Assistive Technology Roundtable

Writing Solutions

January 31, 2014

Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit

Join Me!

• Did you get the presentation loaded?• Help me to trust you.

What is the AT Roundtable?

• Series of 3 workshops– Thursday, October 31, 2013– Wednesday, April 23, 2014

• 8:30- 3:00; AM refreshments and lunch• Raising awareness, building local capacity• AT content, demos, hands-on• Lots of info, yet informal• Will continue next year with new content

focus

Today’s Objectives

• Awareness of a range of AT solutions for writing for students with varying levels of ability

• Demonstrate the use and application of several programs to aid writing

• From Texthelp; 11:00• Jeff Greaves• jgreaves@texthelp.com• 888-248-0652, ext. 3323

Joining Us Today. . .

Joining Us Today. . .

• From Don Johnston; 1:00• Beth Kalish• bkalish@donjohnston.com• 847-740-0749, ext. 538

Definitions

AT Services“Any services that directly assist in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.”

AT Device“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 individuals with disabilities.”

(PL 100-407, Section 3, 1988)

And in English?

• Any tool that helps you to accommodate a student’s needs so that:

– Curricular demands are met– IEP goals are attained– Communication is aided– Independence is fostered

When Should AT Be Considered?

• During the IEP/IFSP process• When a disability impacts the performance or

potential of a person in any of several areas:– Play– Accessing environments– Communication– Writing– Accessing print and auditory information

• When progress is flat or negative in direction• After someone asks “Should we consider AT?”

No/Low-Tech Writing Tools

• Highlighter tapes & pens• Specialized paper• Specialized pencils/pens• Post-It notes• Pencil grips• Picture/text cards• Signature guides• Graphic organizers• Pencil toppers• Labels

Mid-Tech Writing Tools

• Portable keyboards• Spell checkers• Scan/Store/Send pens• Label machines

High-Tech Writing Tools

• Computer software– Word processors– Speech recognition– Word prediction– Scan or scan-and-read

• Alternate input devices– Touchscreens

• AAC devices• Magnifiers/CCTVs

Words of Caution

• High-tech is not automatically synonymous with appropriate or useful

• Technology does not replace instruction

• Assistive technology can’t work if it isn’t used

• “Buy-in” is everything

• Success is not instantaneous

• “One size does not fit all”

Try This!

Write a paragraph about your family’s holiday traditions, past and/or present.

• Use the lined tablet paper.• Cover one eye.• Use your non-dominant hand.• Write legibly.• Spell words correctly. • Use seven words that have five or more syllables. • Be ready to share in 3 minutes.

The Challenge

• Introduced challenges to the mechanics– Vision, dominant hand, legibility, rate

• Introduced challenges to the process– Vocabulary, spelling, audience, speed

Why Focus on Writing?

• Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening apply to ALL students.

• Writing is a means used to measure achievement.

• Writing is an important life skill. • Many students struggle with this skill.• Writing is difficult• Writing is a complex process

Challenges Teaching Struggling Writers

Students with disabilities especially have difficulty in processing and organizing written information

• Writing performance is often lower than reading performance

• Many have poor selective attention• Many have poor long- and short-term memory• Most don’t use strategies effectively• Many expect to fail• ALL have something to tell

(Graham & Harris, 1997; Isaacson, 2006)

Who Do We Mean by All?

Who are struggling writers – Poor readers? – Poor spellers?– Fine motor problems?– Attention problems? – Students on the Autism Spectrum?– Learners with physical disabilities? – Students who are blind or visually impaired? – Learners who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Making Technology Work

• Determine the student needs and goals• Investigate application features• Match student needs to AT features

Consider Features Needed

• Feature matching is the systematic process by which a person’s strengths, abilities and needs are matched to available tools and strategies. (Shane & Costello, 1994)

• There is no exhaustive feature list out there! But familiarity with commonly-found features is a good way to approach AT decision-making.

