Student with Dyslexia Discovers What It’s Like to Read: Emery’s Story

Emery is a 6th grade student with dyslexia. She thought she would never learn how to read. Emery would get angry at herself because she could not understand the words she was reading or read like other kids. At the age of 7, Emery was diagnosed with dyslexia. With the support of her family and dyslexia resources like the Bookshare ebook library and Scottish Rites, Emery’s reading and school experience pivoted 180 degrees. Using specialized audiobooks from Bookshare, she was able to learn how to track, decode, and understand that there was more to reading than word-for-word. She finally discovered what it was like to read for everyone. In this touching video, hear the before and after of Emery’s reading experience, as well as the thoughts and insights of her parents, Brandy and Mac.

Please share Emery’s story with others. If you or someone you know has dyslexia, or struggles with reading due to reading barriers like a learning disability, blindness, vision loss, or cerebral palsy, learn how Bookshare ebooks can make reading easier.

Bookshare is an ebook library for people with reading barriers and is FREE for U.S. schools and students with qualifying disabilities. Source: www.bookshare.org

Friday "Appy" Hour: Reading Bookshare Books Downloaded in Word

Bookshare books can now be downloaded in Word and read with any compatible editor or reading tool. This is a common, easy-to-use format that allows members to customize the book’s text to meet their reading needs. Members can do the following with Word:

• See the text
• Customize the font size, colors, styles, and more
• Annotate text
• And additional features depending on the tool

How to Access Books in Word

Here are the steps for accessing Bookshare books in Word:

1. Log in to Bookshare
2. Select a desired book
3. Select "Word" from the drop-down menu next to "Download" and follow the steps to complete the download process
4. Find the zipped file in your "Downloads" folder
5. Extract the zipped file

Once the file has been extracted, you can open it with a compatible editor or reading tool.

Submit Feedback on Word Format

Do you have suggestions on how we can make Bookshare’s Word option better? Share some feedback!

Read Aloud with Latest Version of Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word 2016 has a Read Aloud feature that lets you hear your document and see each word highlighted simultaneously. (Learn more about Microsoft Word's Read Aloud feature.)

Webinar Wednesday: I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

Click to RSVP for this Event

In this session, participants will learn how to use the built in accessibility supports in their mobile devices to support struggling readers, a free screen reader,  as well as how to adjust settings in three library apps; Google Play Books, Kindle App, and Libby/Overdrive so that readers can confidently say, “I can read that!”

Diana Ree-Reeder is a former low incidence disabilities teacher turned assistive technology (AT) resource teacher.  She has a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Assistive Technology from George Mason University as well as a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.  Ms. Ree-Reeder has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for her thirteen year career, with the last nine as an AT resource teacher.  She has worked with students from preschool to high school but primarily serves students in elementary schools. Ms. Ree-Reeder works with students with high and low incidence disabilities in her schools to find AT that will increase their academic achievement and enhance life skills through data driven methods.  She has presented at district, regional, and international conferences to share her knowledge with others. 

Event Date: 

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Date: February 22, 2018
Time: 3:30-4:30
Presenter: Traci West, MOTR/L Internet 50 1

Registration Information:


Or E-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
Do you have a 5th grader who really wants to read Harry Potter, but the words and letters on the page just won’t cooperate? Help your students who comprehend grade level material gain access to their world through the use of audiobooks and audio strategies. We will explore several websites and tools including Learning Ally, Storybook Online, Bookshare and more.

Learning Objectives: 

Participants will...

1. Understand the three main structural levels of tools and accommodations for students

2. Explore at least three online audiobook resources

3. Identify characteristics of students who would benefit from reading accommodations

Presenter:

Traci West, MOTR/L is an OT and Instructional Facilitator for Assistive Technology in Tacoma Public Schools. She has practiced in the OT field for 24 years, with the past 16 years spent in school-based therapy. Prior to earning her MOTR/L, she was a COTA/L and brings experiences from both perspectives during her years of service in nursing facilities, hospital rehab, hand therapy, and school based therapy. Passions include teaching others about the wide variety of accommodations available to support student inclusion in the general education setting and building a district culture of differentiation and inclusion.

