Read:OutLoud and AIM-VA
New! Version 6 of ReadOutLoud
AIM-VA is in the 2nd year of our subscription to ReadOutLoud, a text reader for accessible books. As part of our subscription, we are able to offer Version 6 of Read:OutLoud. Many enhancements have been made to the software to make it easier to install, use and implement efficiently and effectively. This statewide license agreement is available through AIM-VA at no cost to Virginia local education agencies (LEAs) for students with IEP’s.
Read:OutLoud 6 text reader software will assist administrators, teachers and families in providing access to a variety of digital alternate formats of standard print instructional materials. This statewide initiative is intended to assist LEAs as they strive to support the individual reading accommodations needed for IEP students. The licensing of the software will enable reading related accommodations to your IEP students at school and at home because the license includes “take-home” rights for IEP students—installation and use of the software at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the following FAQs for valuable information regarding how to obtain Read:OutLoud 6 for your district, find out what’s new in v.6, and explore training and implementation resources. You must be a registered DRM with AIM-VA to download this software.
Q. How does a school district obtain AIM-VA provided Read:OutLoud 6 software?
You must be a registered DRM with AIM-VA to download this software.
Download Instructions for the free Read:OutLoud Software have been sent to all DRMs affiliated with AIM-VA. Regardless of whether you have used this software or not in the past, you will want to download this improved, student friendly version.
You must be a registered DRM with AIM-VA to download this software.
Q. What are some of the unique features of Read:OutLoud 6?
A. The unique features and enhancements are:
- Opens and reads the widest range of file formats WITHOUT CONVERSION:
pdf, NIMAS, DAISY 3, rtf, txt, html, xml, and Bookshare files. - Leverages all of the built-in accessible features of native NIMAS and DAISY 3 files: images, navigation, lists, tables, math xml, and auditory cues for imbedded tags, e.g. page numbers, headings, image descriptions, and captions.
- Contains a fully accessible, speech supported, web browser
- Includes a wide variety of style sheets that allow teachers or students to change the way the text looks (size, color, font, etc) to best suite the individual need of the reader
- Built-in network functionality so that it can be used on one machine or on every computer in the building or district
- Helps students apply comprehension strategies through highlighters, reading templates and virtual note cards
- Offers a variety of resources for wide scale implementation, teacher and student training
Q. Which students could benefit from using the Read:OutLoud 6 text reader?
A. Read:OutLoud is designed to provide access to general curriculum materials for all students who have IEPs and difficulty accessing print
Q. Can Read:OutLoud 6 really be used by students at home?
A. Yes! The AIM-VA statewide license includes take home rights. A letter to parents can be provided upon request.
Q. What are the hardware specifications for running Read:OutLoud 6?
A. The technical requirements are:
Windows
• Pentium 4 PC or better
• Windows® XP, Windows® Vista and 7
• 512 MB RAM (required for this program)
• 400 MB hard drive space for standard install & Acapela Voices
• 256- color, 14-inch monitor, 1024 x 768 resolution
• CD-ROM Drive (8X)
• Color printer recommended
Macintosh
• G5, 1.6 GHz or better
• OS 10.4 – 10.5
• 512 MB RAM (required for this program)
• 400 MB hard drive space for standard install & Acapela Voices
• 256- color, 14-inch monitor, 1024 x 768 resolution
• CD-ROM Drive (8X)
• Color printer recommended
Q. How long will it take to download the software?
A. It will depend on the speed of your internet connection. Typically you can expect 5-10 minutes. We do not expect it to take longer than 20 minutes.
Q. What if my district took advantage of the free Read:OutLoud last year and still has copies, OR owns a prior license of Read:OutLoud?
A. In both cases you have the old version and should replace your existing Read:OutLoud with the new version. The feature enhancements to the product will make it well worth your while, as well as improve the reading experiences and outcomes of the students you serve. If you are using other tools in the SOLO software suite and have not upgraded those tools to version 6, you can keep both versions available.
Q. Is there a list of tips that I can use to learn how to get started right away?
Yes, follow this link to download a Quick Card, Skill Checklist and Product Manual.
http://www.donjohnston.com/support/ROL6_sup/index.html
Q. Is there any training or support materials available to get us up and running?
A. Yes. Training opportunities are available through Don Johnston Inc. and through AIM-VA.
Don Johnston Training Opportunities:
Quick Start Tutorial is included with Read:OutLoud. Don Johnston’s website also holds extensive materials and information about this program. Visit
http://www.donjohnston.com/support/ROL6_sup/index.html
A full overview of the software program is available http://www.donjohnston.com/products/read_outloud/index.html
AIM-VA Training Opportunities:
AIM-VA is offering one hour interactive webinar sessions. To register for the sessions please select the corresponding link.
Read:OutLoud 6, The Basics http://spedsurvey.gmu.edu/snap/2009/aimva/readoutloud6_training/
Or
Read:OutLoud 6, Level II
http://spedsurvey.gmu.edu/snap/2009/aimva/readoutloud6_training2/
Is there a website set up just for Virginia’s schools to assist us through this process?
Yes, Don Johnston created a Virtual Learning Plan just for Virginia schools. Included on this website is a Professional Development Tracking Form to assist in tracking Professional licensure credits as you complete training modules provided by Don Johnston Inc. Please visitthis linkto learn more.
http://www.donjohnston.com/state/virginia/virginia_readoutloud/index.html