Learning Impairments and Technological Solutions
To accommodate persons with limited learning disabilities, Donka uses a variety of assistive technology, both software and hardware for a user to access a computer with independence. They include programs to assist in reading, writing, spelling, and editing information.
Word Prediction Software: Aurora. Aurora helps people with disabilities succeed in the classroom, at work, and at home. It works with most software applicatons and provides word prediction, grammatical rules, customizable spell checking, spelling auto correction, phonetic spelling, spoken feedback while you type and more. Who benefits? Those individuals with speech, language, learning or physical disabilities. For information on this product contact Aurora Systems, Inc. at www.aurora-systems.com
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Scanner Software: WYNN. WYNN is a software solution for students with reading and writing difficulties. It has OCR capabilities to scan printed material, then allows the user to make changes to the text, such as inserting notes and highlighting information. The easy-to-learn interface provides success with a study strategies tool bar. Who benefits? People with reading and writing challenges. For information on this product contact Freedom Scientific Inc., at www.freedomscientific.com
Literacy Software: Read and Write Gold. Read and Write Gold is a toolbar that floats on top of an open application. It helps to improve reading and writing skills, with features such as speech feedback, phonetic spell checking, and word prediction. The toolbar can be used with all standard Windows applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and the Internet. Who Benefits? It gives an added boost to people who need support with reading, writing and learning. For information on this product contact Texthelp, Inc. at http://www.texthelp.com
Literacy Software: WordQ. WordQ software is a writing tool used along with standard word processing programs. It suggests words for you and provides spoken feedback. Users of all ages who have problems writing and editing can benefit. For information on this product contact Quillsoft, Inc. at http://www.wordq.com
Literacy Software: Kurzweil 3000. Kurzweil 3000 is reading, writing and learning software for struggling students that works with standard word programs. The software has visual and auditory feedback in human-like speech with customizable word prediction for writing. It also allows students to write directly onto scanned materials. Who benefits? Struggling readers and writers, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are English Language Learners. For information on this product contact Kurzweil Educational Systems at http://www.kurzweiledu.com
Writing Solution: CoWriter 4000 adds word prediction, grammar, and vocabulary support capabilities to any word processor or e-mail program. This enables students with disabilities to produce quality, content rich sentences. CoWriter includes topic dictionaries for curriculum specific vocabulary, FlexSpell to translate phonetic spelling and grammar support. For information on these products contact Don Johnston Incorporated at www.donjohnston.com.
