Technology as a Powerful Tool for Assisting with Dyslexia Dr. Karen E. Smith University of Manitoba Dyslexia Dyslexia is a difference in acquiring reading, spelling, and writing that is neurological in origin. – Ian Smythe, 2004 (Dyslexia in the Digital Age: Making IT Work) Famous People with the Gift of Dyslexia   What would Albert Einstein want?   What would Leonardo da Vinci want?   What would Richard Brandson want?   What would Oprah Winfrey want?   What would Tim Berners-Lee want?   See http://www.dyslexia.com/famous.htm and http://www.youngdyslexics.co.uk/dyslexia-hallof-fame Tim Berners-Lee http://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/Longer.html Assistive Tools (AT) for Strengths and Challenges   The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many children.   Additionally, students with LD often experience greater success when they are allowed to use their abilities (strengths) to work around their disabilities (challenges).   AT tools combine the best of both of these practices. AT + SC = Success   Assistive technology (AT) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities — from cognitive problems to physical impairment.   Choose AT based on Strengths and Challenges (SC) What kinds of assistive technology tools are available? UNDERSTOOD (website) Tech Finder OSMO for iPad Beyond Reading AT can address many types of learning difficulties. A student who has difficulty writing can compose a school report by dictating it and having it converted to text by special software. A student who struggles with math can use a hand-held calculator to keep score while playing a game with a friend. A teenager with dyslexia may benefit from AT that will read aloud his employer's online training manual. There are AT tools to help students who struggle with:   Listening   Math   Organization and memory   Reading   Writing Mobile translator The term "assistive technology" has usually been applied to computer hardware and software and electronic devices. However, many AT tools are now available on the Internet. Examples include:   Abbreviation expanders   Alternative keyboards   Audio books and publications   Electronic math work sheets   Freeform database software A-Tech   Graphic organizers and outlining   Information/data managers   Optical character recognition   Personal FM listening systems   Portable word processors QuickPad A-Tech   Speech-recognition programs   Speech synthesizers/screen readers   Talking calculators   Talking spell checkers and electronic dictionaries   Variable-speed tape recorders   Word-prediction programs My Research and Use of AT Eye tracking and screen video playback Three monitors and two computers Magnetic head tracking device Flock of Birds Gazetracker software Tracking camera AT also helps the teacher/ researcher Conclusion   A pencil is technology. In the 21st century the pencil has evolved with our notions of literacy and technology; with our notions of assistive technology.   Powerful tools are in our hands and the next evolution will be transhumanistic. Let us be part of it to keep our human rights and our brains. Thank you for listening! https://twitter.com/merrymaven karenesmith.com