Feature Terminology is Powerful

• Knowing the product name you want only answers “What AT?”

• Knowing the features - and seeking data on the effectiveness of features in overcoming barriers – answers “Why this AT?” or “Why not?”

• The research on AT and AAC provided evidence of effective features, not effective products.

• Data collection from AT trials does the same.

The BIG Disclaimers

• What you see is NOT all you can get• Other products include features that

will:– Do some things in a better way– Do some things in the same way– Do some things in a worse way– Do some totally different things

• This is NOT a list of recommendations or a shopping list

Tools of The Trade

Writing Solutions

Papers

• LoTTIE Special Papers Kit– Grid/graph paper – Raised line paper– Colored paper– Highlighted paper– Templates/guides

• Carbonless notebook• Label makers

Papers

• Features– Varying widths and styles – Use color to provide visual cue– Static and passive (non-fading)– Horizontal and vertical options– Tactile cues possible with raised lines • Considerations

– Type/amount of writing will influence which paper or orientation to use

Labels and Labeling Systems• Features– Can be pre-printed for

common terms– Clear labels allow for easier

use with published documents– Labeling systems are portable

• Considerations– Fine motor limitation (or

opportunity?)– Cost of label rolls– Preparation may be required– Spelling skill of user

Writing Implements• Tri-Write Triangular pencils• Ring pen• Evo Pen• HandiWriter• Grips • Large-diameter pens• Sensory pens• Pencil toppers• School Fonts software

– Startwrite 6 worksheet wizard

Writing Implements

• Features– Fit a variety of

handshapes– Readily available– Wide variety of designs

• Considerations– Age appropriateness– Integrated vs.

removable

Alternative Writing Implements

• Tablets, PDAs and portable keyboards• Video pens (digitizes handwriting and records audio)

– Livescribe Smartpens• Scanning pens (to capture typeset text)

– C-Pen– IrisPen Express 7

• Image capture pen– Notemark

Keyboarding and Input Devices

• Keyboards• Keytop Overlays • Touchscreens• Alternative keyboards• Onscreen keyboards– Reach, Keystrokes, Wivik,

Windows/MS Word

• Portable word processors • Zooming user interface • Typing methods

IntelliKeys & Overlay Maker

• Considerations– Large size– Keyguards– Customization demands

on time/labor

• Features– Large-format keyboard– Pre-formatted overlays– Compatible with

IntelliTools Classroom Suite

– Custom overlays with Overlay Maker• Activity-based• Color coding• Key appearance can differ

from contents

Onscreen Keyboards

• Features– Keyboard and text are on the same plane– Ability to change layout– Alternate input

• Mouse – click or dwell• Switch• Touchscreen

– Integrated word prediction and abbreviation expansion

• Considerations– Loss of “real estate”– Fatigue and repetitive

stress– May require assistance

with programming/set-up

Word Processors• Portable• Standard word processors• Stripped-down word

processors – Write Room, Mac only

• Text-to-speech word processors– Write OutLoud, Natural Reader

• Cloze-style word processors– Cloze Pro

• Symbol/Grid-based word processors– Clicker 6, Writing with Symbols

• Online word processors– WriteOnline, Google Docs

• Useful Features– Highlighting– Auto correction– Spell check– Grammar check– Word completion– Word prediction– Abbreviation expansion– Drawing– Scanning

Portable Word Processors• Features– Mini -full-size keyboards– Work on Windows and

Mac platforms– Battery operated– USB or Bluetooth

transfer– Word processing only– Spell check– Word prediction– File saving– Keyboarding

instruction

• Considerations– Screen size– Computer/printer access– Writing task/formats

Portable Word Processors

• Writer, Fusion, Forte• Dana• iPad apps– Pages $9.99– Notability $2.99– iReadWrite $19.99– Co:Writer $17.99– Clicker Docs $30.99

