1. Dyslexia and Technological Resources

2. What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a type of learning disorder. It affects ones ability to map letters to the sound of the spoken language.

3. What Can Be Done? Strategies should include a variety of techniques such as Highlighting Text and Font and Color control Visualization and Graphic Organizers Spoken Voice and Voice Recognition Technologies Grammar and Spelling Checking Integrated Dictionary and Thesaurus capabilities

4. Assistive Technologies Helps Everyone Dyslexics do not have the monopoly on grammar and spelling errors. Everyone benefits from spell and grammar checkers.

5. Resources For Teachers Get certified in Teaching Children with Dyslexia Universal Design for Learning is a new approach from the CAST organization that uses Multimedia Technology to create versatile and flexible curricula for all students. CAST is a non-profit research and development organization dedicated to the use of technology to foster full accessibility to education. CAST is a non-profit research and development organization dedicated to the use of technology to foster full accessibility to education. Customizing your browser is one of the best and easiest ways to improve the web experience for viewers with Dyslexia. The World Wide Web Consortium has developed the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Soliloquy Learning uses Speech Recognition Technology to help children learn to read. In addition to, Voice Recognition Software from Dragon Systems. Concept Mapping is a way to explore knowledge gathering and sharing through graphical representation. Inspiration is a visual learning tool for educators.

6. For Students Kidspiration is a tool for K-5 learners. It provides an easy way to apply the principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Strategies that Work for Students LDOnline contains strategies for grade 9 to 12 Dyslexic students such as discussions on how kids with Dyslexia can best manage their time. There are many technology based reading initiatives such as Reading Rockets geared to help young readers The Web site Dyslexia at College informs college students on what Hardware and Software tools and packages are available. There are links on where to find support for student suffering from Dyslexic Anxiety along with a new Dyslexia College Discussion Forum.

7. Testimonial I have had reading comprehension problems all my life. I worked through Many of my reading problems through dogged determination and a great love of literature. I became resigned to a life filled with limitations. Then one day in 1980 while I was trying to finish up college for the 3rd time I signed up for a course in computer programming and my life was never the same. I found myself engaged in learning in a way I had never experienced before. From that day on my computer became my best friend and my life’s work. I finished up college and went on to get a Masters in Computer Science. Vicki Gold

8. To Learn More, Visit… Resource for Teachers http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/ Article on Browser Customization http://e-bility.com/articles/dyslexia.shtml Resource for Computer Programs for college students http://www.dyslexia-college.com/computer.html Where to buy Inspiration –Visual Thinking http://www.inspiration.com Great Educational Software http://www.tomsnyder.com/

9. Thank You and Any Questions? Victoria Gold Contact Me at gold@fas.harvard.edu