Dyslexia Awareness Month: A Recap of Past Resources

Dyslexia Awareness Week is aimed at encouraging appropriate screening, assessment and intervention for those living with dyslexia. Additionally, it provides a platform to provide education on and debunk the myths about dyslexia. Take a look back at some of the incredible resources previously posted about dyslexia on Where It's AT to help kick off this week. Be sure to stay tuned here for more valuable resources to come! 

• Understanding the Struggles of the ADHD & Dyslexic Child
• Dyslexia and the Brain
• Learning Ally's 1 in 5 Initiative
• Everyone Reading: Dyslexia - Making it Personal
• Decoding Dyslexia
• Assistive Technology at a Glance
• Embracing Dyslexia
• Why Audiobooks Work Infographic
• Assistive Tech 101: Basics for Students with Dyslexia
• Dos and Don'ts on Designing for Accessibility
• Demystifying the 4 D's: Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia
• Dyslexia....There's an App for That!
• Webinar Wednesday: Alumni Webinar: Assistive Technology in the Workplace with Jamie Martin
• Friday "Appy" Hour: Reading With Dyslexia Simplified With Pocket

Webinar Wednesday: Bookshare's Back to School Webinar

Bookshare is an invaluable resource that provides access to printed materials for people with print disabilities, including visual impairments, physical disabilities or severe learning disabilities.

Bookshare offers the world’s largest collection of accessible titles. As a result, people of all ages, as well as schools and many organizations around the globe can access the books they need for school, work, career advancement, skill development and the simple love of reading in formats that work for them. 

Click the link to read my post on Overcoming Print Disabilities with eBooks to learn more about Bookshare and other free resources available to those with print disabilities. 

Join the folks at Bookshare for an upcoming Back to School with Bookshare webinar  on September 14, at 2pm PST. The webinar will last approximately one hour. During this hour you will learn how easy it is to implement Bookshare in your classroom and get your students reading in just a few easy steps. If you're unable to attend, be sure to still register and Bookshare will send you a link to the recording.

An Epic! Giveaway

Calling all educators...

ENTER NOW

for a chance to

Win iPads for Every Student in Your Class!

Plus, get 6 months of unlimited reading at home with Epic!

(contest ends October 20, 2017)

If you don't already know about Epic!, you are missing out. I was introduced to Epic! by a colleague of mine and since then here has been no looking back. It is by far not only a preferred app by students, but by teachers and parents as well. 

Click here read my previous Friday "Appy" Hour blog post featuring Epic! to learn what it's is all about.

Preview Tonight's #ATchat Questions

eBooks and Audiobooks as Assistive Technology Tools

I am extremely excited that I once again will be co-moderating this week's #ATchat on Twitter with two of the leading experts in assistive technology, Mike Marotta (@mmatp) and Karen Janowski (@karenJan). 

The focus of our discussion will be about considerations for eBooks and Audiobooks as Assistive Technology Tools when screening for and implementing assistive technology. If you're new to the field of AT, this is the perfect forum to ask questions and learn about available resources from many seasoned AT specialists who are always eager to share! A preview of the questions will be posted here tomorrow! Whether you want to lurk, follow along or actively participate, be sure to join us tomorrow night at 8-9pm EST on Twitter using the hashtag #ATchat! Have questions about how to join, click on the email button in the right column or comment below! 

Save Bookshare: Have Your Voice Heard

Bookshare is a vital resource, providing free access to digital media to over 400,000 qualifying members. Within its vast library, subscribers have access to nearly a half a million titles available, which include braille, large print, and audio versions of books. Within our federal government, the projected budget appropriations bill in the House of Representatives proposed eliminating funding for Bookshare. Without Bookshare, the consequential impact both financially for local governments and taxpayers, as well as the thousands of users who rely upon the service would be devastating at best. The following passage below is taken from a letter I received in email from Benetech's CEO, Jim Fruchterman. For more information about the proposed bills and the impact this will have on Bookshare, please read below. 

I ask that you please take a moment, which is all that it will take, to click the image (or link within the text) below.  By doing so, you'll have the chance to voice your opinion and urge your members of Congress to continue funding Bookshare. 

