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LD In Depth

Adaptive Technologies

• Assistive Technology and LD
• Myths and realities of assistive technology
• Selection of Assistive Technology
• Assistive Technology Examples
• What happens when assistive technology does not work?
• E- Learning as an assistive Technology Tool
• Change
• Resources

Assistive Technology Examples

What follows is a sampling of tools and technologies that have been designed or adapted to help "improve functional capabilities." Because every individual with learning disabilities has a unique profile of strengths, weaknesses, interests, and experiences, not all the technologies discussed will be appropriate for all adults who have learning disabilities. Before choices are made, it is important that specific technologies be considered relative to:

1. the individual's unique profile,
2. the function to be performed, and
3. the particular context in which the technology will be applied.

In reviewing the following categories of assistive technologies, it is important for the teacher or employer to keep in mind that the technologies suggested to help an individual compensate for a learning disability in one area might be used creatively, alone or in conjunction with other technologies. Experimentation and a creative approach to each individual's unique needs are called for.

Organizational Skills, Memory, Managing Personal Information, Time Management, Staying On Task

Devices and approaches that help individuals with learning disabilities get organized, stay organized and on-track, and make work and learning assignments more manageable include:

• highlighters
• index cards
• color-coding
• graph paper
• beepers/buzzers
• digital clocks, digital watches, talking watches
• headphones or earplugs to shut out distractions
• tape-recorders, mini pocket recorders that allow the user to verbally store and retrieve telephone numbers, appointments, and individual notes ( to do lists)
• voice-activated day planners which operate with voice-input technology; and
• software programs , such as personal data managers and free-form data bases.

Typical features of personal data managers include monthly calendars, daily schedulers and planners, clocks with alarms, memo files, "to do lists," address books, telephone directories, bank books, and check registers. The user can store, organize, and retrieve vast amounts of personal information. Free-form data bases enable the user to create his or her own notes of any length, on any subject. Rather than notes on paper, these electronically-stored notes can be retrieved by typing in any piece of information contained in the note. The ability to retrieve information by only remembering a portion of information contained within the note can be beneficial for individuals with memory and organizational difficulties. Through a simple cursor movement that highlights each note, the user can browse through all the notes within the data base until the one being sought is found. Database systems enable the user to easily store, sort, and retrieve data.

Also, organizational software tools are available to writers who need help with organization and benefit from visually-oriented systems of organizing. Pre-writing software programs help the writer get started with a writing assignment by organizing random ideas (See Writing Section).

Auditory/Listening

Individuals with learning disabilities may have difficulty auditorily processing information. For example, they may have difficulty following more than one direction at a time, misunderstand what is being said, have problems discriminating between similar words and various letter sounds, and need information repeated. Following is a list of assistive technologies that can help make auditory tasks less difficult.

• Pressure-sensitive paper is carbonless paper that allows the user to tear off copies of classroom lecture notes to share with a fellow student whose note-taking abilities may be weak.
• Individual FM amplification devices are designed to isolate and amplify a single sound source, such as the voice of an instructor, thus reducing the effects of distractive noise. The system includes a teacher-worn transmitter and a student-worn receiver; it enhances auditory discrimination and auditory attention by improving listening conditions and attention levels.
• Laptop computer can be used for notetaking.
• Electronic notebook is a smaller compact version of a personal computer and can be used anywhere, anytime to take notes, produce information on disc, etc.
• Small word processor can be used for notetaking and later plugged into a home computer for simple transfer of material.
• Variable speech control tape-recorder (VSC) can help the individual who has difficulty processing speech; it enables the user to play back audiotaped material at a slower or faster rate than it was initially recorded without the loss of intelligibility/voice quality. Increasing the playback rate is helpful when reviewing lecture notes, as well as for practice in strengthening listening skills; the option to decrease the rate is helpful in re- listening to taped textbooks, etc.
• Basic tape-recorders/audio-cassette recorders are a helpful means of recording classnotes and, in the workplace, instructions given by one's superior; also, tape-recorders are required to play back taped books. Listening to a taped textbook while following along the same material in printed form is an effective multisensory approach to learning.
• Books on disc , loaded onto a computer with voice output which is produced through voice synthesizer (see Reading Section), provide multisensory input (auditory strengthened with visual input) for the user with auditory processing problems.
• CART (Computer-Aided Realtime Translation) is used in group meetings, such as workshops, classroom settings, on-the-job training; a reporter types into a machine that is connected to a computer, and the computer simultaneously displays the information on a computer monitor or projects it onto a large wall screen.

As referenced above, multimedia/multisensory approaches that combine audio and visual are particularly effective when working with individuals with learning disabilities, e.g., reading machines that combine visual and voice output/voice synthesizer, video tapes, video tapes that include closed-captioning, taped textbooks used in conjunction with printed textbooks, and talking keyboards. It should be noted that all videos can be captioned or subtitled.

