Session 3: Envision and Actualize Podcast

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SHOW NOTES: Assistive Technology Podcast

This week’s podcast is hosted by VOX Humano, cousin to virtual TV announcer, MAX Headroom. VOX Humano informs the podcast listener about the different types of accessibility software for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. VOX Humano also speaks out on which assistive technology software is compatible in the Windows and Novel Network environments. He also provides examples of stand alone text-to-speech tools such as Quick Link Pens, internal software synthesizers, and also where to obtain free software.

The Disabilities Act of 1988 was designed in part to enhance the availability and quality of assistive technology devices for students. This type of technology is integral in allowing handicapped students to access their surroundings. The following information provides educators with information to help promote the use of advanced technology to meet the needs of handicapped students.

WINDOWS BASED SOFTWARE FORMAT
Freedom Scientifics’ Jaws for Windows
Cool Speech 5.0
CrazyTalk 4.1
WriteAway 2000
WinSpeech

FREE SOFTWARE
Help Read
Read Please 2000

MACINTOSH BASED SOFTWARE FORMAT
textHELP! by Lorien Systems
Cepstral's Text-to-Speech Software
VoiceOver

STAND ALONE TEXT-TO-SPEECH TOOLS
WizCom Technologies
Quick Link Pen
Quick Link Pen Elite
The D. E. C. Access 32, Internal Software Synthesizer

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Dyslexic.com - reference page for books and software tools.
The LD Resources website - repository of learning disability resources.
Speaking to Write
Text-to-Speech Software for Helping Struggling Readers