Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2012

WordQ+SpeakQ Basic Introduction

WordQ + SpeakQ is the first and only integrated word prediction and speech recognition tool available. It has been designed to be more forgiving than other programs, offering more success for users. It's perfect for those who struggle with writing. This video focuses on the main features of the application when working with Microsoft Word. From my point of view, I really like WordQ, It seems to work with me at a reasonable pace and not overtake me or move to slowly. Enabling me to work with pockets of information and contain them.

Kurzweil 3000 & Firefly

Kurzweil 3000 & Firefly: Assistive technology to provide access to curriculum Kurzweil 3000 reads text aloud, but unlike many assistive applications the tone and quality of the audio is fantastic.  It keeps me focused when with other software I may have switched off.  It reads aloud from print as well as digital.  Alongside a few other applications Kurzweil has been one of my biggest aids in getting to where I am.

Civil Service Live

I recently attended the Civil Service live event at Kensington Olympia.  Acting as a helping hand for the Adult Dyslexia Organisation from an Assistive Technology point of view, it was great to see some of the fantastic new companies like OmniRead and Dolphin as well as ever presents such as TextHelp, Nuance and MindView and to use the event as a platform to show what is available within the workplace.

SaySo

SaySo Uses human sounding voices and reads aloud as you type, so you can write confidently knowing you've made less mistakes. With SaySo you can relax and listen to emails, blogs, essays and books. SaySo highlights the words as they are spoken, focussing your attention, enabling you to better understand the text. Here is a video on the reading & writing capabilities of SaySo. As a dyslexic this is great and the simplicity of the interface can really benefit people who are less confident with computers,  I would say that it will benefit people who respond to strong imagery as opposed to text or sleeker graphic interfaces. For more information, visit: http://www.yourdolphin.co.uk/productdetail.asp?id=34
Recently with the aid of Apple, I have been able to further take assistive technology out of the box and show more people what is available.  It seems that once people are presented with an iPad to use a barrier goes down and they realise very quickly that they can make use of the technology. This equipment has enabled me to reach more people within education. From our international students to staff; caretakers to teachers and even the school dein.