A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – especially when writing with them

You may have used some of the talking word processing programs available today. You may also know about symbol-word processing programs. This type of program is great for emerging writers as well as students with learning disabilities and developmental delays.

I’ve been having fun with a talking, symbol-word processing program called SymWord by Claro Software. This program probably has the easiest editor that I have ever used. No kidding, I created two different grids in less than 15 minutes without the help files - it is that intuitive.

It allows for the quick set up of separate user profiles with specific settings, such as:

• presentation style (symbols, text, or symbols and text)
• preferred font and background colors
• use of voice for text-to-speech capability
• scanning options for switch users
• use of the word prediction feature
• set up of an email connection

I can very quickly create a customized symbol, text, or keyboard grid to be used in the word processor portion of the program. This allows the student to easily write using multiple modes. For example, the student can start typing and have symbols appear. Or, the student can choose (or access through a touch screen or switch/scanning) a button to facilitate the writing process. See my screen shot below.

Students can:

• incorporate the word prediction feature to assist in finding the words they need to speed up the writing process
• use it as a communication program
• create an email message in SymWord and then export it to an email account (as long as the server information has been set up)

 

SymWord Example



Have Fun and Learn at the Same Time?

 Today, there are so many fun educational games for children. They get to play fun games and learn all at the same time - wish I had this when I was a kid. My first computer was a TRS80 and if we wanted to play a game we had to program it ourselves. Hmm...I guess I did have fun and learn something at the same time.
 One of my favorite websites for young children and children with a disability who need to use either a touch screen or a switch with scanning is HelpKizLearn.com.
 There are games for just good old fun, games to work on gross and fine motor, games to work on cause/effect, games to be creative (make a card, paint) and games to work on reading skills. I have a few favorite games on this site as well: Aunt Maggie's Recipe, Gophers, Big Bang Bugs, and Early Mouse Movements. Of course, I haven't found a game that I haven't like yet.
 Go have a fun-filled Valentine's Day and check out www.HelpKidzLearn.com.