Visual Processing

Individuals with learning disabilities may have difficulty visually processing information. For example, they may perceive words incorrectly. They may frequently look up when reading and lose their place. They may have trouble recognizing written mistakes. Assistive technologies that can help make visual tasks less complicated and less strenuous include:

• tape recorded lectures or work presentations
• software program options that enable the user to change background and text colors or to change font size
• adjustable task lighting
• large print written materials
• large print transparencies for prolonged viewing of computer screens that otherwise can result in eye strain and ultimate decrease in productivity;
• magnification hardware (special monitor screen) or software (program applications) that enlarge and enhance the text and graphics displayed; as well as enlarging text, the user can alter colors, font, or print size; enlarged cursor control panels that allow the user to choose among a number of big cursors, as well as the option of a `lefty' cursor
• on-screen keyboards and keyboards that speak , that provide voice output
• talking, large print browsers that allow users with visual processing problems to search the Internet
• books on disc , once on the computer screen, that can be enlarged and read back to the user with voice output
• material that is scanned (see scanner under Reading Section), enlarged, and read back to user with voice output and
• to capitalize on visual learning strengths, material presented through videotape (using a VCR) or videodisc (using a computer).

Math

Deficits in math can be compensated by using any of the following:

• color coding for maintaining columns
• basic hand-held calculators that can help a learner who has problems writing numbers in correct order
• hand-held talking calculators that vocalize data and resulting calculations through speech synthesis and, thus, provide multisensory feedback (visual and audio)
• special-feature calculators that enable the user to select speech options to speak and simultaneously display numbers, functions, entire equations, and results
• on-screen computer calculator programs with speech synthesis
• large screen displays for calculators and adding machines; and
• big number buttons and large keypads.

Finally, more and more, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) math courses are being developed. These are particularly helpful to the user with learning disabilities if the learning is reinforced with voice output.

Reading

For reading and writing activities, individuals with learning disabilities will likely find voice output/ text-to-speech systems effective compensatory tools. One such system, an optical character recognition (OCR) system , scans and converts written text into computer documents that can be read by a speech synthesis/screen review system (referenced under Written Language Section).

Books on tape are available on loan to students with learning disabilities. Finally, help in researching and information-gathering can be obtained from books on computer disc, CD-ROM discs , and entire texts that can be downloaded from online services.

• With the use of an OCR system with speech synthesis , an individual with poor reading skills, yet strong receptive oral language abilities, is able to read and, thus, comprehend with greater ease. OCR systems provide a means for directly inputting printed material into a computer and displaying it on the computer screen. The input is accomplished through a full-page scanner that scans an entire page at once or a hand-held scanner that the user moves across or down the page of material. Another option available is the use of a hand-held wand that is used to scan single words or phrases at a time. When used with voice output , the scanned material can be read back, thus creating what can be thought of as a "reading machine."
• Basic tape-recorders are helpful for recording directives, messages, and materials and can be used as devices for learning through listening (reading skills can be strengthened if the learner follows along the material in the printed textbook while listening to the same taped version--multisensory). Tape-recorders are necessary playback equipment for listening to taped books .
• Books on tape are provided by Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. (RFB&D) and the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB). 5 Taped textbooks are available from RFB&D , while taped leisure- reading books and magazines can be obtained from the CNIB .
• RFB&D , as well, sells books on computer disc (E-Text) that are loaded onto the computer and can, with a voice synthesizer , be read to the user. These kinds of assistive technologies help the reader with poor reading skills learn through listening.
• For those whose reading deficits make conducting research a seemingly insurmountable challenge, use of CD-ROM discs (a means of providing large amounts of information on computer, e.g., a CD-ROM encyclopedia) and online services (sources of hundreds of electronic books and information texts) provide numerous resources. Speech synthesis , providing the user with auditory input, adds an additional support to the user of a CD-ROM resource (See Written Language Section).

Written Language

Word processing is a computer-based writing system that enables the user to write without having to be overly concerned about making errors. This freedom can release persons with written language deficits from concern about the mechanics of writing, allowing them to redirect their efforts toward the meaning of their writing. Using the computer and various features of assistive software for writing makes the writing process easier, allows more writing to take place, and ultimately, boosts the user's self esteem.

A growing number of assistive computer software programs that go beyond basic word processing are available to the user to support the writing process. Many of these software features are available with voice output.

• Spell checkers, dictionaries, and thesauruses are available as features of word-processing programs, enabling the user to verify or correct spellings and access word definitions and synonyms.
• Grammar check and proofreading software programs scan documents and alert the user to probable errors in grammar, word usage, structure, spelling, style, punctuation and capitalization.
• Template-producing software provides forms, applications, etc., making yet another writing task that much easier.
• Brainstorming and outlining programs enable the user to approach writing tasks by dumping information in an unstructured manner; this information can subsequently be placed into appropriate categories and ordered more easily. Related pre-writing programs, webbing or conceptmapping applications , allow the user to diagram ideas and make connections between ideas. The idea map can be transformed into an outline, the outline into a draft and, finally, with revising-tools applications, the draft becomes a finished document. These approaches can be particularly helpful to those individuals who have difficulty getting started, organizing, categorizing, sequencing, and polishing writing assignments. They are also useful in the workplace by providing fast, easy, and intuitive ways to create organization charts, flowcharts, and other diagrams.
• Word prediction or word completion programs predict words on the basis of the first few letters typed, providing an excellent support tool to poor spellers.
• Abbreviation expansion programs allow users to create their own abbreviations for frequently-used words, phrases, or standard pieces of text, cutting down the number of keystrokes needed to complete sentences. Some programs offer a combination of abbreviation expansion with the wordcompletion feature. A number of these software applications can be used with speech synthesis.
• Other software writing programs can take the user, guided by easy-to-use on-screen prompts and reinforced by speech synthesis, through the writing process from beginning to end. Once the kind of writing has been identified (e.g., journal, personal story, one- act play, research paper, newspaper article, review, letter), customized prompts take the user through the different stages of writing. Some programs enable the user to include graphics. Other programs take the user through the process of creating multimedia projects.

