As we recognize National Special Education Day, celebrated on December 2nd, we have an opportunity to continue to improve access for all children to grade level curriculum and standards. Let's explore!

<p>As we recognize National Special Education Day, celebrated on December 2nd, we have an opportunity to continue to improve access for all children to grade level curriculum and standards. Students with reading challenges may find accessing curriculum difficult, not just in their English or language arts curriculum, but across subjects and classes. Technology can greatly enhance the accessibility of literature for special education students, across all subject areas. Here are some key tech supports:</p>

<h3>Audiobooks and Screen Readers</h3>

<ul>
  <li>Audiobooks allow students to listen to the text, which can be especially helpful for those with reading disabilities or visual impairments. Screen readers convert text on a screen into speech or Braille. Audiobooks allow students to listen to literature, improving comprehension for those who struggle with reading print. Tools like Audible and Learning Ally are popular options.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software</h3>

<ul>
  <li>TTS software reads digital text aloud. This can assist students with dyslexia and other reading challenges by allowing them to hear and follow along with the text. Examples include NaturalReader and Read&amp;Write.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Reading Guides</h3>

<ul>
  <li>These tools help students keep track of their place in the text and improve focus. Examples include physical overlays and digital guides such as BeeLine Reader, which adds a color gradient to text to help students read faster and more accurately.</li>
</ul>

<h3>E-Books with Adjustable Settings</h3>

<ul>
  <li>E-books often come with features that allow users to adjust font size, background color, and text spacing. These settings can be customized to suit the individual needs of students with visual or reading difficulties.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Speech-to-Text Tools</h3>

<ul>
  <li>These tools allow students to dictate their responses or notes, which can be converted into written text. This can be helpful for students who struggle with writing or typing. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a widely used tool.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Word Prediction Programs</h3>

<ul>
  <li>These programs predict the word a student is typing, which can speed up writing and reduce spelling errors. Co and Predictable are common examples.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Interactive Whiteboards and Digital Notebooks</h3>

<ul>
  <li>Interactive whiteboards and digital notebooks can be used to display text in a large, easily readable format. They also support interactive learning, which can help engage students and make reading activities more dynamic.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Reading Pen Scanners</h3>

<ul>
  <li>These devices allow students to scan text and hear it read aloud immediately. They are portable and can be used with physical books and printed materials, making them a versatile tool for improving reading comprehension.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Electronic Math Worksheets</h3>

<ul>
  <li>Students with dyscalculia have a hard time understanding math concepts. Numbers are difficult to differentiate, and aligning math formulas proves challenging. Electronic math worksheets are software programs that help students align formulas, work through problems and organize their thoughts in a single space. Electronic math worksheets work in tandem with text-to-speech software, reading math problems aloud. Some software has built-in talking calculators, so students don&rsquo;t have to transfer attention back-and-forth between worksheets and calculators. This makes it easy for students with visual impairments to complete their work, as well as students with attention deficits. Tools like ModMath are useful here.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p>By utilizing these technologies, educators can significantly enhance the reading experience for special education students by providing various ways to access and engage with literature across all subject areas. Check out our citations list for more in depth information on the tech tools mentioned above!</p>

<h4>Citations</h4>

<ol style="padding-left:20px;">
  <li>Disability Rights Washington. (n.d.). Assistive technology for special education students. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://homepagedisabilityrightswashington.wpcomstaging.com/publications/assistive-technology-special-education-students/">https://homepagedisabilityrightswashington.wpcomstaging.com/publications/assistive-technology-special-education-students/</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/learning-disabilities/articles/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview">https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/learning-disabilities/articles/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Recite Me. (n.d.). Assistive technology in special education. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://reciteme.com/us/news/assistive-technology-in-special-education/">https://reciteme.com/us/news/assistive-technology-in-special-education/</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Built In. (n.d.). 12 examples of assistive technology in the classroom. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://builtin.com/articles/assistive-technology-in-the-classroom">https://builtin.com/articles/assistive-technology-in-the-classroom</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>LD@School. (2014, June 10). Assistive technology for students with learning disabilities. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.ldatschool.ca/assistive-technology/">https://www.ldatschool.ca/assistive-technology/</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>California Department of Education. (n.d.). Assistive technology checklist - Services &amp; resources. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/atexmpl.asp">https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/atexmpl.asp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Kennesaw State University. (n.d.). What are assistive technologies? Retrieved November 12, 2024, from <a href="https://accessibility.kennesaw.edu">https://accessibility.kennesaw.edu</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>


Recognizing National Special Education Day on December 2nd: Tech Supports to Make Literature More Accessible