Assistive Technology Tools

By: Bethany Toth

Tool #1: Voice Dream Reader
Rational & How It Can Be Used
• Voice Dream Reader is a program that can be • This tool is designed for people who are blind,
used on a computer or downloaded as an app have low vision, dyslexic, autistic, or have
on phones or tablets. motor functioning problems. It can be very
• It allows its user to load documents from useful in the classroom as it highlights the
different file formats to listen anytime. Your words that are being read aloud. Students can
library can be synchronized across multiple follow along with what is being read and not
devices. get lost.
• The rate at which the text is read as well as the
voice of the person reading can be adjusted to
fit your listening needs.
Purchase & Cost Information
• Voice Dream Reader for the computer is a subscription based product that offers a free 14 day
trial. In the App store for iPhones and iPads it is $24.99. There are other in-app purchases that can
be made such as purchasing a new voice for $4.99.
Tool #2: Speak For Yourself
Rational & How It Can Be Used
• Speak For Yourself is an app that can be
downloaded on phones or tablets.
• It is an augmentative and alternative
communication app that was developed by
speech-language pathologists.
• Speak For Yourself allows access to up to
14,000 words with no more than two touches.
• This tool is designed for kids ages 4 and up
who are nonverbal and may have autism,
cerebral palsy, apraxia, or genetic syndromes.
• This app helps bridge the communication gap
for kids.
• In the classroom, this device can be useful for
students who need to ask to go to the
bathroom or get water without knowing the
right words to use. In addition, it can be used
in preschool to promote word finding, visual
language support and verbal speech
development.
Cost & Purchase Info
• Speak For Yourself costs $299.99. Although it seems quite expensive, it is an effective
communication tool. There are additional voices that can be purchased for $24.99 but that is
optional.
Tool #3: Frequency Modulation (FM) Systems
Rational & How It Can Be Used
• FM systems are often used with kids who are • There are several types of FM systems. There
deaf or hard of hearing, hearing aid are wearable microphones that broadcast to
candidates or students who have ADHD. FM speakers in the room or to a student’s
systems reduce background noise, amplify the personal receiver. Microphones for these
teachers voice, assists with auditory processing systems could be a table-top, clip-on,
systems, and helps with children who struggle handheld or boom microphone. The receiver
with attention problems. end could be an ear-level receiver, neck loop
receiver, loudspeaker or body-worn receiver.
Cost & Purchase Info
• Frequency Modulation systems can range in price depending on
what device you want. They can be purchased in electronics
stores, online, or through your hearing healthcare professional.
Some insurance companies will help cover part or even the
whole cost of the system. They can cost as low as $150 or be
several thousand dollars.
References
• FM Systems. (2021, March). Retrieved from Hearing Link Services:
https://www.hearinglink.org/technology/fm-
systems/#:~:text=FM%20systems%20are%20wireless%20assistive,distance%20and%20in
%20noisy%20environments.
• Speak For Yourself. (n.d.). Retrieved from Speak For Yourself AAC:
https://speakforyourself.org/
• Voice Dream Reader. (2022). Retrieved from Voice Dream:
https://www.voicedream.com/reader/