1. Assistive Technology and Other Accommodations Technology Assessments Technology Assessments High Technology Classroom High Technology Classroom High Technology Computer Lab High Technology Computer Lab Accessible Technology Throughout Campus Accessible Technology Throughout Campus Specialized Assistive Technology Training and Support Specialized Assistive Technology Training and Support Provide Internship Possibilities for Students Provide Internship Possibilities for Students Provide Technology Information and Faculty Support Provide Technology Information and Faculty Support

2. What is a screen reader? What is a screen reader? Who uses screen readers? Who uses screen readers? What is screen reader literacy? What is screen reader literacy? What are some of the problems of using a screen reader? What are some of the problems of using a screen reader? How do you teach someone to read fluently with a screen reader? How do you teach someone to read fluently with a screen reader? Adult Literacy using Screen Readers

3. What Are Screen Readers? Complex computer applications that convert e-text into human speech. Complex computer applications that convert e-text into human speech. Synthesized computer speech sounds like a machine and is difficult to listen to. Synthesized computer speech sounds like a machine and is difficult to listen to. Read any text that has been converted to e- text. Read any text that has been converted to e- text.

4. Screen Reading A screen reader is able to read e-text using a synthesized voice. There are two general types of screen readers; 1.those designed for people with visual impairments 2.those designed for people with vision, but have difficulty reading printed materials. E-text can be created directly by typing in a computer word processor. It can also be created by scanning a book or magazine and then converting the image to e- text.

5. Audio Books Audio books allow people with print disabilities to access books and magazines. The content of the printed material must first be dictated by a human and converted to audio tape or a computer audio file. The voices are real human voices and are limited to the speed that the person recorded the original file. The following is an example of an audio book. The Body Snatchers, by Robert Lewis Stevenson The Body Snatchers, by Robert Lewis Stevenson You can find the rest of this book in audio book format at: www.audiobooksforfree.com

6. Screen Reader - Jaws Jaws screen reader is used by people with visual impairments. Click on the following links to listen to e-text at different reading speeds: Slow reading speed (60 - 70 words per minute) - Mark Twain, "Life on the Mississippi." Slow reading speed (60 - 70 words per minute) - Mark Twain, "Life on the Mississippi." Fast reading speed (about 300 words per minute) - Mark Twain, "Life on the Mississippi." Fast reading speed (about 300 words per minute) - Mark Twain, "Life on the Mississippi."

7. Screen Reader – With Vision Click on the following links to listen to e-text at different reading speeds: Slow reading spead (60-70 words per minute) - 16 Mhz voice (normal) - ReadPlease Slow reading spead (60-70 words per minute) - 16 Mhz voice (normal) - ReadPlease Fast reading spead (250 - 300 words per minute)- 16 Mhz voice (normal) - ReadPlease Fast reading spead (250 - 300 words per minute)- 16 Mhz voice (normal) - ReadPlease

8. Who uses Screen Readers? Low vision Low vision Mobility Mobility Learning disabilities Learning disabilities Other disabilities affecting literacy Other disabilities affecting literacy Adult with low reading levels Adult with low reading levels Estimated that 10% to 20% of postsecondary students in the United States have learning disabilities and could benefit from assistive technology. Estimated that 10% to 20% of postsecondary students in the United States have learning disabilities and could benefit from assistive technology. Federal and California Laws Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Chafee Amendment to the Copyright Law IDEA Education – IEP Assembly Bill 422 - Community Colleges

9. Learnability: The ability and process of a person to acquire language…Literacy. Reading Fluency: The level of reading literacy needed to enjoy reading and do well in college level classes Reading with a screen reader is the same as reading with your eyes. Literacy

10. Reading Fluency Model of Literacy Meaning through context Meaning through context Two modes of reading; fast and slow Two modes of reading; fast and slow As reading fluency increases, cognitive overload decreases… comprehension increases As reading fluency increases, cognitive overload decreases… comprehension increases Increased vocabulary Increased vocabulary Increased understanding and memory of reading content Increased understanding and memory of reading content The ability to identify and reconcile differences between the writers ideas and one’s own ideas. The ability to identify and reconcile differences between the writers ideas and one’s own ideas.

11. Major Problems Found with the Use of Screen Readers Dislike of synthesized voices Dislike of synthesized voices Comprehension of read material Comprehension of read material Reading fatigue Reading fatigue Cost Cost Ability to find prepared e-text copies of text materials Ability to find prepared e-text copies of text materials Cognitive overload Cognitive overload

12. Learning to Read with a Screen Reader SP82 Technology evaluation – Technology evaluation – Reading level before puberty, loss of literacy as an adult, disability Reading level before puberty, loss of literacy as an adult, disability SP84A (SP87A/B) Start reading – Affect – Motivating Start reading – Affect – Motivating First books must be age and culturally relevant First books must be age and culturally relevant Reading fluency – Understanding/Comprehension Reading fluency – Understanding/Comprehension Speed, diversity of context, emotional, writing/communication, and increased enjoyment Speed, diversity of context, emotional, writing/communication, and increased enjoyment Technically independence – Positive self-efficacy Technically independence – Positive self-efficacy Scanning of books and print materials Scanning of books and print materials Finding online electronic books Finding online electronic books Computer Literacy – navigation and content Computer Literacy – navigation and content Other College Courses Defined learning purposes – Motivation, goals, resources Defined learning purposes – Motivation, goals, resources College courses College courses Employment Employment Social involvement Social involvement

13. Ted Wattenberg C-121 Ext. 5382 twattenberg@deltacollege.edu