IDEA+Pathfinder


 * IDEA Pathfinder – Assistive Technology **

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 * Visually Impaired or Blind Resources: **
 * **Zoom Text** – a screen magnifier that enlarges text and graphics on your monitor. It can enlarge the whole screen, parts of the screen or just a single line making everything easy to see.
 * **Lunar Magnifier** – this screen magnifier also magnifies the computer screen up to 32x with five different viewing modes.
 * **Deskmate** – portable magnifier that help students with low vision and they can carry this magnifier from class to class.
 * **PC Mate** – magnifier that connects to your laptop computer to allow you to capture images and to use a split screen.
 * **MousCam** – (CCTV) hand held tool that magnifies when it is rolled over texts and it connects to a TV. Magnifies up to 30 x orginal sizes.
 * **__JAWS__** – this is a program that reads aloud what is on the computer screen for those who are blind. This software also provides Braille output in addition to speech.


 * Deaf and Hearing Impaired Resources **
 * **__Personal Communicator__** – this program converts texts into sign language for the hearing impaired. []
 * **__TTY or TDD__** __–__ known as telecommunication device for the deaf. This device allows those who are deaf to communicate on the telephone by typing messages back and forth instead of talking. []
 * **__iCommunicators__** – software for those with hearing impairment. This serves as an alternative for those who us sign language. []

** Cognitive Disabilities Resources: ** [] [] Text –To-Speech Resources: ** [] __[]__ __[]__ Speech Recognition Resources: ** [] []
 * __**PEAT**__ – designed for those with cognitive disabilities. This program that offers assistance for people with memory and attention disorders. []
 * __**Ironman Data Link Watch**__ - this watch connects to your personal computer for uploading and downloading of information. This sport swatch acts as a personal organizer with its countdown timers, schedule mode, telephone numbers, contacts lists and notes.
 * __**Boardmaker**__ – this software is interactive and you can add sound and animation by using Boardmaker Plus. This program is used by educators to create printed symbol-based and education materials for children with autism.
 * **__WordQ__** - writing tool software for students with learning disabilities
 * **__Write: Outloud__** – a talking processor that reads aloud while you type, even has a talking spellcheck. []
 * **__Winn Wizard/Winn Reader__** – Winn Wizard provides optical character recognition, while both programs can scan and read texts aloud and highlights the text as it is read. Winn can scan and read word processing, text files, and the Internet. http://www.donjohnston.com/products/write_outloud/index.html
 * **__Kurtzweil 3000__** – a reading, writing, and learning software designed to help students with learning disabilities. It enables students in grades 3 and above to access any text or curriculum. __[]__
 * **__Franklin Speaking Homework Wiz__** – This is a good teaching tool helps with basics of spelling. Students may type in the word as they think it is spelled and it will give the correct spelling, It also gives a penmanship lesson on writing.
 * **__Franklin Speaking language Master__** – this tool is designed for students with learning disabilities, blind, and visually impaired. It is basically a dictionary that provides access to thousands of words and definitions. It highlights words and will speak and pronounce the words and give definitions.
 * **__Softscan Dragon Naturally Speaking 7 Preferred__** – this program provides users to talk to their computers and their words will appear on Microsoft Word or Excel. The user can access information from the web and it will be read aloud. This program can be used with students who have physical disabilities.
 * **__Windows Speech Recognition Tools__** – this program provides a tutitorials to guide you through the program. You can actually control the program with just your voice. Users are also able to dictate letters, reports, and emails.

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 * Audio Books: **
 * **__LibriVox__** – this site provides audio books for the public. Audio books are good for those that are visual impaired. Volunteers read chapter of books on line and then the books are available for the public to download and listen to.

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 * eBook Reader: **
 * **__Amazon Kindle__**– this is a light weight wireless electronic device that can download books. This handheld display reads like a paper and comes in a variety of languages. Most of these ebook readers can hold up to 15,000 books.

Journal Articles · This article verifies the use of assistive technology for the vision impaired and blind from the perception of their teachers. De Freitas Alves, Cássia Cristiane, et al. "Assistive technology applied to education of students with visual impairment." //Pan American Journal of Public Health// 26.2 (2009): 148-152. //Academic Search Complete//. EBSCO. Web. 29 June 2010.

Glick, Paula Brown. "The ADA and Technological Solutions for Achieving Effective Communication with Hard of Hearing and Deaf People." //Journal of Urban Technology// 5.1 (1998): 45-63. //Academic Search Complete//. EBSCO. Web. 29 June 2010.
 * The article describes several technologies that can be used to help deaf and hearing impaired people.

Lahm, Elizabeth A. "Assistive Technology Specialists: Bringing Knowledge of Assistive Technology to School Districts." //Remedial & Special Education// 24.3 (2003): 141-152. //Academic Search Complete//. EBSCO. Web. 29 June 2010.
 * This article provides presents the knowledge and skills for schools and employees who are seeking information necessary for an assistive technology specialist.