1. Assistive Technology Support Initiative AT Training Part 2
This presentation is meant as a cost effect
“train-the-trainer” model to train volunteers and others to support students who use AT.

2. Software Training
Your local college or university may be willing to train you during certain times of year. Contact Learning Technology Centres or Student Services.
AT software companies all offer free online training and support.

3. Cambrian College Training
Cambrian College in Sudbury offers an online PD program for those interested in supporting students with Learning Disabilities. At a minimum take the Understanding Learning Disabilities course.
LEARNING DISABILITY SPECIALIST: LSLD/ATLD (LDED)

4. Ministry Licensed AT
School boards use a variety of assistive technology software. The two popular software programs are Kurzweil 3000 and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
There are many other AT software programs in all price ranges. Please see the resources section of the website for more information.

5. Low Cost Training Options
Volunteer Software Training can be implemented in two parts:
Self paced
one-on-one or group workshop 

6. Self Paced
Self Paced involves downloading free trials of the software programs and working through online manuals, videos and tutorials.

7. Group Training
One-on-one or group training, can take place at the school, and should include detailed advice and instructions on how volunteers can help support students that use assistive and learning technology.
Please see the ATSI Volunteer Training Toolkit.

8. Download Software Demos
Kurzweil 3000 text to speech software
Please visit  
Download the 30 day trial, open Kurzweil 3000, go to the Help menu on the top right, and go to How To Videos.
Watch each video and practice on the demo copy.

9. SET BC Online Training
Work through the online Kurzweil 3000 training guide at:

10. Landmark College Resources
Landmark College is a school for students with dyslexia. Their website offers a wealth of AT information, tutorials and videos.
Visit and review the online training resources.  

11. Dragon NaturallySpeaking
DNS voice to text software does not offer free trials.
Visit  and watch the DNS videos. 
Download the “Rainbow Passage” and the “Fastest Way to Accuracy” PDFs for use with your student.

12. DNS Tips
Plug in headset before opening DNS or the microphone will not work.
Remind the student of this step as part of the routine.

13. Training a Student to Use DNS
If your student is using voice to text software because they have a reading disability, explain to the student that you will whisper all text to the student and the student will then repeat it into their microphone.
The goal is to speak as naturally as possible.

14. DNS Student Training
Explain that the student will not have to read out-loud—they only repeat what you say.
Tell them this is standard training procedure.
This is very important to relieve stress for the student and to ensure they will speak naturally during the training.

15. Scratch That versus Correct That
Explain the difference between “Scratch That” and “Correct That” and practice using both until the student is comfortable.
Scratch That is used when the student has said the wrong words.
Correct That is used when DNS has misunderstood what the student said.

16. Correcting DNS
Correcting words as you go is the fastest way to accuracy.
The student will need your help to correct spelling.
Reinforce that the extra time taken to train DNS now will pay off later in accuracy and speed.

17. Quickest Way to Accuracy
Read the “Rainbow Passage” with the student as the quickest way to achieve accuracy. Courtesy of Landmark College

18. Weekly Accuracy Centre Visits
Visit the DNS accuracy centre once a week with the student and choose a different training passage.
Make this part of your weekly routine.
Once you have finished all the training passages, find new material for additional training.

19. DNS Saving Voice Files
SAVE the voice files only if you have taken time to correct the misrecognitions otherwise the software will learn the mistakes.
Remind the student to save voice files or they will constantly have to retrain DNS.

20. LiveScribe Echo Smart Pen
Great for note taking
Smartpen records audio and links it to what you write
Watch the video on:

21. NaturalReader Free text to speech software
Easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and s into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.

22. Read Write Gold
Read&Write GOLD - Award-winning literacy software with support tools for reading, writing, research, and studying to help students of all ages succeed independently.
30 day trial

23. Premier
Premier portable products; it increases the opportunities for student success; it creates an environment of inclusion, freedom, independence and empowerment; it allows for a smooth transition between home, school and work;
Volunteers assisting in schools have access to Premier products

24. Word Q Speak Q
Assistive writing technology that fully integrates word prediction, text to voice and voice recognition. A reading and writing program designed for struggling writers.
Free trial and videos

25. Mind Mapping Software
Inspiration mind mapping software—wonderful visual tool for note taking, writing, organization and more!
Free trial
Smart Ideas (K-12) free trial

26. Volunteer Training
Be sure to work through the ASTI Volunteer Training Toolkit Part 1 PowerPoint for specific information on supporting students who use AT to access the curriculum.
Download the presentations and customize your own training program.