Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 5 – Assistive Technology for Reading, Studying, and Math
To change the size of text it is often possible to simply enlarge the textbook pages using the copier. If
that is not sufficient, a hand held magnifier may be helpful. Experimenting with different sizes of print is
advantageous if you notice that a student reads better when the print is larger. Another strategy to try is
changing the type of font. Some styles of font are easier to read for some students.
♦ Physical Access
If a child has a physical disability that makes it difficult to handle books and turn pages, pages can made
easier to handle. Putting something in between pages to separate them makes it possible to slip a finger
between the pages. These “page fluffers” can be anything that works well. An easy way to make page
fluffers is by adhering pieces of lightweight foam or sponge to a piece of tag board. These can be cut in
one inch squares and then paper clipped to each page. Or the soft side of Velcro can be stuck to the
corner of each page. Any lightweight item that will sufficiently separate the pages will work. It is also
important to consider the physical placement of the reading material. Often an easel or some type of
device is necessary to hold the reading material in a position to allow the child to view it.
♦ Supplementing text with Pictures
Software programs that add pictures to text can be very helpful for students struggling with reading. One
example of such software is PictureIt. PictureIt software from Slater Software allows the teacher or
therapist to enter text and quickly add picture symbols. Picture symbols are added to the entire passage
with just the click of one button. The picture supplemented text can be printed and adhered over the
traditional text using removable adhesive. The software consists of a library of over 6000
pictures/symbols linked to words, including the 100 most commonly used words. It is ideal for the
beginning reader.
A typical line might look like the following text from Jake’s First Halloween by Jean Slater.
When students no longer need the help of the picture, they tend to stop looking up at it and naturally
fade its use. Clicker, Writing with Symbols 2000
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 112
and PixWriter software can also be used to
supplement text with pictures.