Assistive Technologies

1) What tools do you currently (or in the past) use that may be considered an Assistive Technology:

Many everyday technologies function as Assistive Technologies (AT) by promoting universal design and overcoming challenges. Examples include:

Spell/Grammar Check: Essential for clear writing, especially for those with dyslexia or second language learners.

Voice-to-Text (Speech-to-Text): Helpful for individuals with physical typing difficulties or learning disabilities, allowing verbal articulation of thoughts. I use this for quick notes.

Text-to-Speech (TTS): Found in browsers (like Edge's Immersive Reader) and devices, invaluable for visual impairments, dyslexia, or auditory learning. I use it to proofread my own work by listening.

Screen Magnifiers/Zoom Features: Crucial for low vision.

Closed Captions/Subtitles: Essential for the deaf/hard of hearing, and beneficial in noisy environments.

Digital Calendars/Reminders: Assist with organization for those with executive function challenges or memory impairments.

2) Why might modelling the regular use of AT, destigmatize the need for using accommodations for some students?

Modelling AT use by educators and peers significantly destigmatizes accommodations by:

Normalizing Tools: Framing AT as valuable learning resources for everyone, not just those with "problems," shifts perception from "disability tool" to "learning tool."

Highlighting Universal Benefits: Demonstrating AT makes tasks easier for anyone (e.g., using TTS for proofreading) reduces the idea of "special treatment."

Fostering Inclusivity: Integrating AT into standard classroom practice creates an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and comfortable using diverse tools.

Promoting Self-Advocacy: Students are more likely to explore and use tools that support their learning without stigma when they see AT used openly and effectively.

3) Try to use Immersive Reader through a Microsoft product (Edge, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint) and comment on the ease of use and functionality. Share an example of how an “immersive reader” can support student learning.

Ease of Use and Functionality: Immersive Reader is remarkably easy to use and powerful, integrated directly into Microsoft products. It offers a clean, distraction-free interface, easily accessed via icons or tabs. Key functions include:

Read Aloud: High-quality text-to-speech with word highlighting.

Text Preferences: Customizable font size, style, background color, and line spacing for visual comfort.

Grammar Options: Highlights parts of speech and breaks words into syllables, aiding language learning.

Reading Preferences: Features like "Line Focus" and "Picture Dictionary" enhance concentration and vocabulary.

Example of Support: A Grade 5 student with dyslexia, "Leo," struggles with reading an article. Immersive Reader allows him to:

Activate Read Aloud: Hear words spoken while highlighted, aiding decoding and fluency.

Adjust Preferences: Change background color and spacing to reduce visual strain.

Use Syllables/Parts of Speech: Break down difficult words and understand sentence structure.

Employ Line Focus: Concentrate on a few lines at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Check Picture Dictionary: Get visual aids for new vocabulary.

Result: Leo accesses and understands content independently, improving comprehension and engagement.

4) Try to use a text to speech function on your computer or device to comment on the discussion forum. Comment on your experience using text to speech.

Using text-to-speech (TTS) was a largely positive experience. It was easy to start, with clear, natural-sounding voices. A major benefit was proofreading, as hearing my writing helped me catch awkward phrasing and errors my eyes might miss, engaging a different sensory input for review.

However, challenges included controlling pacing and emphasis, making it impossible to convey nuances like sarcasm or specific emphasis. Mispronunciations of unusual proper nouns also occurred.

Overall, TTS is an efficient and effective tool for forum commenting, aiding clarity and content. It's a powerful accessibility feature for those who find typing difficult or benefit from auditory processing, demonstrating how technology truly makes tasks possible and easier.