Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Per IDEA, "an assistive technology device is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability."

This means that it can be low tech, e.g. graphic organizers, or high tech, e.g. speech to text.

The key to AT is that it must truly meet the individualized and prescriptive needs of the individual with the need. The severity of dyslexia as well as the combination of co-morbid conditions, and what those specific conditions are, make each individual unique. For the unique individual, some tools are just going to be better than others.

What we encourage our community to do is to find that tool that best suits the needs of the individual. Don't buy into the mantra, "Well, this is the tool we give everyone," because that may not be the right tool for your child, or for yourself as an adult.

For example, here is a short list of various Speech to Text tools:

1) Google Docs Voice to Text

2) Windows Dictation

3) Apple Dictation

4) Dragon Professional Individual

5) Braina

6) Speechnotes

7) Dictation

8) Speech Texter

etc.

By the way, here is an article ranking Speech to Text tools, https://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/business/speech-to-text-tools.

Depending on the tool too, there can be a significant learning curve. Plan well and take the necessary time to find the right tool, and understand the new world you are entering.

We recommend Assistive Technology evaluations in the elementary years, prior to Middle School and High School where the required output will be enabled by the right tools.

Below are several helpful links to assist you in your AT journey.

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/video-5-myths-about-assistive-technology

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/will-listening-to-audiobooks-make-it-harder-for-my-third-grader-to-learn-to-read?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-platforms-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/free-assistive-technology-tools-on-the-web

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/8-examples-of-assistive-technology-adaptive-tools

https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2-Z8pQgkAFS7pq4Nic65bYcTS8mn3T8ITbvj6lMJOdaRTvgLBv_xqXXoM

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/who-pays-for-assistive-technology-parents-or-schools

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-for-reading

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-for-writing

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-for-math