Use text-to-speech tools to open the world of computer technology to your poor reader. Many text-to-speech tools are designed for school use and school pricing. But, Premier brings the technology home with their affordable Universal Reader program. This is a truly simple solution that you can install on your home computer. Your child can highlight the text on a web page, or any document, and the program reads it to him!
You can also scan a printed document such as a storybook or textbook and your computer will read it to your child. Now, think of the possibilities with this technology! It's a fairly simple process and you can certainly do it at home. Premier's Universal Reader Plus is slightly more expensive, and you must buy a scanner, but for an investment of a couple of hundred dollars, it's a powerful solution for a child who struggles with reading.
Use technology tools for creative writing to build your child's skills. Several multimedia software programs are designed for children to learn creative expression for the 21st century. Find a program with a simple interface for your elementary child. We like Storybook Weaver, KidPix, Kidspiration, Scholastic Keys. KidPad (free!) and Stationery Studio. If you have Powerpoint on your computer, your child can make his own talking computer book with this template from Priory Woods School. More detailed instructions for making a talking book with Powerpoint are provided by Richard Walter.
Use Scholastic Keys for your elementary child. I've reviewed this program and it was recently a Codie Award finalist. Scholastic Keys makes Microsoft Office accessible for elementary students, allowing your LD student to create Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents using a simplified interface. Text-to-speech is integrated with Scholastic Keys as Word and Powerpoint documents are read to the student with a click of a button.
Use word processing tools that are already available on your computer. Microsoft Office XP can be configured to allow your child to dictate, rather than type a document or email. You need a headset with microphone rather than your regular computer microphone to make this effective. It's pretty simple to set up; just follow these instructions from Microsoft. Also, teach your child to use the spellchecker (also available on Scholastic Keys) or turn on automatic spellchecker to flag words for him to check as he writes.
Take some time to set up these tools on your computer. Become familiar with how they work; and, then introduce them to your child. They may be a breakthrough for your child with learning problems.
Learn more about assistive technology tools for LD students from these resources on the Web:
