Why assistive technologies?

This unit explores the key role assistive technology can, and should, have in today's learning environments.  A range of resources are described and evaluated, including many which are available easily online.  The course is practical in nature, seeking to equip participants with skills including the structuring of word documents to make reading more accessible, and in the production of text-to-speech audio files.  It is intended that participants will gain a confidence and basic competence in using these practices, understand how they facilitate learning and be able to implement them in their setting.

What can I expect from the course?

On completion, participants will be able to¹:

• Demonstrate how assistive technology can support learners with dyslexia or co-occurring difficulties to improve reading skills
• Demonstrate how assistive technology can provide support for learners with dyslexia co-occurring difficulties to improve writing skills
• Employ assistive technology to provide audio support for blind and visually impaired learners and learners with dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties.
• Identify appropriate audio hardware and software to support the learner with dyslexia co-occurring difficulties