Assistive Technology Tools by Area - Lake Washington School District

Reading support

For students who face challenges with reading, there are a range of Assistive Technology tools that may help. Please see below for potential AT resources to support reading, including text-to-speech readers, vocabulary support, and access to digital texts.

Supports
Resources

Supports

Read aloud/text-to-speech

Read aloud allows students to select text and have it read aloud, empowering them to access and engage in content. Typically this feature can be customized in voice type and speed. Review read aloud options below.

Microsoft's Immersive Reader is a powerful reading support.
- Built-in support is available in Teams, Word, OneNote, Edge, Forms, PowerPoint, Lumio, FlipGrid, and Code.org.
- Explore this interactive training guide: Immersive Reader
Read Aloud in the Edge Browser
- Use this tool to read across websites and PDFs.
WordQ - Speech Feedback & PDF Access Features
- Speech Feedback & PDF read aloud tool works across multiple apps and tools.
- Download WordQ from the Software Center.
Clicker's Speech Feedback Tool
- Speech Feedback is integrated throughout Clicker to support literacy and comprehension.
- Available for all Elementary students, and Secondary upon request.
Scanning Pens, such as CPens can be an option for students to read paper based copies. These tools are available for trial, if you are interested please reach out to your student's educational team.

Read Aloud in Edge Browser can help you read websites or PDFs. To use while in Edge, right click and select "Read Aloud."

Reading aids & personalization

Reading aids can include anything that helps a student customize their reading experience and increase there understanding of text.

Microsoft's Immersive Reader offers many supports, including:
- Focus mode
- Avoid visual crowding with font spacing and short lines
- Syllabification to help with decoding
- Translation (by word or by document)
- Picture Dictionary
- Immersive Reader support is available in Teams, Word, OneNote, Edge, Forms, PowerPoint, Lumio, FlipGrid, and Code.org.
- Explore this interactive training: Immersive Reader
Reader-Friendly Fonts
- Our students’ ability to set their own preferences with text (font, size, color, and spacing) can be key for ability to engage and understand the content. 
- Student devices contain font options that are reader friendly: Lexie Readable, Open Dyslexic, Arial, Comic Sans, Century Gothic, Verdana, Trebuchet or Calibri.

Picture support

Picture support provides a visual along with written text to help provide context and increase comprehension. Review picture support options below.

Immersive Reader offers a built-in Picture Dictionary
Clicker's Instant Pictures
- Turn on Instant Pictures to see picture support as you write
- Add pictures to Clicker Sets to increase engagement and understanding

Reading practice support

Electronic version of texts

Engaging with electronic versions of texts allows students to use tools to access and interact with materials as needed and when needed.

Materials may be provided via Word, PowerPoint, Edge, or OneNote to enable students to use digital tools to access and interact with the text.
Digital text, e-books, and audiobooks may be offered through curriculums and school librarians. Check the sites below to learn more:
- LWSD's K-5 Research & Homework
- LWSD's 6-12 Research & Homework
Access e-books and audiobooks through LWSD & King County Library System partnership
- KCLS
  - KCLS login for LWSD: 414 followed by student ID number
Bookshare provides e-books and digital textbooks for those who qualify.
ReWordify is a web-based tool that can help teachers or families level text for students.
Students can also create their own digital texts with PowerPoint or Clicker Books.

Resources

Use the links below to learn more about the possible tools for reading support.

Bookshare

Immersive Reader (Microsoft)

Edge (Microsoft)

Translator (Microsoft)

WordQ5

Clicker

Inspiration 10

Reading Progress (Microsoft)

ReWordify

Writing support

LWSD provides low to high tech Assistive Technology for writing. Students may benefit from writing supports due to weaknesses in motor skills, attention, language, memory and higher order thinking. Tools to support writing include word prediction, graphic organizers, vocabulary supports, speech-to-text options and editing supports. Below you will find a list of potential tool options to help your students' written expression, engagement and success in the writing and creating process.

Supports
Resources

Supports

Notetaking supports

Students may need notetaking support around organization of notes, efficiency with recording content, or understanding their written notes after a presentation.

