Assistive Technology FAQ’s and Other Tips

1. Referrals:

• Q - I have students who need Assistive Technology, how do I get what they need? – or – I have a student who needs an AT evaluation, what do I need to do?

• A – Determining which AT tools or strategies are needed for students to achieve IEP goals and make academic progress is always a collaborative team process. If your building team needs information about AT or assistance implementing technology – email me slenzo@op97.org

For more information read my previous blog post, which describes the referral and evaluation process.

To make an AT referral, download (from my handouts) “AT Referral”; send it via interoffice mail to me (Sheri Lenzo) at the Central Office.


2. Talking Text:

• Q – How do I make the computer read text out loud?

• A – First, headphones help when using this feature. On a Macintosh computer go to System Preferences > Choose Speech > Select “Text to Speech” > √ check the box next to “Speak selected text when the key is pressed”. You will be asked to assign a key combination to this function - speak text you’ve highlighted; I usually use “apple + R” (R for read).
  

• For detailed instructions, download (from handouts) “Text to Speech – Macintosh”.

3. Struggling Writers:

• Do you have struggling student's who don't like to write? Do you have students who do write but don't like to edit?
  
• Learning to use special features built into the computer and some cool editing features in Microsoft Word can make the writing process easier and more manageable for those students. If you would like to collaborate with me to teach your students the fun features that make writing easier for them, send me an email.

4. Why is your arrow so BIG?

• Make the computer cursor easier to see for students just learning to use the computer, and
  
• those with low vision.
  
• Download (from handouts) “Enlarge Cursor”.

5. Classroom Suite - Facts

• CS is not difficult to use once you get started - contact me for assistance. I can help set up a lesson and assist in the classroom or lab - as much, or as often, as needed.
  
• CS will speak letters, words, &/or sentences as students' type.
• CS has word prediction - which seems to help some very poor spellers and weak typists.
• There are many custom lessons ready to use, plus electronic books students' can have read out loud.
• I create custom lessons for teachers upon request. I've done this for Irving, Whittier, Brooks, and Holmes.
  
• General Education classrooms are using Classroom Suite too!