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Educators Guide to Assistive Technology

In a world where new technologies and innovations are thought up and released almost daily, finding just the right solution for each specific student can be a pretty daunting task. What we have found however, is that there are some common building blocks that will work across multiple abilities and skill levels and can be built on or tailored to meet individual student's need fairly easily.

To help simplify this process for parents and educators, the Assistive Technology Specialists at EnableMart.com have put together this buying guide, highlighting the products that educators & therapists rely on the most, broken down by critical skill sets. We welcome your comments and questions on this guide and invite you use these links to learn more and to speak to the trained specialists at Enablemart by calling (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

Some of our top recomendations and best sellers are listed below.
You may also download this guide as a PDF by Clicking Here.

Reading
click image for larger view	Edmark Reading Program One of our all-time, best selling items, the Edmark Reading Program is designed for students with learning or developmental disabilities and those who have not succeeded with other reading methods. For 30 years, this trusted program has been highly regarded by teaching professionals as "the one that works", allowing most nonreaders to master basic reading skills. This program is available in two levels in both Printed and Software based Curriculums. Click to Learn More... Edmark Reading Program - Print (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program - Software (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Print (Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Software(Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Price: $489 - 4,329 (depending on licencing options)
click image for larger view	LeapFrog Tag™ School Reading System The Tag School Reading System brings state-of-the-art technology together with good old fashioned teacher-led instruction. This system is comprised of specially designed books and electronic reading pens that allow students to get on-demand pronunciation for individual words or entire sentences, in the voice of the book's characters, creating a multi-sensory reading experience that will lead to a lifetime love of reading. The electronic readers are connected to the teacher's computer where you can assign individual student ID's, monitor student's time on tasks, correct & incorrect answers and even view and print progress reports. The portability of these units also make them perfect for after-school and home-school connection programs. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog™ School Reading System LeapFrog™ Tag School Phonemic AwarenessBook Set LeapFrog™ Tag School Book Packages LeapFrog™ Tag Activity Books (Single Copies) LeapFrog™ Tag Junior Book Pal (For Early Learners) Price: $13.99 - 519
click image for larger view	ClaroRead ClaroRead is a highly effective multi-sensory software solution for supporting individuals who struggle with reading and writing. Designed with maximum simplicity & closely integrated with Microsoft Word & Internet Explorer, ClaroRead can assist users of any age and ability to deliver high quality documents using automatic proofreading, visual highlighting, audible read-back & research capture fuctionalities. Click to Learn More... ClaroRead Standard - Windows ClaroRead Standard - Mac ClaroRead Plus - Windows ClaroRead Plus - Mac ClaroRead Premium - Windows Only Price: $195 - 395
Communicating
click image for larger view	GoTalk Picture Communicators GoTalk Picture Communicators are low cost, introductory recording communication devices which are useful for beginning augmentative communicators. These models are capable of up to 105 messages over a generous 15 minutes of recording time, a built-in handle, and level changing and volume keys on the face of the device. And the GoTalk Overlay Software makes it a breeze to tailor messages and pictures to specific classroom or social/environmental settings and situations. Click to Learn More... GoTalk 4+ GoTalk 9+ GoTalk 20+ GoTalk Overlay Software Price: $79 - 214
click image for larger view	Step-By-Step Communicators Touted as the recorder that gets students in on conversations, these simple yet effective communicators make communicating with friends, teachers & family members a richer, more meaningful experience. Record up to 4 minutes of song or peom verses, steps in a recipe, or short social scripts that encourage conversational turn taking. The Step-By-Step with Levels allows you to record an unlimited number of messages on each of 3 separate levels so you can prerecord grocery lists on level one, knock-knock jokes on level two and the events of the day or any other set of sequential messages on level three. Click to Learn More... LITTLE Step-by-Step communicator BIG Step-by-Step Communicator Step-by-Step Communicator with Levels Price: $160 - 197.33
click image for larger view	BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators are similar to the Step-By-Step communiators but offer only one pre-recorded message at a time. These simple, easy to use recorders offer up to 75 seconds of recording time over a single message recording slot that can be recorded over and over again as needed. Click to Learn More... BIGmack Communicator LITTLEmack Communicator Price: $115
Writing
click image for larger view	Texthelp's Read & Write Software This award-winning software is an easy-to-use, customizable, floating toolbar that works with ANY Windows or Mac based application and allows students to be more fully included while maintaining their own independence. Integrated tools include auditory feedback, phonetic spell checking, word prediction & homophone support. Read & Write Gold for Windows is also available as a mobile (USB) format that allows students to use THEIR own specifically customized toolbar on any windows-based computer! Click to Learn More... Read & Write Standard - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Mac Price: $355 - 645
click image for larger view	WordQ 2 & SpeakQ Add-On WordQ is a word prediction software that works with all your standard writing applications including Word, Notepad, Outlook and more. When you type a letter, WordQ predicts what you might want to write and displays a list of words for you to choose from. Individual words can be read out loud before choosing and entire sentences & paragraphs can be read back upon completion. WordQ even learns how YOU use words so that it improves over time! SpeakQ does everything WordQ does PLUS you can write just by speaking! You have the choice at any time to use the keyboard & word prediction or speaking straight into your text. Speech recognition & word prediction work together to enhance each other and improve accuracy. Click to Learn More... WordQ2 SpeakQ (Add-On for WordQ) WordQ2 & SpeakQ Bundle Price: $99 - 199
Math Skills
click image for larger view	Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator The Sci-Plus 300 is the ONLY large display scientific calculator in the market that also has speech output for visually impaired users. Featuring a large, high contract 8 digit LCD display & long life lithium battery, technical capabilities include mathematical, trigonometric & scientific functions, and even fractions. Click to Learn More... Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator Price: $325
click image for larger view	Show Me Math Software A bundle of three basic math programs appropriate for all ages that features assessment & instructional modes to help teachers assess deficits and write relevant IEPs. Students learn in four basic areas (addition, subtraction, multiplication,division) and problems are presented in numeric formulas or animated 'movies' that help students to visualize solutions and make sense of math! Click to Learn More... Show Me Math CD Price: $99 for one, or $249 for a 5-Pack
click image for larger view	PCI Real-World Math Real-World Math helps students learn strategies for dealing with math problems found all around them in every-day life including how to adjust recipes, calculate nutritional content, figure sales tax & tips, manage schedules, plan travel, determine sale prices, handle banking transactions, manage budgets, and so much more; Putting an end to the inevitable question "When am I ever gonna' use this?" Click to Learn More... PCI Real World Math (Real-World Reading & Writing are also very popular among educators) Price: $51.39
Critical Thinking & Study Helps
click images for larger view	Inspiration, Kidspiration & InspireData Kidspiration was created to help K-5 learners develop confidence as they learn to organize information, understand concepts and connections create stories, and share their thoughts using memorable illustrations and common organizational principles like webs, concept maps & Venn diagrams. Inspiration, created for grades 6-12, helps older students develop ideas and visually expand concepts with diagramming & outlining features designed to help students think, organize, and learn. Highlights include video & sound integration as well as drag and drop multimedia capabilities. InspireData helps students formulate questions and make connections between data and its visual representations to interpret information, solve problems and draw conclusions. Highlights include integrated table and plot view to allow students to move instantly from data collection to data interpretation, and multiple plot types to represent and analyze data including Venn, Stack, Pie & Axis formats. Click to Learn More... Kidspiration Inspiration InspireData Price: $69 - 79
click image for larger view	Leapster Portable Technology Center The Leapster Portable Technology Center (PTC) is part of the Leapfrog School Series which has been rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim from educators everywhere. These handheld units provide engaging multi-sensory instruction that adapts to student's skill levels and rates of progress, allowing students to work at their own pace, in the classroom or at home. Teachers are able to download and monitor students' progress using the included administrative software that comes with the kit. Optional Expantion Kits allow remedial or advanced students to join in the activities and Story Explorers delves further into vocabulary, phenemic awareness, syntax, & comprehension Click to Learn More... Leapster Portable Technology Center Price: $405 - 965
click image for larger view	Leapfrog Crammer Study & Sound System The LeapFrog Crammer is a pocket-sized study system that kids students can take with them wherever they go. New content can be selected and downloaded to the unit including content from today's most popular school textbooks! Teachers & Parents can use the online learning path to track their child's progress and time spend on various subjects and skill areas. A great tool for reinforcing the day's lessons. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog Crammer Study & Sound System Price: $71.25 - 75 (based on qty purchased)
Hand Eye Coordination & Motor Skills
click image for larger view	Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screens These innovative add-on touch screens turn any everyday monitor into an intuitive touch screen. These screens open a world of learning opportunities to students with cognitive and motor disabilities that make using a desktop keyboard more difficult. Click to Learn More... Magic Touch Add-On Screens Price: $169 - 439
click image for larger view	BIGtrack Trackball Mouse The BIGtrack is the largest trackball available on the market. The 3" trackball requires far less fine motor control than a standard mouse or smaller trackballs and the click buttons are located behind the trackball to help avoid unwanted clicks. Also available in a switch adapted model for Mac or PC, these are definitely a favorite among educators & parents too! Click to Learn More... BIGtrack Standard BIGtrack Switch Adapted Price: $75 - 105
click image for larger view	SAM-Joystick The SAM-Joystick acts just like a mouse, only when you push the stick the cursor does not go flying, no matter what the user does. The cursor simply moves at the speed preset by the user or supervisor from a switch located underneath. Available for Mac or PC. Click to Learn More... SAM-Joystick Price: $229-239

