Product Information
There is a huge range of software and hardware available to support anybody with special needs. We have listed some of the most popular product groups on this page, there are far too many for us to provide a comprehensive list so do contact us for information on any products not listed. Unfortunately with such a choice it can be difficult to get the exact combination of products to suit your particular needs. Therefore we would always recommend that you get assessed by a qualified assessor who can explain the products, interpret your needs, and most importantly will allow you to test the products before purchase. We can provide details of approved assessors in your area on request. There are many forms of Assistive and Adaptive Technology to assist those with disabilities, a summary is listed but for full product information please contact us.
Text-to-Speech
These products read information from a computer back to the user so that they can proof work / hear any errors. Texthelp’s Read & Write Standard includes phonetic spelling, word prediction, homophone support a variety of speech options and a comprehensive dictionary. Read & Write Gold includes all of these items with integrated Optical Character Recognition which allows users to scan and read textbooks etc. It also includes a fact folder, speech maker and PDF aloud, which reads PDF files. Portable Reading Pens such as the C-Pen and Oxford Reading Pen allow users to scan small sections of text (for example in a reference book in the library) and hear the words back, they also have a small screen and can connect to your PC making them ideal for collecting data.
Speech-to-Text
Otherwise known as Dictation or Speech Recognition software these products allow the student to rapidly produce written work on their PC without learning to type or worrying about their spelling. Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows dictation directly into all office products with only a minimum of training. Automatic punctuation and easy editing along with a 150,000 word vocabulary make this the most popular option. You can also combine this product with a digital recorder to make notes on-the-move and download them later – a very good timesaver! Also available is IBM ViaVoice which works in a similar way but has a slightly smaller dictionary.
Mind Mapping
Also known as Concept Mapping these types of software allow students to brainstorm, organise and outline essays, note take and plan presentations. Using prompts and not needing to write full sentences, just keywords, assists those whose learning style is Visual. Product such as Inspiration, Mind Manager and Mind Genius produce workflow diagrams, tree charts etc. Inspiration also includes a basic text-to-speech function.
Typing Tutors
Teaching students to touch-type can result in a saving of many hours when essay writing. The most popular products, such as Kaz, Typing Instructor Deluxe and Type to Learn are user friendly and quick to learn from; vital to maintain attention.
Spell Checkers
Handheld spell checkers with integrated dictionaries are a convenient device for students to use on the move. Products such as the Franklin Collegiate will also speak the word and definition, assisting dyslexic student with their work.
Recording Devices
Recording lectures can be very useful for students and a variety of options are available. It is important to use the correct type of microphone with each device. Cassette recorders are the easiest to use, and Mini Disk recorders have been very popular due to their extended recording times. Digital recorders such as the Olympus DM20 are now more common as speech can be downloaded directly onto a computer; if using a speech-to-text product with a digital recorder it is possible for notes to be transcribed directly into Word.
Portable Keyboards
Items such as the AlphaSmart Neo and Dana are rugged keyboards with an integrated screen which allow students to note-take. A printer can be plugged into the unit directly, or connection to a PC is available via a USB connection. The Dana comes with standard Palm software and can also function as a PDA (see below).
Portable Digital Assistants (PDA's)
These are used to assist with note-taking and editing, appointment organising and time-management. Work can be downloaded onto a computer and appointments synchronised with Outlook. Products such as the HP Ipaq and Palm Zire range have proved very popular and the latter can also run a shortened version of Inspiration.