How Computers Level the Playing Field for Students with Disabilities

There are many options for using readily available software to provide opportunities to model communication, desired behaviors, social skills and academic skills. Computers are beneficial to help students access the curriculum in a creative way. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint offer many features including:

. Ability to use the spellchecker, synonym support and access the online dictionary (Alt + click anywhere within the word) quickly and easily. . Ability to use text-to-speech and speech recognition built into Word 2003 . Ability to highlight text, add comments . Audio input features allow the student to dictate and then transcribe their own idea; the ability to insert audio comments allows students to hear directions or other reinforcing comments. . The ability to easily insert clip art, photos, and graphics from online resources for numerous purposes . The ability to use the drawing toolbar to create shapes, use colors, etc. . The ability to adjust font, font size, colors, highlighting etc. to draw attention to key words or phrases. . The ability to use the Form Fields Feature built into Microsoft Word to create worksheets that are easily completed and navigated. The Forms features include the ability to create drop-down lists for wordbanks, checklists, fill in the blanks, etc. . The ability to save Versions to show progress over time. . The ability to create templates which can be used across all curriculum areas. Note-taking templates are one example. . The ability to easily manipulate text boxes or visuals to sequence stories or steps in a routine or task . In PowerPoint, the ability to create Talking Books using preferred books that are scanned into the computer. (Reference is available at http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/Tutorials/talkingBooks/powerpoint.php or Google “Talking Books & PowerPoint.”) . The ability to make PowerPoint speak using a free download, PowerTalk. (PC only) (Download available at http://fullmeasure.co.uk/powertalk/ ) . In PowerPoint, the ability to create videos to reinforce language and social skills as well as desired behaviors, self-help skills and academics. A digital camera with a video feature or a video camera will be necessary . The ability to link information on PowerPoint slides and reinforce correct sequences such as First, Next, Last. . The ability to provide another method of working on “Wh” questions in PowerPoint or Word. This is completely customizable and has incredible flexibility.

Karen Janowski, MS Ed, OTL EdTech Solutions [email protected] 781-942-1555