Making the Impossible
By Starkman, Neal; T.H.E. Journal (Technology Horizons in Education), Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 27-32Publication Date: January 2007
Article focuses on assistive technology (AT) that can be effective for students with disabilities, as a number of AT success stories are highlighted. One student with pervasive development delay, which is a mild form of autism, as well as dyslexia used a device called the New Standard Keyboard from New Standard Keyboards in Santa Maria, California. The keyboard looks very different from the standard QWERTY keyboard, as the letters are arranged alphabetically and color coded, which is meant to provide students with a better understanding of the different functions of the keys. Another student who has paralysis uses Activpanel, which is a 15-inch touchscreen from Promethean. The student controls the device via a pen, which is attached to his visor. He simply needs to move his neck in order to respond to questions, write, draw, and use a calculator on the touch screen. The Activboard, also from Promethean is discussed, as it is an interactive whiteboard with an electromagnetic anti-glare surface. Promethean also offers the Activwand, which is a 21-inch wand that helps students with disabilities to access the Activboard. A college student who has trouble reading and writing uses AudioPlus textbooks from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, which has roughly 110,000 titles on CD. The audiobooks can be read via the Victor Reader Vibe, which can also be purchased through Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.
Assistive Products Discussed: VICTOR READER VIBE
Published by: 101communications (Website:http://www.101com.com)
T.H.E. Institute (Web Site: http://institute.thejournal.com )
