Sunday, January 30, 2011

Pen Scanners


     There are many assistive technology devices in the world today.  One of them is a pen scanner.  The pen scanner is mostly used to assist children with Dyslexia.  The pen is quite simple to use. First, you just slide the pen scanner across the text you are trying to read or understand.  Next, the pen will allow students to store the information into their computers.  The newer pens can scan the text and actually read it back with a synthetic voice.  In order to use this pen your students should probably have fine motor control, be responsible, auditory discretion, and confidence.  The pen scanner can also recognize fifty different languages which makes it great for children who have trouble speaking English.  The pen scanner is just one of many devices that help children with disabilities everyday.

If you'd like to learn more about pen scanners click here.


                          

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hearing Aids



The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 defines assistive technology device as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (IDEA, 1997, 20, USC, Ch. 33, Sec. 1401 [25] US).

Hearing Aids are just one of the many assistive technology devices used in K12. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic body worn apparatus which typically fits in or behind the wearer's ear, and is designed to amplify and modulate sound for the wearer. This device is very helpful to a hearing impaired child.






Braille Sense Onhand


The Braille Sense Onhand is a light and small note taker. This device has a built in digital compass and GPS receiver. Braille Sense Onhand is small and also weighs less than one pound, making it easy to carry and very portable. With this device you are able to connect to the internet and bluetooth without the use of any adapters or accessories. This makes it easy to access e-mail, browse the web, or connect to other bluetooth devices. Applications are also available such as: Word Processor, Microsoft outlook, recording audio,etc. There is also an optional LCD viewing screen.

Click here to get more information on the Braille Sense OnHand