Has text-to-speech assistive technology been used effectively with
adults in various programs? 

Bonnie Hill, Southeast Regional Manager
Freedom Scientific/LSG
800-444-4443 x1183, Direct: 972-488-7023, Fax: 972-488-3342
bhill at freedomscientific.com
www.freedomscientific.com/lsg

Bonnie,

I can speak to how we have used text-to-speech in our Adult Basic
Education program.  I hope Jimmie will share with you how they have used
it at Renton Technical College.

We have used the Kurzweil successfully with individual students who are
capable of passing the GED but are struggling readers (reading
disability, visual impairment, etc.) The students are going to take
their GED tests with the accommodation of audio tapes and need to
prepare for the reading, social studies, and science tests.  We have
found that it is really important to have an instructional tech
available to help them use the Kurzweil successfully.

In the spirit of Universal Design for Learning our program has the
Premier Assistive Technology Suite downloaded on all our lab computers.
The suite includes text to speech programs.  We have not had many
students use the technology so far.  However, our DSS person loves to
read his scientific magazines using Premier because it helps him read
and comprehend it so much faster!

Our lower level readers have really enjoyed using the Franklin Speaking
Language Master.  It helps them read words at a level higher than they
can read themselves.  What is great about the Franklin is that it is
affordable and transportable, so students often buy their own so they
have it for work, further education, or simply to help them in their
daily lives.  Our DSS counselor has ordered some Pictionary Pens for
students to try next year.

Judy A. Campbell
Learning Disabilities Specialist
IEL/ABE/CCS

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/learningdisabilities/attachments/20070424/def46884/attachment.html