1. Adaptech Research Network’s “Free and Inexpensive” Adaptive Technology Database
Presenter
Jillian Budd, M.A. Candidate in Educational Psychology1,2
1 Adaptech Research Network
2 McGill University
EASI Webinar, May 8, 2014

2. Agenda Adaptech Research Network’s research
Overview of “Free and Inexpensive” project
Demonstration of the “Free and Inexpensive” database
Some examples of ICTs
More Information

3. Adaptech Research Network
Based at Dawson College since 1996
College and university students with disabilities
Federally and provincially funded
Research is bilingual
Team: faculty, students, professionals, consumers, partners

4. Adaptech Research Focus
ChamplainFichten
1/16/2013
Adaptech Research Focus
Use and accessibility of information and communication technologies in postsecondary education
Facilitators and barriers to academic success
Free or inexpensive software useful to students with various disabilities

5. Need for “Free and Inexpensive” ICTs
High cost of adaptive software and hardware
Lack of information about what is out there
Inadequate opportunities to try ICTs before purchase
Research finding: Students with LD do not use many ICTs recommended by experts

6. Adaptech’s Response
Create a database to identify, test, and compile free and/or inexpensive hardware and software
Gives students the opportunity to try different technologies that could help them
Has been ongoing since 1999

7. Database Maintenance
Each technology in the database has been tested to confirm that it does what it claims
New programs and applications are tested and added to the database
Regularly updated

8. Database Software / Hardware Applications Windows Macintosh Apple
Android
Applications

9. Technology Requirements
≤ $200
Includes free/limited trials
Software / Hardware
≤ $10
Lite versions
Free trials
Applications

10. Database Entries Developer name
Type (free, free trial, limited trial, payware)
Price
Website and download URL
Size (MB)
Languages
System Requirements
Description (written by a member from our team)
Last time the entry was updated by a member of our team

11. Web 2.0 New addition to the database since summer 2013
Funded by a Canadian federal granting council (SSHRC)
Rate and review products
Suggest new products

12. How to Navigate the Database
Step 1: Go to Step 2: Choose the platform you are interested in (e.g. Windows) Step 3: Choose to view technologies in alphabetical order OR by category Step 4 (optional): Rate and/or comment on a specific entry Step 5 (optional): Suggest a product Programs are categorized by function and not by disability

13. Software Examples OmniPage WordQ TextAloud 3 Thunder Inspiration
Evernote
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
iZoom
OmniPage
WordQ

14. Hardware
Smartpen VuPoint Magic Wand C-Pen

15. Apple Applications Notability Voice Dream Reader TextAloud 30/30
Evernote
Typ-O HD
Inspiration
Popplet

16. Android Applications SwiftKey Evernote SimpleMind Cool Reader
Ivona Text-to-Speech HQ

17. Thank you! Questions?

18. Resources
Presenter: Jillian Budd, M.A. Candidate Learn more: Adaptech Research Network Réseau de recherche Adaptech Co-Directors: Catherine Fichten, Ph.D. Jennison Asuncion, M.A. Website: