PUBLIC MARKS with tags "assistive technology" & district

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.

A site to support educators with the use of Clicker 5

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

Subscription service (various plans). Get mp3 files for your pc, ipod, mp3 player, or burn to cd to listen to your favorite books.

Probably the best freeware reader available for the PC. Reads from the clipboard or webpage. Highlights words and sentences as it reads. The synthesized voice is mediocre but can be adjusted for volume,pitch and speed.

Resources for the MAC

Free web browser reader and highlighter. Pc and Mac Versions, Limited functionality since websites must be BrowseAloud enabled. There is a directory available on the site.

list of links to explore;commercial and free sources

Talking books for all age levels, requires sign-up and a specialized playr. Free of charge.

Learn about the requirements and capabilities of different ebook readers. Browse the selection of ebooks available for purchase.

Membership site with ebooks compatible with the Daisy format for use with a text /screen reader. Membership includes a basic reader.

MP3 audiobooks with human voice, not synthesized speech. Seems to be mainly classic literature and other books in the public domain.

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

Reading with a simple interface - CLiCk, Speak is designed to be as easy to use for sighted users as possible. The interface is completely mouse driven; there's no need to remember any key combinations. Reading through a page is as simple as placing the cursor and hitting the GO button; reading a selection is as easy as highlighting the text and hitting the SPEAK button.