOS, but none of the additional features that make Voice Typing so useful, so it is hard to use. Voice recognition is also used in helping people with disabilities use computers without the need to use a mouse or keyboard. Using a microphone or headset and the right speech recognition software, individuals with disabilities are able to surf the internet or dictate notes on computers and laptops.

There is step to use voice typing tools, they are:

1.   Check that your microphone works.

2.   Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.

3.   Click Tools.

4.   When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.

5.   Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace (see below for more information on using punctuation).

6.   When you're done, click the microphone again.

But it not available in every Google Docs, we have to update or use latest version.

 

Some of advantage of voice typing tool are:

·         Speech recognition software can produce documents in less than half the time it takes to type.

·         Multitasking – dictation on the go.

·         Flexibility to share files across devices.

·         Fewer errors – provides an accurate and reliable method of documentation.

Some of disadvantage of voice typing tools are:

·         There are limitations to software. 

·         It does not always work across all operating systems. 

·         Noisy environments, accents and multiple speakers may degrade results.

·         Also, regular software can lack integration with other key services.

 so I learn that if my one student has got some disability I will be able to help with those tools.