PUBLIC MARKS with tags "assistive technology" & mslc

50 open source and freeware assistive technology applications which can be entirely used from a USB stick on a Windows compute

Screen reader from web browser. No software to install.

A good overview of the use of voice recognition to support learners. Although somewhat dated, this site is helpful for background info for Special Educators considering Voice Recognition for a given student.

► We markup books quickly and cost effectively into XML from PDF, HTML, scanned images and other electronic formats ► We automatically generate a large number of different formats from this XML file: Standard print, Large print, Specialized print, Braille, DAISY, Audio books and e-Books To give people with reading disabilities access to information in books in the formats of their choice at an affordable price as soon as the book is published

Upload Adobe PDF Upload MS Word Upload HTML File Write Text Content Cut and Past Text Input Website Address Input RSS Feeds URL Step 2 - Select a Reader Listen to our Reader’s samples Choose 1 of 14 Different Readers Our Readers Speak English, Spanish, and French Each Reader has a Unique Voice and Some Have Accents Control your Reader’s Speed Play with your Reader’s Pitch It takes our readers approx 1 minute to generate a 1 hr long recording Step 3 - Sit Back and Listen Listen to your reading online Download your reading to your ipod or other mp3 player Broadcast your reading as a podcast and share it Post your reading in your Website or Blog Save yourself Time Turn the readers of your blog into listeners Allow your readers to listen while they multi-task and download your blog

Picture Planner is an icon (picture) based scheduling system that assists individuals with disabilities in planning activities by the day, week, or month. Picture Planner uses synthesized speech to provide feedback and aid in accessibility.

An amazing resource for sped teachers.

Talking web browser plugin. Windows only

If you know of an open source or otherwise free AT application that is not listed in our library, please let me know about it via e-mail. We would like to add it to this resource.

The very nature of having texts in electronic form means that students can have access different types of “supports.” These supports might include, for example, live links to definitions, images, and additional information. Providing texts electronically also has implications for the way in which text is presented; for example, the font size can change, different background colors can be added, or texts might be restructured (e.g., parsed) to accommodate a reader's needs. All of these embedded supports can promote better understanding of what the author intended to communicate.

Brief but helpful article

A text to speech addin that works on web pages

text to mp3 software. Convert emails and docs automatically

A nice collection of symbols for augmentative communication free to download.

Video-described media for persons who are blind and visually impaired. Development of the first guidelines for educational video description through our partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind. A new, searchable information portal, including links to information from major educational and consumer groups. A redesigned Web site with expanded media search options. A new "DCMP for Kids" section that offers separate student accounts, which allow students direct access to the DCMP under the monitoring of teachers and parents who will determine which subject areas are accessible. Enhanced delivery methods, which include downloading media and access to streaming via both Real Player and Windows Media Player.

Alt-Click in Windows or (Mac OSx Command+Option+G) on any word in any program on your screen for an instant, pop-up AnswerTip that won't interrupt your work. For vocabulary words, instant definitions and real voice buttons to hear the word aloud.

VoyCabulary makes the words on any webpage into links so you can look them up in a dictionary or other word-reference-site of your choice, by simply clicking on the words.

WordTalk is a free plug-in developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word (from Word 97 upwards), which can help people with reading difficulties use Microsoft Word more effectively. It will speak the text of the document and will highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. It sits neatly in your toolbar and is highly configurable, allowing you to adjust the highlight colours, the voice and the speed of the speech.

A parent's guide to learning difficuties