Microsoft Word

• Features– Tables and clip art for grid creation– Adding comments to documents– Highlighting key concepts– Creating locked worksheets and quizzes– Summarize lengthy text– Automatically replace text

• Considerations– Readily available– Same tool being used by peers and teachers– Tools are accessed differently in Word 2003 and

Word 2007

Write:Outloud

• Features– Fully-functioning word processor– Easy-to-use toggle buttons on the toolbar– Speaking dictionary and spell check– Supports PCT, JPEG, and BMP graphics– Speech settings can be easily changed– Integrates with other Solo products

• Considerations– Standalone or suite use– Classroom environment– Distractibility

• Student• Peers and Professionals

– Ability to access computer speech• External speakers• Headphones

– Differences in speech engines and platforms

Writing With Symbols

• Features – Symbol Processor– Word Processor– Grids for Printing– Grids for Writing– Can be used as a

teacher or student tool

• Considerations– Grids for writing can

be challenging to configure

Clicker 6

• Features – Good option for students

comfortable with devices or communication boards

– Develop writing skills in “non writers”

– Allows for high level of structure

– Option for textless composition

– Universal Design employed– New cell building wizard to

make your own activities

• Considerations– Time to construct grids– Switch interface limited to Crick USB Switch Box– Learning Grids World

WriteOnline

• Features – Selectable word banks– Word prediction– Grid-based writing– Text-to-speech

• Considerations– School building licenses– Access anywhere– Learning Grids World

Word Prediction

• Features– Increase the rate of output– Improve legibility– Reduce fatigue– Ease frustration in writing– Assist students with limited skills in spelling, vocabulary,

word choice, and grammar

• Considerations– Integrated or adjunctive– Spelling/typing errors

• Frequent transpositions• Phonetic

– Need for specialized lists– Always on vs. on demand

Co:Writer 7• Features

– Intelligent word prediction– Flexible spelling– Collected words– Predict Ahead– eWord Banks– Basic, personal, and topic

dictionaries– Text-to-speech– Neo version available– Adjunctive word prediction

(may be used with a wide range of applications)

• Considerations– Platform

• Standalone• Network• Portable

WordQ• Features

– Text-to-speech– Adjunctive word prediction– Usage examples for confusing

words– Accomodates phonetic

spelling attempts– Great for elementary

• Considerations– Offers the option of speech

recognition via SpeakQ

Scan-and-Read Software

• Purposes– Provide bi-modal access

to materials used in a district’s curriculum

– Promote independence in reading, writing, and study skills

– Provide a plethora of reading and writing supports to perform a wide variety of tasks

• Scan and Read Titles– Kurzweil 3000 – WYNN– Test Talker– Read & Write Gold

Kurzweil 3000• Features

– Recursive American Heritage dictionary

– Text-to-speech output– Variety of writing, studying,

extraction, and notetaking tools

– Multiple scanning engines– Imports files from TIF, PDF,

DOC, etc.– Type onto document

images– Audio file creation– Web reading

• Considerations– Cost and configurations– Proprietary format– Production demands– Platform differences

WYNN• Features

– Simple, rotating toolbars– Two working views

• Text view• Exact view

– Text-to-speech output– Variety of writing, studying,

extraction, and notetaking tools

– Multiple scanning engines– Imports files from TIF, PDF,

DOC, etc.– Type onto document

images– Audio file creation– Web reading and

highlighting

• Considerations– Cost and configurations– Proprietary format– Production demands– Windows only– No option to type in Exact view

Read and Write Gold• Features

– Text-to-speech output– Variety of writing, studying, extraction, and notetaking tools– Multiple scanning engines– Imports files from TIF, PDF, DOC, etc.– Type onto document images– Audio file creation– Web reading– Works as an adjunct to other software applications– Show Sound-Alikes and Homophones (MS Word)

• Considerations– Cost and configurations– Production demands– Platform differences

