Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 5 – Assistive Technology for Reading, Studying, and Math
Incorporated. The teacher can use it to generate customized worksheets for all students and then also
use it on screen for a student who needs extra help. It has speech feedback so the student can hear
digits, problems, and answers read aloud. There is a self-check function and number columns can be
color coded to help students visually organize problems. Numerals can be enlarged for students with
vision impairments.
Other math related programs from Don Johnston Incorporated include Blocks in Motion ® , a highly
creative animated tool for first to sixth graders that allows the student to move objects around to actually
see what happens when you take 6 away from 14, etc. Unifix ® software from the makers of Unifix Cubes
is also a software program that allows a student to manipulate cubes, snap them together, and label his
work with the manipulatives to print out and hand in. It can be operated with a single switch or touch
screen. The Unifix ® software has a built in scanning feature that works with single switch input.
IntelliTools, Inc. has released a series of software programs and curriculum-based activities designed to
reinforce essential math skills. Number Concepts 1 with Oshi the Otter (Grades K-2) and Number
Concepts 2 with Penn and Gwenn (Grades 3-5) provide practice in counting, beginning addition,
subtraction, concepts like greater than and less than, skip counting, place value, and factoring.
MathPad (grades K-2) is an easy-to-use math processor by IntelliTools, Inc. that enables students to
do math computations directly on the computer. With MathPad , students can complete a variety of
computations that they would normally do using pencil and paper. MathPad can be used with the
mouse pad, the IntelliKeys ® keyboard or single switch. MathPad comes with 300 sample problems
that are grouped by level of difficulty and two IntelliKeys ® overlays. Additional problems can be
entered directly into the MathPad Problem List or from a word processor. It automatically sets up new
problems in the correct vertical format. It also allows students to check their own work and put a check
mark or dash next to the problem to indicate right or wrong. There are a variety of font sizes,
background colors, and speech options for students who need them. MathPad Plus (grades 3-8) is the
next level and includes fractions and decimals. IntelliMathics ® 3 (grades Pre-K-8) is a program that
allows students to experience math within everyday activities. It includes: counting boxes for whole
number counting, decimal grids, base ten blocks, sorting bins and Venn Hoops, attribute blocks,
geoboards, tanagrams, coins, dice, spinners for probability, and adds the ability to author your own
math activities by allowing you to add graphics, instruction boxes and auditory feedback. ReadyMade
Fractions 1 and Fractions 2 (Grades 3-5) provide instruction and practice in areas such as: parts of a
set, sorting fractions, comparing fractions, equivalent fractions, number line fractions, adding
fractions, subtracting fractions, rounding fractions, and data analysis.
Astro Algebra ® and Cosmic Geometry ® are math programs from Riverdeep, Inc. that are designed for
seventh through ninth grade students. They cover major concepts presented in algebra and geometry,
but offer a way for students to interact who otherwise have trouble writing their answers due to various
disabilities. These are part of the Mighty Math Series ® that is a comprehensive line of math software
for kindergarten through ninth grade
MathType is software that allows a student or teacher to add virtually all arithmetic symbols to create
equations and formulas for advanced math and science problems. This tool is extremely useful to an
advance student who must use the computer to produce written work. It can be previewed at their
website.
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