Bookshare funding remains in jeopardy as the new Congress considers the budget for both the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. Your representative and senators need to hear from you. Please act now and ask them to support Bookshare as they consider programs to receive federal funding. As you may recall, the House of Representatives proposed a FY2017 funding bill that would, in effect, defund Bookshare. In recent months, we have worked with Bookshare supporters in specifically targeted states and districts to advocate for funding of the program that funds Bookshare, known as the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program. We need your help again to enlist the support of your members of Congress. Please ask your Members of the House of Representatives and Senate to preserve funding for the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program. Hearing from constituents is crucial for Members of Congress-it can often mean the difference between their support for a program or not. So, we need your help! Please use this link to send a letter to your senators and representative. We encourage you to customize these letters by including information about the impact Bookshare has had for your child or in your school. This is a critical time for Bookshare, and your help is essential to ensure that the program will continue.

Sincerely,
Jim Fruchterman
CEO
Benetech

How Audio Promotes Literacy Infographic

If you've been following my blog over the past few months, you probably have read many posts regarding the effectiveness of audiobooks or eBooks. However, if not, I welcome you here and have provided links to several of the articles and infographics previously posted. Click on each title to view the posts. 

Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help

Assistive Technology At A Glance

Why Audio Books Work Infographic

Overcoming Print Disabilities with eBooks

Friday "Appy" Hour: Epic! 

To add to my expanding resources in support of audio or eBooks, I wanted to share this incredible infographic created by APA (Audio Publishers Association). The APA is a not-for-profit trade association which focuses on advocacy for audio publishers. APA's goal in creating the infographic was to address the question that arises often:

Have you ever wondered just how much audiobooks can improve early literacy skills? 

Through the visual representation viewers can see at a glance through statistics and researched facts how audiobooks or eBooks can make an impact on vocabulary skills, articulation, reading accuracy, reading fluency and more.

To download or copy this infographic click on the link here. 

Source: APA

A Blizzard of Books: An Epic! Challenge

 Take part in Epic's biggest winter reading challenge of the year! 

From Monday 1/30 to Friday 2/3, Epic! classrooms will be automatically entered into the challenge with many chances to win cool prizes! If you haven't already heard of Epic!, read my previous post to learn more about it. 

Friday "Appy" Hour: Epic! blog post 

Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help Us Learn

With technology advances providing easier access to high quality audio book through paid providers like Audible and Learning Allied or funded sites like Bookshare, to name only a few, many are turning to "ear reading" to improve fluency and comprehension for both academic and pleasure reading. However, the equality of audio books is often called into question where conversations may revolve around the notion that listening to books doesn't teach students to read and is viewed as taking an easy way out. Those who utilize text-to-speech programs and built-in accessibility tools as valuable tools for learning disagree with these suggestions. The KQED News article Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help Us Learn by Ki Sung, tackles this subject and provides insight into the impact audio books can have.

Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help Us Learn Article

Assistive Technology at a Glance

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To access the full article, click here: 

Understood.org AT at a Glance Article

For many children with reading disabilities, including kids with dyslexia, assistive technology (AT) can help to remove barriers and reduce daily academic struggles. With the field of technology always evolving, it almost seems like new technologies become available each day. This can be both challenging and overwhelming for parents and educators who are unsure of which technologies would work for their student or child. The big question is....Where should I begin? To help provide a starting point, the team at Understood.org has created a guide featuring AT tools for reading and tips on where to locate the tools. 

Types of Assistive Technology Tools for Reading

Here are some of the most helpful AT tools for reading.

