Assistive Technology

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What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The 2019 - 2022 Tech Levy expanded assistive technology devices for students with special needs, including voice-recognition software and speech to text/text to speech, and providing associated staff training. Some technology tools, for example, allow students to activate single/multiple spoken word strings via touch screen to communicate. Others would allow students with learning disabilities access to academic curricula in an adapted fashion, maximizing participation in education settings and activities. 

 

2023-2024 Assistive Technology Team

Suzanne Anthony, Occupational Therapist
Meghan Hanson, Speech Language Pathologist

 

Helpful Links

OSD Policy 4217 - Effective Communication

OSD Procedure 4217 - Effective Communication

OSD Form 4217 - Effective Communication Request Form

Snap And Read

What is Snap and Read?

 

Snap and Read is the Google Extension that the district provides to ALL students and staff to support reading and reading comprehension. Look what it can do for you:

 

  • Primarily, it is a Text reader (TTS) that simplifies vocabulary, translates text, reads inaccessible text (OCR), and captures and cites sources. Snap and Read is the Next-Generation reading tool that can cover the most diverse reading needs.
  •  Read Aloud - Listen to text as it’s read aloud across websites, PDFs, and Google Drive. It also reads in other languages.
  •  Dynamic Text Leveling - Dynamically adjust the readability of text without changing the meaning.
  •  Translation - Translate text into 100+ languages on any webpage.
  •  Study Tools - Pull text into an outline, then organize it and add notes.
  •  Remove Distractions - Remove distracting content and adjust fonts, spacing and number of characters per line creating the best online reading experience possible. The Remove Distractions tool also reformats any webpage to read—distraction-free—alongside an open outline.
  •  Color Overlay / Reading Line Guides- Color Overlay and Reading Line Guides brings focus to text paragraph-by-paragraph and even line-by-line—by masking the reading area.
  •  Picture Supported Dictionary - Clear definitions plus multiple icon representations enhance meaning. 
  •  Bibliographer - Automatically cite sources on any webpage
  •  Screenshot Reader - Instantly get access to text embedded in images, inaccessible PDFs, and Flash through Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
  •  Readability Analyzer - See the grade level equivalent of the text on any webpage.
  • Annotation - Highlight and add text to PDFs then save to Google Drive, One Drive, or download.

Videos From Snap and Read

 

Videos from Snap and Read en Espanol

Co-Writer

What is Co-Writer?

Co-writer is a Google extension that the district provides to students (and the staff who work with them) who have 504 or IEP's. We are also beginning to give Co-writer to students who are learning English and need language support. Look what it can do for you:

 

  • Prediction: As letters are typed, Co-Writer predicts the intended word with a selection of word suggestions using powerful grammar-smart word prediction. These suggestions can be read aloud by moving the cursor over the words. Selecting the intended word places it into the built-in writing document. For feedback while writing (and after writing) built-in text to speech can be used to read letters, words, sentences, and any selected text.  
  • Speech to Text (STT) If the microphone is chosen, you can speak and we'll convert your speech into text.  
  • 4+ Million Topic-Specific Dictionaries: Co-Writer has access to a main prediction dictionary (that includes core words) and Topic Dictionaries (that includes topic specific words).  Co-Writer can access over 4 million topic-specific dictionaries which are activated based on the writing task.
  • Spelling Support: Co-Writer uses Flexspell™ technology to handle the widest range of spelling mistakes including phonetic spelling and inventive spelling errors (letter omissions, word ending omissions, letter reversals, etc).
  • Grammar Support: Co-Writer bases its prediction on proper grammar, and uses its understanding of grammar to accurately predict words within the framework of valid sentence structures.  

Videos for Co-Writer

 

Co-Writer Videos en Espanol

 

Proloquo2Go (P2G)

What is Proloquo2Go or P2G?

Proloquo2Go is an easy to use communication app for people who cannot speak or need help being understood. Featuring natural sounding voices, including real children’s voices, Proloquo2Go is a simple yet powerful AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tool. The app is fully customizable and can be utilized to build language skills and grow with a person’s communication, supporting both beginning and advanced communicators. Look what it can do for you:

  • Core words: Studies show that just 200-400 words make up 80% of what we say. Known as core words, they act as the basis of Proloquo2Go’s research-based Crescendo™ vocabulary. The vocabulary works with AAC best practices like modeling (where you use an AAC system to talk with the user) to develop language skills. 
  •  Fringe words: Crescendo offers no limit on language development with a 10,000+ fringe word vocabulary and customizable vocabulary levels. 
  •  Progressive Language: With Progressive Language, words are gradually revealed step-by-step, helping users learn words and their location as their communication expands.
  •  Easy editing: Use the app’s built-in library of 25,000 symbols or use your own photos by taking pictures within the app or selecting them from your photo library. 
  • Pre-programmed options: For users with fine-motor challenges and vision impairments, Proloquo2Go offers options like 23 pre-programmed grid sizes and accessibility settings which support switch scanning and Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader. Everything from appearance to access is customizable so you can make it your own.
  •  Type and speak: Type what you want to say 
  • Keyboard options: The Grid Keyboard is arranged alphabetically for people learning to type. For more experienced typists, Proloquo2Go includes a Typing View with a QWERTY keyboard and word prediction that offers suggestions based on what you are typing.
  • Language and Voices:  Select a language and region for the Crescendo vocabulary. Two languages can be used at the same time, allowing seamless bilingual speech. Over 100 included downloadable natural-sounding adult and children’s voices round out your choices to use the app your way.
  •  AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom: Find activities for teaching communication effectively. You can also connect directly with our community of parents, professionals, and users on our Facebook groups. If you have any questions, our support team is available 7 days a week and is always happy to help. All of these online resources can be accessed by going to the AssistiveWare website.

P2G Videos