Assistive Technology By: Roxanne Majeski, Oscar Guerin, Tasha Reaves, Elias Luna

Types of Assistive Technology Text-to-Speech Voice Recognition Word Predictor Screen Magnification Screen reader

Text To Speech - How it Works -A speaker records a long series of texts of all nature. (Recipes, news, stocks, etc.) -Sounds are put into a voice database. -Syntactic analysis is added to the phonetization (pronunciation of syllables) as well as prosody (rhythm of sentence) -These are then assigned to units (text) and associated with the best fitting sounds from the voice database.

Text to Speech Popular Examples Google Translate: A feature where you can type in a sentence and translate it into another language. If the microphone icon is pressed, the google voice features will pronounce the word for you. GPS: A feature that will read out step by step directions on how to reach a certain location. “The Computer”: Popularized by Stephen Hawking, a computer that will translate typed syllables into voice for any who have speech disabilities.

Voice Recognition - How it works -When you speak, it creates vibrations in the air. The analog-to-digital converter translates these waves into digital data the computer can understand. -See the image to get more specific details.

Voice Recognition Popular Examples Siri: A feature popularized by the Apple Iphone, Siri lets you use voice to send messages, place phone calls and more. Automated Voice Recording Answers: This feature is currently replacing call center staff. These answering machines are able to recognize simple answers and redirect your call to the correct person. Skype Translator: A new feature in Skype that translates languages in real time. See website for more info:

Word Predictor/Homophone Checker ●Can help a user by predicting words the user intends to type. ●Predictions are based on spelling,syntax, and frequent use of words. ●Helps people who struggle with spelling,grammar, and word choices.

Screen Reader Screen readers are another form of text-to-speech software, and one of the most popular. This type of software reads on- screen text aloud. It is highly popular software among those who are visually impaired, illiterate, and/or learning disabled.

Screen Magnification Enlarges text and graphics so that the user has an easier time reading and seeing what is on his/her screen. This is popular software among the visually impaired. This is often a box in which the user can hover over and select the part of the screen they want to see better.

Links to Examples Word predictor Screen Magnification Voice Recognition Text to Speech Screen Reader

Where you can find this Technology Assistive technology can be found anywhere a group or single person with disabilities are located. Within the classroom as well as administrative buildings and cafeterias. Oscar Guerin slide

Ultimate Goal of Assisted tech The ultimate goal of assisted technology is to give children and adults the ability to learn as if they were born without disabilities. They are a way we can spread knowledge throughout the community without limiting some citizens. Oscar Guerin slide

Conclusion We have found that there are many types of assistive technology. From voice recognition software, to screen magnification we have many outlets to help many different people. Not only does this software and tech help us as a community, it brings us together in the world of education. As individuals with and without these problems, we can all relate to learning. If one child has the opportunity to learn the same as one with more advantages, than the tech we have has done the job