• Text-to-speech (TTS) lets kids see text and hear it read aloud at the same time. To use this tool, kids click on or highlight words, and the words are read by a computer-generated voice. TTS can be used with books, emails, web pages and any digital text. It can also be used to convert text files into audio files.
• Audiobooks and digital TTS books allow kids to hear books read aloud. Some kids like to read along with the book so they can see the words at the same time. Audiobooks are read by human voices. Digital TTS books are created with TTS, and use computer-generated voices.
• Optical character recognition (OCR) reads aloud text from images and pictures. Kids with reading issues can use OCR by taking photos of worksheets and other documents, and even objects like street signs. They can also scan documents in. OCR can read words from pictures on web pages (such as image files, like JPG). Like TTS, OCR uses computer-generated voices.
• Graphic organizers are visual representations, like diagrams and mind maps, of ideas and concepts. Kids can use graphic organizers to take notes while reading, which can help with comprehension. Graphic organizers can be digital or pen and paper.
• Annotation tools let kids take notes and write comments while reading. This can make it easier to retain information. Annotation tools can be found on certain software or apps, or they can be traditional pens, markers and sticky notes.
• Display control allows kids to control how text is displayed. When reading on a screen, they can change the font, font size, color and spacing of text. Kids can also mask or cover parts of the screen to lessen distractions while reading. When reading on paper, they can use a simple adaptive tool, like a plastic reading guide. Some books use large print or special fonts. Or they may replace certain words with images.
• Dictionaries and thesauri allow kids to look up words they don’t understand when reading. A picture dictionary is a popular tool that uses images to define words. And a talking dictionary reads definitions aloud.

Where to Access Assistive Technology for Reading

Some reading tools are “low-tech.” There are traditional classroom tools like sticky notes and highlighter pens. You can typically find them at any store that sells school supplies.

Your child’s school or teacher may be able to provide certain adaptive tools, like reading guides or special worksheets. You can check with the school or local library to access certain stand-alone technology tools, like books on tape or CD (kids will need audio player to use them). You may also want to learn about where to find free audiobooks and digital TTS books.

Today, however, most AT tools for reading are used on one of three computer platforms for assistive technology:

• Desktop and laptop computers: Computers typically have built-in AT options, like TTS. You can download software programs for reading issues to add more AT functions to computers.
• Mobile devices (like tablets and smartphones): Mobile devices also have built-in AT. You can add more reading tools to mobile devices with apps. Explore Tech Finder to find apps for reading issues.
• Chromebooks (and Chrome browsers on any device): Chromebooks also have built-in AT. And you can add Chrome apps and extensions to help kids with reading issues even more.

Learn more about assistive technology. Find out whether schools will pay for reading tools for your child. And get an expert’s advice on the first assistive technology to try for your child.

Source: Understood.org

Why Audiobooks Work Infographic

Often times conversations arise regarding the effectiveness of audiobooks. The following infographic provided by Learning Ally and We Are Teachers debunks many of the pervasive myths associated with audiobooks and highlights the benefits of implementing them within your home or classroom. 

To access a printable version of this infographic click here! 

Source: Learning Ally and We are Teachers

Celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month with a Give-Away!!!

As Halloween creeps right around the corner and we continue our focus on Dyslexia Awareness Month, what could be better than adding a signed copy of a "spooky" book from authors like R.L. Stine, Ursula Vernon or Robert Beatty to your personal or school library.

This "chilling" opportunity comes from Learning Ally. Learning Ally is a national nonprofit that helps all students gain access to books via ear-reading audiobooks. Read below to learn how you or your students can win a copy of one of these spooktacular books!

• Obtain parental permission
• Follow us on social media, either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter 
• (make sure we can SEE your posts by making them public).
• Get creative posting books or lines from books that “give you chills” – you can read the line and video it, type it, or even take a photo of the book itself (like the picture to the right). We’ll accept them all in the contest!
• TAG us by using @LearningAlly *and* use the hashtag #LearningAllyGivesMeChills 
• Each post enters your name to win an autographed book from a spooky author like R.L. Stine, Ursula Vernon or Robert Beatty! 
• Keep posting because you may be chosen!

 Learning Ally will announce the winners on one of their social platforms on October 27th. 

 (Please share it in the comments below if you are selected as a winner!!!! )

 

Click the link to view other upcoming fun activities from

Sources: Learning Ally, Action Sprout 

Overcoming Print Disabilities with eBooks

Those who experience a print disability, may also experience frustration or even embarrassment when interacting with traditional print materials. Simply stated, a print disability is a physical or cognitive condition that hinders a person from reading printed text. Thankfully in a day and age of technology, there are many options for e-readers for those classified with a print disability. This post, compiled by PCCSA,  shares 5 different e-book options available for students to use for both academic and pleasure reading.
 

