ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

For students whose learning differences prevent them from achieving success in a traditional classroom environment, technology levels the playing field.

The use of assistive technology and an array of other ever-present tools help bridge deficits in executive function and language processing, and allow students to learn and explore in a manner consistent with their skills and interests.

The primary goal of assistive technologies is to move the child around the barrier of not being able to read or process language – and give the child access to the printed grade-level material he or she needs to keep up in school, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Assistive technologies do not teach reading or spelling. For that, the child needs structured literacy therapy with a licensed clinician. Assistive technologies do not take the place of direct intervention, but with a clinician’s guidance, they allow children with dyslexia and other language-learning disorders to keep up with their curriculum.

EXPLORE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

LAWRENCE SCHOOL

Explore the apps, software and services the Lawrence School recommends.

ASSISTIVE TECH GUIDE

LEARNING ALLY

Learning Ally is a non-profit subscription service that provides audiobooks for people with print disabilities. Learning Ally subscriptions allow the user to get unlimited audiobooks. Learning Ally is somewhat unique in that most of the books are read aloud by a human, not a computer (80,000 titles read by a human), and their library contains textbooks, as well as other selections.

LEARNING ALLY

KURZWEIL 3000

When learners can't access grade-level content, they fall further behind. Features in Kurzweil 3000 enable students to access content above their proficiency level as they build their literacy skills. Their reading speed and accuracy will increase, they'll become more effective writers, and their test results will improve.

KURZWEIL 3000

DRAGON SPEECH TO TEXT

Allows children to turn their own spoken words into written text. This can help with school work as well as with other written communication, including letters, e-mail and creative writing.

DRAGON SPEECH TO TEXT

SNAPTYPE APP

A simple way to complete any school worksheet on your iPad or Tablet.

SNAPTYPE APP

MIND MEISTER

Online mind mapping. It all starts with an idea.

MIND MEISTER

iREADWRITE

A powerful keyboard replacement that works in every app. Supporting reading, writing, comprehension and vocabulary development, Read&Write provides a rich set of features which extend accessibility and provide a range of tools to help with literacy including.

iREADWRITE