Presentation Translator in PowerPoint automatically generates a transcript that can be downloaded.
Live Captions in OneNote automatically captures the transcript of a video, lecture, or webinar: How to use OneNote Live Captions - YouTube
Use of templates or worksheets in OneNote can make notetaking easier.
Use of a type-able templates can support notetaking. Make a worksheet “type-able” by using Prepare Form in Adobe.
Use of Graphic Organizers can support notetaking.
- Secondary students can use Inspiration 10. Download from Software Center
- Elementary students can use Clicker Boards for digital graphic organizers.

Speech-to-text

Speech-to-text gives students the option to speak into their computer or headset and have it transcribed for them. This may benefit students who are inefficient typers, unable to access a keyboard, or just accessing their ideas better in a verbal format.

Dictate is Microsoft's Speech-to-text tool: Dictate in Microsoft 365
Students can use Dictate in Word, Outlook, OneNote or PowerPoint with the click of a button. 
Students can use also the shortcut Windows + H to turn on "voice typing" and dictate anywhere across several different apps and websites.
Students can submit a recording of their responses with OneNote: Audio Recording.

Typing support

Typing support my include word prediction, allowing student to type the beginning of a word and have predicated options appear, it may also include customized changes to the actual keyboard a student uses.

In Windows 10, Text Suggestions offers suggestions for words as you type. 
Clicker offers word prediction, as well as Word Banks and additional Clicker Sets to help writing. Learn more below.
- Clicker's Word Prediction: Clicker - Word Prediction | Crick Software
- Clicker's whole word or phrase typing support with Clicker Sets: Clicker - Jump-Start Writing Tasks | Crick Software
Word Q offers robust Word Prediction as a floating toolbar: WordQ Desktop for Schools — Quillsoft Ltd.
If needed, alternative keyboards or keyboard stickers could be explored to support students. Please reach out to your team to learn more!

Support for planning & organizing

Students who struggle with getting initial idea down on paper or organizing their ideas into a coherent manner may benefit from planning and organization support.

Secondary students can use Inspiration 10 to build digital graphic organizers.
- Download from in Software Center.
- Inspiration 10 can then be transferred to an outline to support writing.
Elementary students can use Clicker Boards for digital graphic organizers.
- Clicker Boards can be converted into a Word Bank to support writing.
- Use Voice Notes in Clicker for recording and listening to your ideas as often as needed.
Collaborate together by using Lumio/SLSO graphic organizers.

Editing & revision support

Editing supports include basic spelling and grammar options, as well as increasing clarity of ideas and the opportunity to independently reflect on written work.

Use Read Aloud tools to have your work read back to you for editing and review
- Built into Microsoft products with Immersive Reader, Clicker and WordQ.
Use all the key features of Editor in Word
Use the “Share” feature in Microsoft tools and collaborate with peers or staff.
Use of Voice Notes in Clicker to provide feedback and support planning.

Writing & drawing alternatives

Having access to writing or drawing alternatives with typing options such as digital worksheets, digital whiteboards, or digital organizers and mind maps can be highly beneficial for students.

Digital Graphic tools can be used to conceptualize many different concepts, ideas, processes, sequences, or timelines.
- Secondary students can use Inspiration 10 and elementary students can use Clicker Boards for digital options to support their learning and engagement.
Digital drawing tools can offer students ways to engage, brainstorm, or express themselves and their ideas. Find digital drawing options within:
- Clicker's paint tool: Clicker 8 - Harness the Power of Pictures | Crick Software
- Microsoft OneNote: Draw and write with ink in Office
- Word: Add a drawing to a document
- Whiteboard: Use Ink in Whiteboard
- Paint (Classic Windows App): Installed on your students device.
Digital worksheets can be powerful options for students. Learn how to edit worksheet files/printouts below, so they can become interactive for students.
- OneNote: Printouts as background
- Adobe: Make a PDF “type-able” by using Prepare Form in Adobe: How to create a fillable PDF | Make a PDF fillable | Adobe Acrobat DC
- Create Cloze activities in Clicker 8 (new Fall 2022!): Clicker Cloze - Check understanding | Crick Software
If needed, hardware tools such as styluses or adaptive mice can also be explored to support students. Please reach out to your team to learn more!

Resources

Tools

Use the links below to learn more about how to use possible tools to support writing.