For individuals with written-language problems related to lack of organization and difficulty staying focused, the opportunity to conduct research while sitting at the computer is available through the use of encyclopedias on computer via a CDROM disc , or through a link with an on-line service . Much information is available to the computer user who has connection to the Internet and the World Wide Web . The user is thus able to access reference materials without shutting down the word-processing program. Depending on the particular product, one can consider incorporating the use of speech synthesis and, as such, have the information read aloud. Stand-alone computers can be connected to larger systems, such as the Internet, through the phone lines via a hardware device called a modem.

Laptop computers, tape-recorders , and pressure-sensitive paper (see Auditory/Listening Section) can be used for notetaking during lectures to support the individual with written language problems.

As well as using pre-writing and writing software programs, an individual with strong auditory skills might try dictating ideas onto a tape and listening as a pre-writing technique.

Besides computer-related tools, there are hand-held talking electronic devices : spell checkers, dictionaries, and thesauruses are available with speech synthesizers that provide voice output.

As stated earlier (Reading Section), screen review systems with speech synthesis and highlighting are assistive technology tools that are particularly helpful to individuals with reading and written- language problems. This multisensory approach can be achieved for the individual with written-language deficits through both of the following technologies:

• Text-to-speech/voice output systems , also known as speech synthesis, screen review systems and talking word processors , highlight and read what has been keyed into the computer. As the user types in data on the computer, a voice synthesizer "speaks" what is being typed at the same time the print is highlighted on the computer screen, or the entered text can be "read back" at a later time. In addition, materials produced by others, e.g., instructor and employer materials, books on disc, and CD-Rom discs, can be reviewed and read aloud to the user.
• Speech-to-text or voice input , also known as speech recognition , on the other hand, is technology that allows the user to operate the computer by speech. The user speaks into a headphone-mounted microphone; the system then converts the spoken words to electronic text displayed on the computer screen. This system is particularly useful for those adults whose oral language exceeds their written language abilities. These technologies provide the kinds of support that capitalize on strengths, while working around or circumventing the individual's written-language deficits.

Beyond the Basics

Greater Independence

For the individual with learning disabilities who has difficulty with directionality, i.e., deciphering maps, legends, and street signs, software programs are available that enable the user to explore, on-screen, a neighborhood, city, or larger geographical area. Once the user decides on a route, the directions can be printed out or entered into a tape-recorder to be taken en route.

Newer models of vehicles are now equipped with Global Positioning System, (GPS), which is a satellite navigation system developed and maintained by the U.S. government. Radio receivers on the ground can collect your signal and provide you with directions either through voice activation or on screen.

Software programs have been developed to encourage creative thinking, problem solving , and analytical thinking . Through the opportunity to manipulate shapes, objects, and blocks to create pictures, animations, and sequential effects, the user becomes acquainted with spatial relations and figure-ground discrimination. Further, using a variety of modeling tools, other software introduces the concepts of frequency and relative frequency to build an understanding of probability.

In addition, the adult with learning disabilities who wants to work on social skills can do so through a software program that takes the user on a guided tour of taking turns to talk.

Multimedia

More and more assistive technology is being designed around a multimedia approach . Material presented through some mix (text, graphic arts, photographic images, audio and visual) plays to a variety of individual learning strengths while accommodating a variety of learning disabilities. Many of the assistive technologies thus far referenced are examples of the use of multimedia, or become so when integrated with another technology. A few more include interactive videos that use the video source, a videodisc player connected to the user's computer, to augment computer text, and interactive videodiscs that store, on laser disc, both audio and visual information for instructional programs that can be played on a computer. When multimedia information is linked to and accessed by a computer, it is called hypermedia.

These are but a few of the opportunities open to individuals with learning disabilities to become more independent, self-confident participants in different kinds of surroundings.

Source:

www.ldonline.org “Assistive Technology: Meeting the Needs of Adults with Learning Disabilities’ article by Adrienne Riviere, National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Centre. Adapted for Canadian content.

FACT SHEET

Meeting the Needs of Adults with Learning

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
323 Chapel Street, Suite 200
Ottawa , Ontario , Canada K1N 7Z2
(613) 238-5721
(613) 235-5391 (fax)
email: information@ldac-taac.ca
web site: www.ldac-taac.ca
March 2003