Appendix C

Types of assistive technology


Reference for information in Appendix C

This Publication can be viewed on the Internet: http://student.admin.utas.edu.au/services/options/assistive.htm.
Opening All Options was funded by the Universities Disabilities Co-operative Project (NSW). The University of Western Sydney also generously donated additional funds for the completion of the project. The resource was developed by Regional Disability Liaison Officers - Anna Mungovan, Trevor Allan & Hazel England.


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Word Processors
The benefits of word processors for people with a learning disability are that they:
  • Allow straightforward editing, formatting or revision of documents
  • Incorporate spell checking and grammar checking facilities
  • Enable the user to produce a draft document to get ideas down, then edit later
  • May be combined with voice recognition or screen reader programs.
  • Have screen colours and text size that may be changed.

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Screen Readers or Speech Synthesizers

These programs will allow text on a computer screen to be "spoken" by a synthetic
voice. This allows a person to hear the text that is typed on the computer screen, and to
review and edit the text. The screen reader may be internal, using the computer's
existing sound facilities, or external, with its own sound system. These programs may be
of assistance to people who have difficulties with reading, either on paper or on a
computer screen, and whose oral and listening skills are stronger.


Some examples: are JAWS; Window-Eyes; Keynote Gold; OutSPOKEN; TextHELP! (Specifically designed for people with LD); WYNN What You Need Now! (Specifically designed for people with LD)