Immersive Reader (Microsoft)

Dictate

Editor (Microsoft)

Text Suggestions (Microsoft)

OneNote (Microsoft)

Translator (Microsoft)

Whiteboard (Microsoft)

WordQ5

Clicker

Inspiration 10

Adobe's form options

Math support

Assistive Technology for math allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and participate in meaningful ways. Tools to support math include digital manipulatives, digital worksheet completion, digital graphing and handwriting-digital text support.

Supports
Resources

Supports

Low-Tech

Number lines
Math facts sheets/charts (100s Chart)
- WATI's example
Multiplication tables
Rekenrek boards, counting ropes or abacuses
Manipulatives
Flash cards of numbers, integers, concepts or operations
- Students can assemble expressions or receptively identify solutions
Rubber stamps for numbers/graphs
Graph paper or templates to organize math problems
Graphing tools or drawing tools
Worksheets with enlarged print and space for solving
Modified paper (bold lines, raised lines, grid paper)
Calculators

Mid-to-High Tech

Writing or drawing support
Virtual worksheet completion
Equation and expression support
Digital or virtual graphing
Digital or virtual manipulatives
Digital or talking calculators
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
Reads text aloud, allowing students to hear and see the text as it is being read.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Reads text aloud from images and pictures. Students can use OCR by taking photos of worksheets and other documents or by scanning documents.

Resources

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote 2016 (Desktop)

Access from Start Menu
Math Supports:
- Add grid paper: From View, select Rule Lines, from drop down menu, select Grid Lines
- Build equations: From Insert, select Equation.
  - Equation Tools Design bar will pop up
- Insert math problems: From Draw, select Ink to Math
- Use or draw Shapes: From Draw, select Shapes
- Worksheet completion:
  - Send worksheets to OneNote 2016
    - Option 1: Attach File as Printout
    - Option 2: From Print, select drop down option Send to OneNote
  - Right-click and select Set as background
  - Write or type on top of worksheet.
  - Once a worksheet is in OneNote 2016, it can be worked on in synced notebooks in any of the OneNote products.

OneNote Windows 10 App

Access from Start menu
Math Supports:
- Build or solve equations: From Draw, select Math Tools. Math toolbar will pop up on right.
  - Write or type equation. Select your equation with the Lasso Select Tool (under Draw). Click on Math Tools again. Use the dropdown to select the action you want, such as solve, show steps or graph it.
- Use Ruler: From Draw, select Ruler
- Use or draw Shapes: From Draw, select Shapes or Ink to Shape
- Insert math problems: From Insert, select Math Tools
  - Use pen or finger to write equation.
  - Select it with the Lasso select.
  - Ink to Math (to turn into text) and/or Select an Action from the drop down menu.
- Solve equations
- Graph

Microsoft Word 2016 (Desktop)

Read Write (middle and high school)

Snap Read (elementary and middle school)

Digital Text and Resources

Many of our curricula offer accessible educational materials in online versions of their text. Work with your student's teacher to fine out if a digital version is available.

In addition, the school library is a good place for your child to find information. Through the school library, students have access to a diverse collection of print and electronic materials. The librarian can provide assistance.

Communication support

Assistive Technology can help students with little or no verbal communication. AT tools to support communication include:

Single and multi-message voice output devices
Dynamic display devices with voice output

AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) allows for students with limited or no verbal communication to participate in communication activities. IEP team members, including Speech Language Pathologists, work in partnership to create a functional communication system for students. Communication systems range from low-tech communication books to high-tech dynamic display devices. The Assistive Technology team can be consulted if a therapist or IEP team is unsure what the best system is for a student.

Supports
Resources

Supports

Resources

Vision support

Students with low-vision often require assistive technology to access their educational materials. The Assistive technology team works with Vision teachers to provide screen magnifiers or software, accessible devices, cameras and screen sharing capabilities.

Supports

Services

If a student is referred for a functional vision evaluation, and the team agrees, services will be provided by the TVI and/or O&M specialist. Services might include any of the following:

Consultation with staff/parents/students
Providing information to families on school/community resources
Training on methods of gaining access to the curriculum, technology or environment
Providing accessible materials (large print books, Bookshare, etc.)
Providing specialized equipment and instruction for use
Braille instruction
Instruction to improve visual efficiency.
Instruction in the expanded core curriculum (ECC):
- Direct instruction
- Consultation
- Explaining options in the general education curriculum
ECC is the body of knowledge and skills students with visual impairments need due to their unique disability and specific needs.

