Assistive Technology Supports

Is your student struggling with remote learning and technology? Please review these resources and links below to help provide your student with the supports they need.

Reading Tools

Text to Speech

Text-to-Speech is technology that converts digital text into speech, allowing students to have selected text read aloud.  Students with decoding difficulties can benefit from text-to-speech as a support to access grade level content while participating in explicit reading instruction to improve their reading skills.  Text-to-Speech is embedded in a variety of tools on Google & Microsoft platforms.  See below for WCPSS approved text-to-speech tools. 

Read & Write for Google Chrome

R&W is a Chrome extension that provides comprehensive reading and writing supports for Google Docs and the web as well as PDFs. After 30 day trial, read aloud feature in Google Docs an web remains accessible to all learners. Educators can obtain a free premium version R&W

Installing Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension 


Read Aloud Chrome Extension: A Text to Speech Voice Reader

Read Aloud Chrome Extension:  A Text to Speech Voice Reader - This is a simple text-to-speech reader.  It does not highlight each word as text is read. 

Speech Recognition Tools

Speech Recognition or Voice Typing

Speech recognition, also referred to as speech-to-text an is a technology that recognizes speech and transfers spoken words into digitized text. Effective use of speech recognition can allow learners to focus on expressing their thoughts and knowledge rather than the physical act of writing or typing. Speech recognition is available on a various WCPSS district platforms.  It is referred to as Voice Typing in Google and Dictation in Office 365.*Speech recognition is not meant to replace effective writing instruction but rather a scaffold for learners who may struggle with writing.

Google Voice Typing in Google Docs & Speaker Notes in Google Slides

  1. Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.
  2. Click Tools  Voice typing. A microphone box appears.
  3. When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.
  4. Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace.
  5. When you're done, click the microphone again.
Dictation lets you use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. It's a quick and easy way to get your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines, and capture notes. 

Bookshare

Bookshare

What is Bookshare?Bookshare is an online accessible library for people with a print disability.Who qualifies for Bookshare?Who qualifies for Bookshare is based on copyright law rather than special education law and includes students with learning disabilities, visual impairments, and physical disabilities.How to Add SponsorsSponsors are staff who download books for students.
  1. Select the “Sponsors” link.
  2. Select the “Add a Sponsor” button.
  3. Complete the form with the Sponsor’s information.
Each new Sponsor will receive a welcome email with a link to set his or her password.How to Find BooksSearch by title, author, or keywords using the Search box on any page.

Keyboarding Resources