Resources
Reading Assistive Technology Resources
(Windows OS only unless specified)
Some software applications have features which make them appropriate across several categories.
Text to Speech Software
Write:Outloud (Mac and Windows)
gh Player
Cast E-reader (Mac and Windows)
IntelliTalk III (Mac and Windows)
Kurzweil 3000 (Mac and Windows)
WYNN
TextHelp Applications
Text Assist
Premier Programming Applications
Open Book (Scanning Reading System)
WordQ
Writing with symbols 2000
HELPread
ReadPlease - freeware
Text-Edit Plus (Mac)
Type and Read (Mac)
OCR software applications
Text Bridge Pro available off the shelf at office/computer stores (professional version is essential for any accuracy except for very clean copy, one column formatted text)
Omnipage Pro available off the shelf at office/computer stores (professional version is essential for any accuracy except for very clean straight formatted text)
Kurzweil 3000 (Mac and Windows)
WYNN
TextHelp Applications
Premier Programming Applications (scan and read)
Screen Reading Applications
TextHelp Applications
JAWS (Freedom Scientific) This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read)
Outspoken - This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read
Window-Eyes -This application generally used for persons with visual impairment who need everything on screen read
E-Text Access and Resources
Adobe Reader www.adobe.com
Microsoft Reader www.microsoft.com/reader/
The Gutenberg Project offers free e-books for download www.gutenburg.org
www.bookshare.org
www.cast.org
www.authorama.com
www.ldresources.com/links [There is information and access to e-text sites at the bottom of the page.]
Audio Books for MP3 or IPod
www.audible.com
http://www.audiobooks.com/
http://www.audiobooksonline.com/
Reading remediation and Learning Software
This is a sample of software applications that work on reading skills not compensation. There are numerous reading remediation programs on the market. This is a list of some of the more commonly used programs in special education.
Simon SIO (www.donjohnston.com )
Lexia (www.lexialearning.com )
Edmark Reading (www.riverdeep.com )
Earobics (www.earobics.com )
Balanced Literacy (www.intellitools,com )
Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com )
Fast ForWord (www.scilearn.com )
Laureate Learning Systems (www.laureatelearning.com)
Low and Mid Tech Reading Supports
Quicktionary Reading pen
Portable Speaking Spell Checkers – Franklin - http://www.franklin.com
Colored Overlays – www.nrsi.com/nrsi.htm or look for colored transparent folders at office supply stores
EZC Highlighter tape, Reader Highlighter Strips www.reallygoodstuff.com
Bar Magnifiers – www.independentliving.com, http://www.cleansweepsupply.com/pages/skugroup16495.html - Handheld Bar Magnifier
Assistive Technology Resources in Virginia
State Department of Education: Special Education
Assistive Technology Specialist and NIMAS Coordinator
John Eisenberg
Division of Special Education and Student Services
Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
(804) 225-3252; (800) 292-3820
E-mail: john.eisenberg@doe.virginia.gov
Web:www.doe.virginia.gov
Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 2 through 5
Division of Special Education and Instructional Services
Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
(804) 225-2675; (800) 292-3820
Web: www.doe.virginia.gov
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 662-7000; (804) 662-7081
(800) 552-5019; (800) 464-9950 (TTY)
Web: www.vadrs.org
Programs for Children and Youth who are Blind or Visually Impaired or Deaf-Blind
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227-3600
(804) 371-3140
Web: www.vdbvi.org
Together We Can: Virginia's Deaf-Blind Project
Partnership for People with Disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University
700 E. Franklin Street, 10th Floor
P.O. Box 843020
Richmond, VA 23284-3020
(804) 828-8252
Web: www.twc-deafblind.state.va.us
Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC)
www.ttaconline.org
Programs for Children and Youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 203
Richmond, VA 23229-5012
(804) 662-9502 (V/TTY); (800) 552-7917 (V/TTY)
E-mail: frontdsk@vddhh.virginia.gov
Web: www.vddhh.org
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Partnership for People with Disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University
700 E. Franklin Street, 10th Floor
P.O. Box 843020
Richmond, VA 23284-3020
(804) 828-3876 (V/TTY); (800) 828-1120
Web: www.vcu.edu/partnership
VATS: Virginia Assistive Technology System
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 662-9995 (V/TTY); (800) 552-5019 (in VA only)
Web: www.vats.org
Technology-Related Assistance – Funding
New Well Fund (Formerly Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA))
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107
Richmond, Virginia 23229
(804) 662-9000; (866) 835-5976
Fax: (804) 662-9533
Web: www.atlfa.org
Electronic Text resources
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Please note that these resources are for reference only, AIM-VA has no control over the content or accuracy of links included in each list.
Loudon County Schools Reading Resources website includes a wonderful list and description of E-book websites.
University of Virginia Library's Etext Center includes classic British and American fiction, major authors, children's literature, American history, Shakespeare, African-American documents, the Bible, and much more.
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through the development and use of innovative, technology-based resources. CAST is a phenomenal resource for educators and includes a terrific list of EText Sources
National Library Service (NLS) provides a NLS Factsheet that includes Selected Sources for Electronic Texts (compiled in 2005)
This factsheet presents a selected list of sources for electronic texts. The online files are in a variety of formats ranging from plain text to digital audio and digital braille. Most can be downloaded and read offline.
Louis Database of Accessible Materials and APH File Repository is the key to finding information about materials in accessible media from more than 180 different agencies nationwide. Louis lists the location information for over 180,000 books and other products in the following media: Braille, Large Print, Computer File, Audio
Other Related Resource Lists
Each of the following offer a tremendous number of links and resources related to accessible instructional materials.
http://ncam.wgbh.org/resources/
If you have suggestions for this list, please email Joyce Sharp, jsharp1@gmu.edu