ECC should be used as a framework for assessing students, planning individual goals and providing instruction.

Resources

Washington State School for the Blind, Vancouver, WA. (WSSB)
Once placed on an IEP or Section 504 plan, students are registered at WSSB by the TVI. WSSB can provide materials, large print books, short courses, training, etc. Contact is made through the TVI or O&M specialist.
Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
American Federation of the Blind (AFB)
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Association of the Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired Students and Adults (AER)
Lighthouse for the Blind
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Perkins Institute for the Blind
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
National Braille Press
Bookshare
- Upon identification, all students are signed up by the TVI for a Bookshare account.
- Books can be downloaded and read or listened to on the student laptop or other device. If the student or parent desire, an individual account can be added.
- All services are free.
The Seeing Eye
One program for dog guides. This was the first guide dog program, established 1929. It's a good place to start when looking for information.

Hearing support

Studying, Learning and Organizing support

Assistive Technology tools that support studying, learning and organizing include electronic graphic organizers, visual schedules, digital worksheet completion, digital highlighting tools and digital task lists and calendars.

Supports

Resources

Free resources from Understood.org

Quizlet is a study tool that lets students create electronic flashcards. It offers features that are especially helpful for kids who have trouble reading. The flashcards can include images and audio recordings. They can also be read aloud with TTS. Quizlet also offers activities and games to help with studying and syncs to a mobile app.
MindMeister is a digital graphic organizer. Students can use it to organize ideas with visual mind maps, diagrams and pictures. It also helps with taking notes, outlining main ideas in a book or getting started writing an essay. The tool comes built-in templates, but students can also create their own diagrams. In the free version of MindMeister, students can work on three projects at a time.

Tools to help read or create PDFs

Upad for iPad
Snaptype for iPad
OfficeLens

Graphic Organizers

Software

Read Write 12

Read Write 12

Read&Write logo: purple puzzle piece that says "rw"

Read Write 12 is a floating toolbar that offers student support in a variety of applications and software, such as Word, OneNote and Internet Explorer. Its features include:

Word prediction
Text-to-speech
Screen masking
PDF reader
Dictionary/picture dictionary
Highlight tools that collect information
Vocabulary list builder

Read Write 12 works best with Microsoft Word, PDFs and Internet Explorer. For more tips and tricks, please reference the links below:

Read Write 12 Support
Read Write Quick Reference Card
How to access:
- Application is on the desktop of district devices
- The software is installed on all secondary student devices automatically. It will be in the students' list of available programs.
- It is available to all elementary students, teachers and specialists for download from the Software Center.

Computer Access support

The LWSD Assistive Technology team works with special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists. Together, they make sure students have access to all educational tools and environments, including computers.

Support for computer access may include:

Computer-adapted keyboard or mouse
- Keyguard
- Mini mouse
- Touch screen
- Trackball
- Alternate keyboard
Switch access/interface
- Switch Progression Road Map
- How to Support a Switch User
Mobility tools/alternate computer access
Support for reading and writing
- Speech-to-text software
- Text-to-speech software
- Picture software

Mobility support

The Assistive Technology team collaborates with PTs and OTs to provide mounting systems for communication devices, environmental controls, switch access for toys or appliances or alternate access tools.

Work with the physical therapist (PT) on your IEP team for access to gait trainers, walkers, standers, wheelchairs and other tools for mobility.

Work with your occupational therapist (OT) for adaptive eating utensils, personal hygiene tools and adaptive cooking devices.

Assistive Technology mobility support might include tools to help with the following:

Seating/positioning
- Examples include an adapted/alternate chair, sidelyer, stander, or custom-fitted wheelchair or insert
Slip prevention
- Examples include non-slip surface on chairs, bolster, rolled towel, and/or blocks for feet
Adapted eating and drinking utensils
Adapted personal hygiene tools
Switch-operated cooking devices
- Examples include devices to help with pouring, blending, etc.
Switch-adapted toys
Environmental control units
Adapted swings
Adapted tricycle