Students with Cognitive Disabilities
The blanket category of cognitive disabilities covers a wide range of cognitive abilities and is the most common type of disability. Robyler and Doering (2010) cited the U.S. Department of Education saying, "current estimates indicate that 3.8 million students, ages 6-21, have a mild disability" (p. 415). Cognitive disabilities range from mild to severe but impact the way students learn. The following are assistive technologies that can aid learning for students with cognitive disabilities:
Bailey's Book House
Bailey's Book House is an interactive program that helps students to learn basic literacy skills such as letters, words, word families and rhyming words. Here is a demo video of what Bailey's Book House is all about:
Bailey's Book House
Bailey's Book House is an interactive program that helps students to learn basic literacy skills such as letters, words, word families and rhyming words. Here is a demo video of what Bailey's Book House is all about:
Millie's Math House
Millie's Math House is an interactive program designed to teach students foundation math concepts. Students explore numbers through basic skills like patterns, quantity and sequencing. Here is a demo video of what Millie's Math House is all about:
Edmark Reading Program
According to their site, Edmark is the reading program "that works" for students who need an alternative to phonics. Edmark reading program is available in print and software versions, both follow the same format and sequence. Edmark reading program focuses on a variety of learning styles, includes bright, colorful graphic to keep students engaged and provides students with a variety of independent activities used to build confidence and self-efficiency. Students feel successful and are provided with constant positive feedback.
Dragon Talk: Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a magnificent tool for students who cannot write. Students train the program to recognize their own voice. This speech-to-text software is the best on the market right now. Again, an excellent assistive technology for students who don't have the ability to communicate through writing.
Alternate Keyboards
Alternate keyboards can be customized to fit the individual student's needs. There are a variety of alternate keyboards out in the market.