And remember, our specialists are availalble via live chat or telephone during regular business hours to help answer all your questions. Government & School District proposals & bids are welcome. Reach us online at www.EnableMart.com to access our live chat feature or call (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2009 theme:
Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation

The Office of Disability Employment Policy explains their choice for this year's theme on their website:

"This year’s theme for National Disability Employment Month captures the vital role that expectations play in our successes as individuals and as a society. We must ensure that both people with disabilities and their employers expect that they will fully participate in our workplaces.

"Such an expectation alone, however, is not enough. They must also have opportunity. People with disabilities need access to a full range of employment choices to maximize their talents.

"With both the expectation and opportunity, people with disabilities will become full participants in our economy."

On September 30th, 2009, the President released a statement entitled "National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2009." In this address he states "fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities," and that this month is a time for us to recommit to creating effective policies and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He explains how the current administration is focused on promoting positive changes for every American and urges America to "celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities."

October is the highlight of the year for the Disability Community, but things are looking even brighter with the increased funding President Obama refers to in his address. He says "the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement."

Things are looking up for the community!

Resources:

Employment Resources for the Disability Community:

• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities.
• Disability.gov provides easy access to comprehensive disability-related information and resources.
  • Find a job
  • Get help starting a small business
  • Apply for disability benefits
  • Learn about assistive technology

For those who want learn about disabilities, tips for social etiquette and encourage positive interactions:

• "Access and Opportunities: A Guide to Disability Awareness" is a valuable resorce in beginning to understand people with disabilities. This guide was compiled by VSA arts, an international nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.
  • It includes updated information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as recent information about specific disabilities
  • It also includes a chapter on the history of the disability movement to give readers a more complete understanding of the issues surrounding the disability community.