Technology News from Beckman

What's New with Beckman

NEWS FROM DR. JEANNE BECKMAN

Phone (847) 446-1251

Now on the web at www.jeannebeckman.com

Special Issue: Technology for Learning

I have been involved with clients who use technology for learning, communication, and mobility for over twenty years. Within the past few years, I have intensified my efforts to learn about the most recent tools available for those who have learning disabilities and other learning challenges.

in this issue

What is assistive Technology?

IDEA97 states "Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability"

Assistive Technology Tools

I am excited about the recent developments in applying assistive technology for use with children and adults with learning disabilities. These tools include:

Screen readers that read aloud from web pages, email, computer based encyclopedias, documents, and other software.

Software that can read aloud (from your computer) magazines, worksheets, and entire textbooks including pictures and graphics.

Dictation software that allows children and adults to say their ideas as quickly as their brain works rather than waiting for their body to catch up. This software can be used with learning disabled children as young as nine at home and in the classroom.

Tools that copy teacher and meeting notes directly to the computer and translate these notes into computer text. This text can then be read aloud by a screen reader

Software for students to dictate their mathematics work, eliminating the need to key and copy answers from a separate calculator

Where to start

If you suspect learning difficulties are holding you or your child back, you should:

Begin by obtaining a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or other licensed professional who specializes in learning disabilities.

Determine what assistive technology would fit with your learning needs

My learning disabilities services include:

Evaluations that combine the traditional learning disabilities testing with an assessment of the fit between the individual and the available assistive technology tools

Work from an existing evaluation to select the appropriate AT tools for individual use at school and home.

Hands-on demonstration and training along with assistance in selecting and purchasing appropriate solutions

In addition to high tech solutions, I can help you tap into other low cost, low tech available resources

Sharing these AT solutions with parents, schools, and service organizations allows me share my enthusiasm with a wider audience. Recent events have included

Concordia College, River Forest, IL presented November 28, 2005 Entitled Technology Accommodations for Special Education Students. Presented to a class for preservice special education teachers.
Lutheran Special Education Ministries, River Forest, IL presented September 21, 2005 Entitled Using Technology for Successful Study Skills Training
Parent University, sponsored by Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Northbrook, IL presented two sessions on November 5, 2005: 1. Playtime with a Mission: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Get Ready for Learning and Literacy and 2. Hi Tech, Low Tech, and Study Skills for Successful Learning
ASK (Answers for Special Kids), Evanston, IL presented April 21, 2005 entitled Aiming for success: Accommodations and Study Skills Training For Students with Disabilities
Counseling Connection, Grayslake, IL presented April 6, 2005 entitled Leveling the Playing Field: Assistive technology for learning.
Glenview Methodist Preschool, Glenview, IL presented March 15, 2005 entitled Early Literacy: What Do Our Preschoolers Need?
PASS 39 Parent Dyslexia Group presented February 28, 2005 entitled Determining Effective Assistive Technology for Dyslexia
Colleagues Breakfast Series. Park Ridge, IL presented February 9, 2005 entitled Leveling the Playing Field: Assistive Technology for Learning.
Illinois Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Oak Brook Terrace, IL, presented October 14, 2004 entitled Aiming for College: Technology Accommodations and Study Skills Training for LD Students.

contact Dr. Beckman

P.O. Box 544
Winnetka, IL 60093
Telephone: 847-446-1251

Email: webmaster@jeannebeckman.com

www.jeannebeckman.com