Different Assistive Tech Products

Check out the listserv archives tehre, these topics are frequently discussed.

http://www.kde.state.ky.us/osis/children/documents/compreaders.doc

Here is the text of a very recent response that might not have made it to the archives yet (duly note that the poster works for TextHelp):

A comparison of a number of text readers has been compiled by Esther Fintushel from MATR (Michigan Assistive Technology Resources) However, I should point out that it is now a generation old, I believe that it focuses on previous versions of textHELP products, WYNN and Kurzweil. For those interested the link is http://www.matr.org/PDFs/2.0/Textreaders%202-4.pdf

You should consider that Read & Write GOLD is not listed in this comparison. It will work in any windows application, allowing you to disable any feature, some of which include; speech with highlighting, talking spell checker, word prediction, dictionary, talking calculators, scanning, voice recognition, study guide, web search tool, pdf reader….and other features. It is important to note that the program promotes inclusion as it is designed so that the user can continue to use the same applications as his/her peers, but have the reading/writing support. Cost beats Kurzweil and WYNN, a single station is $645 and a school license (allowing unlimited installations in 1 school) is $2695

View our webpage at www.texthelp.com

Check out WYNN 3! WYNN is ideal for students who have been
identified as having learning disabilities as it was designed with significant input from special educators and LD students. WYNN’s approach to individual learning styles, study strategies, web access and writing tools is particularily important for all students with learning disabilities.

Visit www.freedomscientific.com/wynn for more information on WYNN and to learn about our newest product, TestTalker. You can
download a 30 day or 30 hour demo of WYNN (your option at installation) or call
888-223-3344 to request a CD be sent to you.
Peggy Dalton
Director of Professional Services
Learning Systems Group
802-457-3444
Freedom Scientific, Learning Systems Group

Dana is the new and improved AlphaSmart and would not hold a candle to the Kurzweil. I’m not familiar with Wynn, but I have heard Kurzweil is the cadillac and best all around.

Dear M.C.
Welcome to the world of the future with technology. Isn’t it wonderful that you have all these options. Make a choice - soon, don’t lose a minute of the opportunity to help your child. It makes a huge difference.

My daughter has used all the options you refer to. Kurzweil, WYNN and Alpha Smart. Each have a place and a duty to perform, as they are different.

WYNN is the shining star in my opinion. I have been exposed to both the Kurzweil and WYNN. You install WYNN and you get to working on your own - immediately - scan that page and poof! - it’s reading to you, change your fonts, background screens if you want - everything is easy to see, understand and use, kind of plug and play. She uses it everyday, and is finally succeeding. That’s the proof! A bonus was that the cost was considerably less.

Kurzweil looks very smooth and “Windows” like - my daughter said that she always had to have a book of instructions with it. I used it myself when we were looking at programs, and found it a good program but terribly expensive. My daughter took 2 semesters at Landmark College learning the program of Kurzweil. These programs shouldn’t take that long to use or work with.

She can’t carry around a scanner and computer all day with WYNN on it and the college she attends doesn’t have either WYNN or Kurzweil. They do have an old program that scans and reads called Arkenstone-Ruby that is a prehistoric version of a text to speech software program.

She carries around to class an Alpha Smart. It is a small, indestructable (I mean that literally) word processor that has 8 files that she can take notes (type) in her classes, then download them onto a word document when she gets home. It accomplishes the basic needs she has - not being able to write correctly what is on the board, she doesn’t have to think about what or how to write the information. She can write ideas when they come to her without a lot of equiptment needed - outside, inside, at a small table, chair - wherever and whenever. It does not scan or read, the screen is small, but it accomplishes what she needs.

The DANA looks likes the way to go however, with all the bells and whistles, programs installed. I have just seen it on their web site and think it is a great idea. But we have the Alpha Smart and it works just fine. The cost for the Dana isn’t that much more than the Alpha Smart. I would imagine that the Alpha Smart is a basic model of the Dana and the older students would appreciate the Dana.

Just this mother’s impression! But don’t wait around - get something for him to learn with. You will never regret it!

Sincerely, Betty

Can you provide me with the Links to the web site that offter these products. They sound like something I’m looking for for myself and my son. I’m new to this like others and don’t even know where to start. Someone smart will finally come up with the idea to have a store that sells all this stuff which will make it a lot easier for parents and schools. Just to go to one place and find everything thing your looking for. thanks

Dear Bonnie,

The way that we got involved was that my daughter Jackie was failing every class in college - we were at our wit’s end when I found the LDonline forum. Someone on the forum suggested that we contact the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation in our state to see what services our daughter would qualify for. Also the College LD resourse department suggested it also.

Now your son is young enough that your school resourse department should be looking at these issues. They PROBABLY NOT SUGGEST THEM, because they might have to buy them for him, BUT they can proceed and help with writing for grants. Most teachers that I have talked to don’t know about assistive technology and what is available unless it is thrown in their face by a smart thinking principal, and school board. Private education is worse because they don’t have the funds to devote to these learning aids. Such a same for our children.

There are grants for help with reading with assistive technology. We love the WYNN program, as it is easy to use. Their web site is www.freedomscientific.com - look under software, as they do many things and have many programs just for our kids.

Then look on www.alphasmart.com for the alpha smart and dana. These are terrific technology aids. My daughter is finally able to copy down what the teacher puts on the board and still stay up with class instead of thinking how to write and spell words.

Another wonderful site to become familiar with is the Charles Schwab website, www.schwablearning.org. This is full of great information.

A place to look for technology in one place is www.closingthegap.com. Look at their web site as it is for all types of learning needs, ones that you would not even begin to guess. Become familiar with the lingo, and email each company for their input. Free advice never hurts.

Look in your phone book under state and local assistive technology departments under that heading. Another place to look and ask for suggestions are the local universities, and Jr. Colleges. I am pursuing looking for educational therapist that will help Jackie coordinate all these things.

If you push enough and have enough determination to wait it out and play their game, then perhaps he might qualify for state aid or the school might be able to direct you.

Then you need to become a strong advocate, because no one is going to stand up for your son but you. Schools have hundreds of children like ours - what makes our’s special is that they are our’s.

After fully investigating these web sites, then put in your seach engine the words, dylexia, or text to speech software, assistive technology - boy, will you get an armload of web sites.

Just do it soon!

those are two who do just htat :)

My daughter, age 10, used the Alphsmart and Cowriter in 2nd and 3rd grade. Now uses the computer with Draftbuilder. Fortunately, because of LMB she can read at grade level so we don’t need the text to speech at this time.

The school supplies everything for her, but it has been a FIGHT! I agree - don’t waste any time - get your student an AT evaluation and find a match - it can change their life!