Reading Supports
Students who have difficulty reading printed material and getting information from it are print impaired. These children need to have printed materials modified and presented in specific formats so they may read the material. These students either have a medical impairment that impedes their vision, a physical condition that does not allow them to properly use their vision, or a reading disability with a medical basis that inhibits them from reading.
Assistive technology may aid teachers in modifying materials for students. After assessing the child's needs using the SETT model, some of the following devices may be used to compensate for the visual impairment.
Assistive technology may aid teachers in modifying materials for students. After assessing the child's needs using the SETT model, some of the following devices may be used to compensate for the visual impairment.
Low-Tech
Highlighters: Students can use these to denote important passages when reading. Different reading skills can be highlighted with different colors. For example, a passage's main idea can be highlighted in blue and difficult vocabulary words can be highlighted in yellow.
Book holder: Physical disabilities can impede a student from reading because she cannot hold the book properly. A book holder or stand can position the reading material so the student is able to read successfully.
Book holder: Physical disabilities can impede a student from reading because she cannot hold the book properly. A book holder or stand can position the reading material so the student is able to read successfully.
Mid-Tech
Pictures/Symbols. Some students benefit from pictures that supplement the written text. The pairing of pictures with words, makes it easier for students to comprehend what is read and it reinforces the connection between the word's meaning. One computer program that adds pictures to text is Picture It, by Slater Software. Teachers can customize the program so it meets the individual student's needs.
Books in alternate formats is another method that may be employed. Text delivered in this way may come from a number of sources, and it must always be used with another device. One example is DAISY (digital accessible information system). Text acquired through this method must be played on a DAISY accessible computer or playback device.
Books in alternate formats is another method that may be employed. Text delivered in this way may come from a number of sources, and it must always be used with another device. One example is DAISY (digital accessible information system). Text acquired through this method must be played on a DAISY accessible computer or playback device.
High-Tech
These devices are for students whose needs require even greater modifications and adaptations.
Text readers with study support. When using these programs, students see and hear the text as they read along. At the same time, students are prompted to use reading strategies they may not otherwise employ. Direct instruction in the use of reading strategies has been shown to improve the reading comprehension of struggling readers.
Kurzweil 3000 is an example of a scan/read program, which also helps students with print impairment. Students scan reading material, which is then displayed on a computer screen. The text is read aloud and highlighted as it shown on the screen. The highlighting of text helps the student remain focused on what is being read.
Web Resources
Text Readers
Text Aloud
http://nextup.com
Audio Books
Learning Ally
https://www.learningally.org/
Adapted Books
Start-to-Finish Books
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Free e-books
Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/
Free ebooks
http://www.freee-books.net/
Get Free EBooks
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/
Sources Cited
Dell A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Gierach, Jill (ed.) (2009). Assessing students' needs for assistive technology, 5th Edition, Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Milton, WI.
Boy reading graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.wnesusrs.learningnetworks.com.
Highlighters graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.ecarepackage.org.
Kurzweil 3000 graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.accessibility.umn.edu.
Text readers with study support. When using these programs, students see and hear the text as they read along. At the same time, students are prompted to use reading strategies they may not otherwise employ. Direct instruction in the use of reading strategies has been shown to improve the reading comprehension of struggling readers.
Kurzweil 3000 is an example of a scan/read program, which also helps students with print impairment. Students scan reading material, which is then displayed on a computer screen. The text is read aloud and highlighted as it shown on the screen. The highlighting of text helps the student remain focused on what is being read.
Web Resources
Text Readers
Text Aloud
http://nextup.com
Audio Books
Learning Ally
https://www.learningally.org/
Adapted Books
Start-to-Finish Books
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Free e-books
Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/
Free ebooks
http://www.freee-books.net/
Get Free EBooks
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/
Sources Cited
Dell A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Gierach, Jill (ed.) (2009). Assessing students' needs for assistive technology, 5th Edition, Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Milton, WI.
Boy reading graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.wnesusrs.learningnetworks.com.
Highlighters graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.ecarepackage.org.
Kurzweil 3000 graphic. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://www.accessibility.umn.edu.