What is reading?
According to wikipedia "Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning (reading comprehension). It is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information and ideas. Like all language, it is a complex interaction between the text and the reader which is shaped by the reader’s prior knowledge, experiences, attitude, and language community which is culturally and socially situated. The reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement."
What are Reading Supports?
Reading supports are tools used to help students who struggle to read because of a disability.The purpose of reading support is to help students who are struggling with literacy acquisition. Reading supports range anywhere from a simple highlighter to an iPad.
Low Tech Tools
1) Roberts Book Holder- This book holder is an excellent tool for someone who does not have full use of their hands or has not fully developed their fine motor skills. "Adjusting the position of books and reading materials to suit an individual student can make the content much more visible or accessible. Being able to turn pages, without having to call for help, frees a student to read at his or her own pace." ( buffalo.edu)
2) Highlighters- Highlighters in assorted colors can be very helpful when rereading informational text as well as literature. Highlighting helps students find important information quicker than say re-reading an entire page over. A student can use different color highlighters to differentiate text, and example would be to highlight headings and definitions in yellow and supporting details in green, unfamiliar words in pink, etc. For books that may be borrowed a student can also purchase highlighting tape that is easily removable.
3)Transparent color overlays- Color overlays have proved to be beneficial for students.Changing the background color of text from white to a color has shown significant improvement in some students' reading ability. They are inexpensive and an easy fix if that's what the student needs.
2) Highlighters- Highlighters in assorted colors can be very helpful when rereading informational text as well as literature. Highlighting helps students find important information quicker than say re-reading an entire page over. A student can use different color highlighters to differentiate text, and example would be to highlight headings and definitions in yellow and supporting details in green, unfamiliar words in pink, etc. For books that may be borrowed a student can also purchase highlighting tape that is easily removable.
3)Transparent color overlays- Color overlays have proved to be beneficial for students.Changing the background color of text from white to a color has shown significant improvement in some students' reading ability. They are inexpensive and an easy fix if that's what the student needs.
Mid Tech Tools
1) Changing the format of written material can be a quick fix for some students. You can enlarge the font size or change the font completely. Also you can change the font color or background color which might make reading a little less straining on the eyes. Pictures are always helpful because it helps the student visualize what they are reading.
2)Bookshare.org is an online library that holds thousands of books available to read online. The program is intended for people who have print disabilities and it is free to them if they can prove they have a disability. You simply download the book you want to read and then you have the option of having the book read aloud to you. The best part is that its free !
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2)Bookshare.org is an online library that holds thousands of books available to read online. The program is intended for people who have print disabilities and it is free to them if they can prove they have a disability. You simply download the book you want to read and then you have the option of having the book read aloud to you. The best part is that its free !
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High Tech Tools
1) iPads or similar tablets are excellent high tech tools to help students read. They have endless apps( including free ones).
2)Reading Pen- The IrisPen is a digital scanner pen that scans everything that you put it over and saves it. You can have it read aloud what it scans or save it to your computer. You can scan the newspaper, ingredients in a menu, an old book not available online, and even your handwritten notes. This pen costs $199.
3)Text to Speech software such as Claro Read. Claroread is a software program that costs about $100, it is a literacy support tool that you use on a mac or pc. When you purchase the software there is a toolbar on the bottom of your screen that allows you to decide what you want read. You can have the entire page up on your screen read or you can highlight with your mouse what you want read aloud.
2)Reading Pen- The IrisPen is a digital scanner pen that scans everything that you put it over and saves it. You can have it read aloud what it scans or save it to your computer. You can scan the newspaper, ingredients in a menu, an old book not available online, and even your handwritten notes. This pen costs $199.
3)Text to Speech software such as Claro Read. Claroread is a software program that costs about $100, it is a literacy support tool that you use on a mac or pc. When you purchase the software there is a toolbar on the bottom of your screen that allows you to decide what you want read. You can have the entire page up on your screen read or you can highlight with your mouse what you want read aloud.
References
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the classroom:
Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. NJ: Pearson.
Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. NJ: Pearson.