Students with disabilities use a variety of different types of assistive technologies to be successful and accomplish their academic goals. Here are some commonly used assistive technologies in the classroom.
Livescribe Pen
The Livescribe pen is a smart pen that uses unique micro dot paper to record lecture audio that is synced with the student’s handwritten notes. It allows the student to go back and review the recording of incomplete or missed notes by simply tapping on the notes with the pen.
Glean
Glean is a web-based application that lets students capture class lectures and discussions. Audio notes are captured and visually labelled according to the level of importance. The app also provides the ability to import presentation slides which can then be linked to recorded audio.
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is text-to-speech software that reads and highlights text as the text is read. It helps to increase comprehension and memory retention for those who have learning and cognitive disabilities.
JAWS
JAWS is a screen reader software designed to run on the Windows platform and is commonly used by blind and low vison students. Students can access the computer and many of its applications using a variety of keyboard commands. JAWS is also used to navigate websites and other web-based applications.
ZoomText
ZoomText is a screen magnification software that can magnify the computer screen at different levels to accommodate many degrees of vision loss. It can be used with many applications, including popular internet browsers. Magnified text may be read aloud as well. The mouse pointer color and the screen contrast can be adjusted to meet different users’ needs.
UbiDuo
This device is a pair of screens with an integrated keyboard belonging to each half. It is used by deaf & hard of hearing individuals and those with speech impairments to communicate. The UbiDuo can be used to communicate on a one-to-one basis and in group study sessions. Think of “texting,” but where each user is able to see what the other is typing in real-time.
Roger System
A transmitter & receiver pair designed for hard of hearing individuals. The paired devices can be used for one-to-one communication as well as for communicating within a small group setting. The Roger System includes the Roger Pen and the Roger MyLink (with headphones). A Roger Table mic is also available for larger group settings.
Ruby 7 HD Video Magnifier & Explore 5 Video Magnifier
Small and used for on-the-go, these devices are used to increase the text size on hard copy material. Background & text color can be changed to enhance contrast when viewing materials.
Personal FM System
This transmitter/receiver system is used by individuals who are hard of hearing to enhance the lecturer’s voice (volume). A typical setup includes the professor and a student in the classroom. The professor wears the transmitter and the student wears the receiver.
BrailleNote Touch Plus & BrailleSense Polaris
The Braille Note Touch Plus & the BrailleSense Polaris are high-end note takers used by blind students to read, type and complete coursework. The devices are equipped with a refreshable braille display and braille-style keyboard. A blind student can navigate the internet, access cloud services and even access videos on YouTube.
