Reading is a basic skill, but many individuals face challenges due to conditions like dyslexia, vision impairment, or cognitive disabilities, which can limit their access to information and exposure. With the help of assistive technology, reading can become accessible for everyone.
An audiobook is a great example of this; by listening to an audio version of a book, anyone unable to read can still enjoy the story/content of the book. Most assistive technology tools for reading are not very expensive and can be used with phones, laptops, computers, or other digital devices.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is any product, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities learn, work, and live better. It is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional ability of people who have trouble reading, writing, listening, seeing, remembering, learning, walking, or with any other difficulties. The type of assistive technology required would depend on the person’s disability or needs.
Types of Assistive Technologies for Reading
Various types of assistive technologies for reading are available to enhance a person’s ability to understand and absorb content better.
- Text-to-Speech: Text-to-speech (TTS) converts written texts or prints into spoken words. A computer-generated voice reads the texts to aid people with visual impairment or learning disability in consuming the contents of the book or page. Essentially, people listen to the text instead of reading it. TTS makes information and knowledge more accessible to everyone.
- Audio Books: Audio books are books read out in human voice by professional narrators or even actors. They are not only for people with disabilities or people with learning disorders, but audiobooks are also famous with multitasking people. People can accomplish more things at a time by listening to an audiobook while driving to work or doing other chores.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR is an advanced assistive technology that can scan any document or file and convert it into data that can be edited and searched. OCR software can convert a book or a file into digital text just by scanning it. This text can then be ready by TTS tools or converted into braille.
- Screen Readers: These are software applications that convert digital text into synthesized speech, enabling people with disability to read the content displayed on any digital screen. Screen readers can read everything, including headings, hyperlinks, and the text of an entire page, helping users navigate a website or a document. These apps can also describe images and graphics that have alt text.
- Screen Mask Tools: These tools block part of the screen so that the user can focus better on the visible part of the screen. This is beneficial for those who have attention difficulties or some visual processing disorders. It can also be helpful to elders who need assistive technology for reading, as screen mask tools streamline the reading process and make it easy to focus on a particular text or paragraph without losing track of it.
- On-page Translation: These tools promote and enable multilingual literacy. The tool instantly translates any text from one language to another on any website or document, helping people understand content in a different language with ease.
- Graphic Organizers: Graphic organizers simplify complex ideas and present them in the form of graphics, charts, mind maps, etc., making it easier for people to understand difficult concepts. As the content is shown in a structured and visual way, comprehension and understanding are increased.
- Variable-speed Tape Recorders: A variable-speed tape recorder allows users to adjust the playback speed of audio recordings without changing the pitch. By listening to any content at their own pace and comfort, users can learn and comprehend better.
- Built-in Dictionaries & Thesaurus: Any reading software with a built-in dictionary or thesaurus helps readers and listeners when they encounter a new or unfamiliar word. They can immediately find meaning or alternate words to better understand the text.
- Online Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit: The toolkit provides guidelines and advice on implementing accessibility across businesses and helps millions of people who face online barriers to information and content.
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How to Access These Assistive Technologies for Reading?
Most digital platforms and devices are compatible with assistive technologies for reading.
- Computers and laptops come with built-in TTS and alt-text options, and it is easy to download more software and applications that aid reading.
- Chrome or any search engine and web browser can add assistive technology extensions like alt-text or others.
- Smartphones also have built-in alt-text, and you can download various other assistive technology for reading, such as audiobooks and graphic organizers.
The digital age has revolutionized the approach to accessibility, making it easy for people with disabilities to feel included and gain enough exposure and knowledge.
Benefits of Assistive Technology for Reading
Assistive technology for reading is highly beneficial for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Some of the benefits are:
- Enhanced Comprehension: Even the most difficult-to-understand text can be understood better with the help of assistive technology, as software reads out complex material, and people with disabilities learn by listening.
- Improved Focus and Concentration: Many AI tools highlight the text being read or darken the rest of the text on the page. This increases concentration and helps people to focus better.
- Customized Reading Experience: Users can adjust the font size, background colour, brightness, etc., according to their preferences, which improves the reading experience.
- Instant Definitions and Annotations: Many apps have built-in dictionaries and thesaurus to help users instantly understand new words. Apps also allow users to take notes directly on the page.
- Increased Reading Speed: Many users who use TSS feel they can understand content faster and improve their reading speed.
- Increased Engagement: Most e-books and reading apps are designed to be interactive and fun, with more multimedia elements like sound effects, which will enhance the experience and increase engagement.
- Enhanced Independence: People with learning disorders or visual impairment do not need to depend on others to read them from books or webpages. With such assistive technologies, they can independently read, listen, and comprehend information.
- Boosted Confidence: When people become independent and can read and comprehend information on their own, they feel more confident and included.
Conclusion
Assistive technology for reading makes it easy for people with disabilities or learning disorders to access information and content via different tools and platforms. It is a great way to make knowledge accessible and available to everyone. With assistive technology, more people can participate in educational, professional, and cultural activities and feel more included.
Reading assistive tools have changed how students learn and interpret their school books, comprehend lessons and apps, and apply them in their daily lives. This is an inclusive way forward and a great way indeed!
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