Module 3 Software

The discovery exercises were so time consuming that sometimes I forgot which one I was working on! As much of a challenge as this was, I am glad to have reviewed the software that is available for people with disabilities. I was stumped on coming up with a rubric even with the nice rubric tutorial. I looked a some websites that offered criteria for evaluating software. Those were helpful, but I finally just decided to do the comparison in a table format giving the positives, negatives and assessment of the software in this module. That actually set me up to do the software selection assignment for my tech plan. The table was great for organizing my thoughts but not much for getting my info in this blog. I guess I just have to type it over again.

iCommunicator by Interactive Solutions, Inc., $6,499 (includes Dragon Naturally Speaking, microphone, wireless keyboard) $4,999 (software only)
Features: Translates in real time: Speech-to-text, Speech/Text to Video Sign language, Speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice; includes 30,000 word signing library & 250,000 word library
Positives: Promotes increased literacy & more independence for deaf and hard-of-hearing users
Negatives: Expensive
Assessment: Best comprehensive technology solution for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Dragon Naturally Speaking by Nuance Communications, Inc., $99.99 (Standard) $199.99 (Preferred)
Features: Words appear in documents, emails, etc. when user talks, quickly dictate and edit in most Windows programs
Positives: Excellent solution for user that has difficulty typing
Negatives: Must work at a computer that has this program installed
Assessment: Versatile software not just for users with vision difficulties, able to apply at school, work and home

Kurzweil 3000 by Kurzweil Education Systems, $2,695
Features: Text-to-speech conversion, create and send documents electronically and scan from different applications
Positives: Provides visual and audio feedback; writing and editing tools
Negatives: Expensive, for grade 3 - adult (must purchase other software for younger users)
Assessment: While aimed at struggling readers and people with learning disabilities, this software has potential for other users

Inspiration by Inspiration Software, Inc., $69 (single license) Other pricing options for multiple licenses
Features: Visual learning tool, build graphic organizers, idea maps and concept webs
Positives: Visual thinking and learning strategies for language arts, social studies, science, math, planning. Used by parents, educators, businesses
Negatives: For adult learners/users only. Need to by separate software for other age groups: Kidspiration for K-Grade 5 or InspireData for Grades 4-12
Assessment: Great versatile tool for multiple applications in school, work place and home

Windows Accessibility by Microsoft, Part of Windows XP and Vista Operating Systems
Features: Built in accessibility technology such as text to speech
Positives: Use Accessibility Wizard to customize options for display, keyboard, mouse, sounds and audio devices, built-in technology
Negatives: Requires time to configure accessibility options by disability, Microsoft Narrator is a minimal text-to-speech feature
Assessment: Configuring accessibility features is helpful for users that work on their own computer all the time, but may not be able to apply to computers in a classroom or computer lab due to multiple users

InfoEyes by OCLC Certain libraries participate, Librarians contribute time and services (attending training and advisory meetings, promoting the service, giving feedback and suggestions)
Features: Virtual information and reference service for blind and visually impaired, InfoEyes Librarians contribute 3 hours of desk time, respond to appointment requests and email questions.
Positives: Email question on the InfoEyes website, conduct live chat with librarian
Negatives: Live chat with librarian by appointment only, must wait to hear back from librarian by email with a link to a chat room.
Assessment: Particpating libraries that make library services accessible to the blind and visually impaired through InfoEyes reaffirms the role of the library as facilitator and source of information for everyone.

So here it is the comparision of some of the assistive technologies available. More are being created and upgraded with new features as technology continues to change to meet the information needs for everyone.