Cheap Assistive Technology for Writing
Continuing advances in technology have made assistive devices more affordable than ever. New applications, software, and other devices are designed to help those with writing disabilities and disadvantages, whether for completing school assignments and projects or for more personal use. Assistive technology for writing purposes comes in a variety of forms.
Other People Are Reading
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Features
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Affordable assistive technology for writing is designed to help the disabled by focusing on various types of problems they may encounter with writing based on their disability. Most of these programs specialize in helping with a specific problem, such as enlarging the words on a computer monitor or providing alternatives to keyboards and mice for those with physical handicaps.
Effects
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The goal of most assistive technology is to make a task like writing just as accessible for a disabled person as it is for anyone else. This technology makes it easier for disabled students to participate actively in class without requiring as much extra attention from the teacher. This is not only beneficial to the student's education, but to his self-confidence as well.
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Types
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There are many types of inexpensive writing assistive devices and software for the disabled. Many programs can be easily downloaded onto computers with voice output features so the visually impaired can have words read back to them aloud. Foot-controlled mice and keyboards are available that help students with hand or arm disabilities type and navigate computers. Abbreviation expanding software lets users create and use abbreviations for words or phrases they use often, meaning fewer keystrokes are required to complete a document. For those with difficulty seeing or navigating a keyboard, color-coded stickers are often a big help and very low-cost.
Benefits
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Cheap assistive technology for writing enables those with both physical and socioeconomic disadvantages to master the ability to write effectively. In turn, this furthers their education and helps ensure that they will have more opportunities to find good jobs with better salaries and become contributing members of society.
Expert Insight
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Some may benefit from a combination of affordable assistive writing technologies. FamilyConnect recommends that families "consult with a teacher of students with visual impairments...to determine what tools are appropriate to help her access information and keep up with her schoolwork." By supplying the disabled with a variety of assistive devices from which to choose, they will feel more confident in their ability to complete any writing task.
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References
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