Bookshare

 

If you cannot read traditional print books because of a visual impairment, physical disability or severe learning disability, Bookshare can help!
Our books are “accessible,” which means you can read our books many different ways.
Bookshare offers the world’s largest collection of accessible titles.

*As a district, we suggest that you sign-up for an Individual Bookshare account.
This allows the parent/guardian to access all books for their student, it is not tied to a teacher's account and/or book list.
Who qualifies?
Click here to get started with Bookshare

OverDrive

With OverDrive, ​you can borrow and enjoy free eBooks, audiobooks, and more from your public library's digital collection. OverDrive is available across a wide range of devices and platforms. All you need to get started is an internet connection, and a public library card.

Click here to get started with OverDrive

 Open eBooks

 
Open eBooks is an app containing thousands of popular and award-winning titles that are free for children from in-need households. These eBooks can be read without checkouts or holds.

​The goal of Open eBooks is to encourage a love of reading and serve as a gateway to children reading even more often, whether in school, at libraries, or through other eBook reading apps.

*The PCCS A&IT Department has offered training to staff and parents of students with IEP's.
If your student has an IEP, please contact their case manager for access code/PINs.  

Click here to get started with Open eBooks

 hoopla

 

hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.

Click here to get started with hoopla 

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers over 50,000 free ebooks. Choose among free epub books and free kindle books, which you can download or read them online.

No fee or registration is required, but if you find Project Gutenberg useful, they kindly ask you to donate a small amount so they can buy and digitize more books.

Click here to get started with Project Gutenberg

 To view the original article click on this link....

Friday "Appy" Hour: Epic!

 A colleague this year introduced me to Epic!, the award-winning service, which includes unlimited digital access to fiction and non-fiction books from leading publishers such as HarperCollins, Macmillan and National Geographic. 

My first thought was.....how did I not know about this app sooner? As a former elementary classroom teacher, I immediately thought of the thousands of ways I could have utilized this app in my guided reading groups and during my independent learning centers. With thousands of books available now and hundreds of more titles added each week, Epic! has been called the “Netflix of kids books”. The reason I decided to feature this app here is that this is a perfect resource for our students with print disabilities, as it enables students to access digital versions of books their classmates may also be reading that include the beautiful illustrations as well. Although there are plenty of other apps out there, like Read2Go or Voice Dream Reader, that have the capability to read books aloud, often times they lack the visuals that accompany books for our youngest readers.  It’s an unlimited library your kids can take anywhere which is what make's Epic.....so epic!

 
The Epic! library contains everything from picture books to chapter books, early readers, audio-enabled “read to me” books, comic books, graphic novels, non-fiction titles, educational books, and junior novels. 


Key Features...
•Thousands of great titles with hundreds more added weekly - fiction, non-fiction, classics, book series, favorite characters, how-to, holidays, historical, jokes, science & nature, and so much more....  
• New books are added weekly from major publishers including HarperCollins, Macmillan, National Geographic and more
•Vivid images, just like you would find in printed books
• Audio-enabled “read-to-me” books
•Personalized book suggestions can be made upon completing your child's or students' interests
• Includes 4 customized reading profiles per account, at no additional cost
• Book information includes the AR Level if one has been assigned to the book
•Children/Students can save their favorite books to read again at a later date
• A detailed reading log to track reading progress available in the app, and emailed weekly to parents
• Online and offline (without a Wi-Fi connection) reading...take Epic! in the car, on a plane, or camping!




How It Works/Cost...
•The Epic! app is available on iOS (iPod, iPad, iPhone), Android, Kindle, and you can also access books on any web browser. Accounts stay updated among various devices. 

•Parents: Your Epic! account is free for the first 30 days. To continue receiving access to Epic!’s library after your free trial, a monthly subscription is just $4.99 per month thereafter. You can cancel anytime.

•Educators: Epic! is 100% free for elementary school teachers and librarians in the U.S. and Canada. Create up to 36 profiles with personalized recommendations based on reading levels and interests. 

Download Epic! on the App Store now!