Alternatives to Scan-and-Read

• Adobe Acrobat Pro XI • PaperPort Pro 14• Microsoft Word• Drawing and paint

programs

Speech Recognition

• Utilizes a microphone to input text• Requires adequate speech skills• Requires significant executive

functions to maintain a topic and perform corrections/training

• May allow for reduced use of the hands when controlling the computer

Dragon Naturally Speaking

• Features– Continuous recognition– Allows for keyboard-free text input– Support for adult and teen voices– Analyzes existing documents for vocabulary and style– Skip Training option– Accuracy tool set– Works in an adjunct capacity to other software

• Considerations– Articulation – Environment and task– User cognition

SpeakQ• Features – Customizable training – Discrete and continuous

prediction modes– Speech feedback of

recognized text – No verbal commands for

control or correction – Integrated word

prediction capability– Text-to-speech feedback– Allows for both keyboard

and speech input– Server-level storage of

student voice files

• Considerations– Environment and task– User cognition

Graphic Organizers

Features • Two working modes

– Visual maps– Outlining

• Scaffolded prompts• Support throughout the

writing process• Notetaking ability• Exportable as text to other

applications

Examples• Draft:Builder• Kidspiration• Inspiration

Draft:Builder

• Features– Provides simplified, visual structure in writing tasks– Encourages use of the writing process

• Brainstorming• Notetaking• Reference citation• Draft writing

– Map and outline views

• Considerations– Integrated/proprietary

Inspiration/Kidspiration

• Features – Visual learning tool– Diagramming and outlining– Two formats for composing

• Outline format• Map format

– Provides a quick means of capturing ideas• RapidFire• Link Tool

What about math?

• Math Titles– Math Pad– Math Pad Plus– Efofex

• Features– Organizes numbers– Calculator option– Provides structure,

scaffolding of skills– Worksheet, test creator– Printable

What Would You Do?Writing Solutions

Student 1

• Fifth grade• Reading disability, ADHD• Reads at third grade level• Gets OT, speech• Has illegible handwriting• Likes attention• Disorganized, loses things

easily

Student 2

• 10th grade• Muscular Dystophy• Uses power wheelchair• Limited use of hands• Cognitively, on grade level• Personal care assistant• Gets PT, OT

Student 3

• TBI resulting in poor executive functioning skills, fatigue, memory

• Difficulty taking notes and tests

• Sensitive to being different• Math skills negatively

effected by TBI

Student 4

• Neurological disorder effecting motor skills, balance, tremors

• Reads well• Has difficulty with spelling and

grammar• Uses new vocabulary when

reminded• Laborious keyboarding and

writing (though legibility is sufficient)

• Does not like technology though it is used by most classmates

Student 5

• Learning how to print letters and numbers

• Fatigues in arms after extensive writing

• Gets OT• Recognizes letters in first

and last name• Peers are printing short

sentences with sight words and new vocabulary words

Acquiring AT

Writing Solutions

Equipment Trials

• Team Consensus – Equipment trials and timelines

• Emphasis on meaningful, motivating activities– Activities should reflect key environments– Use should be consistent

• Careful collection and review of data, outcomes, & recommendations

• Closure through team decision-making

When Thinking About AT. . .

• Consider student’s NEED

• NOT necessarily– Disability– Affordability– Availability– History– Popularity

Acquiring Software and Devices

• Lending Programs– PaTTAN Short Term Loan– Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology– Community Agencies– Intermediate Units

• District, IU, School, or OVR Purchase• Individual Purchase– Teacher– Family– Student

Writing Resources

• Supporting Struggling Writers Using Technology (article)

• Technology for Learning- Writing• Dysgraphia and Assistive Technology for Strug

gling Writers (Livebinder)

• Texas AT Network• Reading Rockets: AT Tools for Writing

AT Considerations Checklists

• Allegheny IU • Wisconsin

Assistive Technology Initiative: WATI Consideration Guide

• Big East Educational Cooperative• Georgia Project for Assistive Technology