Table of Contents
Acknowledgements xi
Notes on the Third Edition xiii
Chapter 1 Getting Started With Assistive Technology 1
Improving Technologies Offer Hope 1
What Is Assistive Technology? 2
Helpful Technologies All Around Us 2
Taking the First Steps 3
Seeking Professional Guidance 4
How to Get Help 4
What Solution Is "Best"? 5
Chapter 2 The Benefits of Assistive Technology 7
Changing Technology Trends 7
Remaining Barriers to Technology 8
The Many Benefits of Assistive Technology 8
Who Can Benefit From Assistive Technology? 9
Family Advocacy 10
Technology Changes Will Continue 10
Accessing Features in Devices You Already Use 11
Chapter 3 Lifting the Barriers: Technology and Access 13
Ease of Access 13
Guidance for Computer Access and Assistive Technologies 14
Use of Switch Software 15
Which Type of Device Should You Use? 16
Selection Devices 19
Keyboards 20
Speech Input/Dictation 20
Chapter 4 Technology and Strategies to Improve Verbal Expression 23
A Professional Diagnosis Is Critical 23
Strategies to Encourage Verbal Expression 24
Informative Online Resources 25
Helpful Technology Tools 25
Be Creative 26
Improving Verbal Expression Skills 26
Improving Speech Intelligibility 28
Improving Expressive Language 36
Improving Word Knowledge and Retrieval 37
Strategies and Technologies to Improve Speaking in Phrases and Sentences 40
Strategies and Technologies to Improve Dialogue and Engaging in Conversation 44
Chapter 5 Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Devices, Apps, and More 49
What Is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)? 49
Individuals Helped by AAC 50
Current AAC Trends 50
First Steps 52
Resources to Learn More About AAC 55
Simple Communication Items Without Voice Output 58
Direct-Select, One-Level, Voice Output Communication Devices 58
Mobile Device Apps With Static Display 59
Dynamic Communication Devices, Apps, and Software 60
Dynamic Display Communication Mobile Apps 61
Smartphones 66
Chapter 6 Technology and Strategies to Improve Auditory Comprehension and Receptive Language 69
Treatment Approach 71
Technology to Help Improve Auditory Comprehension 72
Sound Discrimination 72
Comprehension of Words 73
Comprehension of Phrases and Sentences 74
Comprehension of Paragraphs and Short Stories 77
Websites With Free Listening Activities 78
Improving Comprehension With Text-to-Speech Support While Reading 78
Long-Distance Communication 80
Assistive Listening Devices 80
Captioning 81
Chapter 7 Technology and Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension 83
Reading Challenges 83
Help From Professionals and Websites 84
Helpful Features of Technology to Support Reading 87
Text to Speech 89
Optical Character Recognition 95
Advanced Text Readers With Reading, Writing, and Studying Tools 95
Alternative Reading Formats, Interactive Websites, and Apps With Accessible Books 96
Portable eBook Readers 105
Handheld Devices That Read Aloud 106
Chapter 8 Drill-and-Practice Technology to Improve Reading Skills 109
Interactive Software and Apps With Activities to Improve Reading 109
Online Programs 110
Mobile Apps to Improve Language-Based Reading Deficits 112
Software for Vision-Based Reading Deficits 119
Chapter 9 Technology and Strategies to Improve Written Expression 123
Skills Needed for Writing 124
Handwriting 125
Use of Assistive Technology With Students 126
Selection of an Effective Assistive Writing Technology 130
Word Processing Systems 131
Specialized Assistive Tools for Spelling, Grammar, and Word Prediction 132
Digitizing Paper-Based Worksheets 136
Annotating or Typing on PDFs (Worksheets) 138
Taking Notes 140
Presentations for Teaching and Learning 143
Story Creators 144
Graphic Organizers: Technology for Organizing Written Narrative 145
Technology to Support Writing Essays and Reports 147
Technology to Help With the Physical Act of Writing and Typing 149
Alternative Input Devices 149
Alternatives for Mobile Touchscreen Input 150
Speech to Text/Speech Recognition 151
Chapter 10 Drill-and-Practice Technology to Improve Writing Skills 155
Prewriting Skills and Writing Letters of the Alphabet 156
Writing Words/Spelling 157
Programs and Apps for Writing Sentences and Improving Grammar 160
Typing 162
Chapter 11 Technology and Strategies to Improve Attention, Cognition, and Executive Function 165
Cognitive Differences 165
Professional Evaluation 168
Strategies to Enhance Learning 168
Practicing Specific Skills 169
Compensatory Approach 169
General Guidelines to Enhance Learning, Organization, and Executive Function 170
Time Management Tools: Calendars and To-Do Lists 171
Selection of Technologies to Support Time Management 173
Task Management and To-Do Apps 177
Visual Schedule and Choice Apps for Individuals With Complex Cognitive Challenges 179
Non-App Devices to Help Students Stay on Task 181
Limit Distractions 181
Minimize the Power Struggle 182
Chapter 12 Took and Strategies to Support Learning New Information 185
Reducing Digital Distraction 186
Audio Recordings of Lectures Synced to Written Material 186
Mobile Device Apps 189
Digital Flash Card Programs 191
Study Guides 193
Learning by Watching Online Videos 193
Interactive Whiteboard Apps 197
Use of Images to Support Learning 198
Chapter 13 Online Organization and Collaboration 201
Online Storage 201
Digital Bookmarking Tools 202
Online Collaboration 204
Video Chatting 204
Chapter 14 Interactive Programs to Practice Cognitive Skills 207
Use of Apps and Online Programs to improve Skills 207
Brain Training 209
Online Programs and Apps to Improve Specific Cognitive Skills 212
Early Learning Skills 214
Learning Cause and Effect 216
Chapter 15 Final Thoughts: Keeping Students Safe and Preparing for the Future 221
With the Good Comes the Bad 221
Tools to Promote Digital Citizenship and Safety 222
Current Tech Trends 223
New Solutions 224
References 227
About the Author 229
Index 231
