Eye Gaze technology option (Skyle 2)

Individuals with physical disabilities can control the iPad Pro by using Eye Gaze (or Eye Tracker) Technology with Skyle 2 (improved version of Skyle), which is compatible with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation 12.9” iPad Pro.

Apple has developed iPadOS which includes the enhanced features for Eye gaze technology. You can access a variety of different iPad Apps such as Clicker Writer, Clicker Communicator, DocsPlus, SuperKeys, and Proloquo2Go AAC. Additionally you can control environments.

Skyle 2 uses the ‘AssistiveTouch’ and ‘Dwell Control’ features that are available on iPadOS. For example, turning on ‘AssistiveTouch’ setting allows you to access functions such as activate the accessibility shortcut, lock the screen, adjust volume, etc. With the ‘Dwell Control’ feature, you can point on the screen and assign a function (on-screen pointer).

A built-in port provides Switch Access (Press, Double Press, Press and Hold) so that you can configure the interactions by using Skyle 2 app to perform gestures such as click, pause, scrolling, and start calibration by using Eye Gaze or an adaptive switch. Table-top stand and Clamp Mount for Skyle 2 (Skyle) for iPad are available.

New Skyle 2 Eye Tracker for iPad Pro posted by inclusivetechnology

Unfortunately, Eye Gaze Technology device is expensive so it is recommended that you work with a professional (i.e., Speech Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist) to get help with funding for the device through an insurance plan.

However, it is exciting to know that Eye Gaze technology has expanded to support a mobile device, iPad Pro. It is not confirmed about the development stage and availability for Android devices, but if Eye Gaze technology expands to all mobile devices and becomes more affordable, there is no doubt that it will help individuals with physical disabilities expand their daily activities, learning, and independence.

Dyscalculia

You may be familiar with the learning disability called ‘Dyslexia’, but you may not have heard the disability called ‘Dyscalculia’. Parents and teachers sometimes refer it to “number or math dyslexia”. According to the Wikipedia, Dyscalculia is a disability resulting from a difficulty of learning or performing arithmetic. Children with Dyscalculia have challenges in acquiring mathematical skills such as performing arithmetic operations (addition, subtractions, multiplication, and division) from an early age.

According to experts ( i.e. Dr. Ladislav Kosc) it is important to know the various types of Dyscalculia. For example, an individual with Verbal Dyscalculia can copy and write numbers when numbers are written, but these individuals may have problems understanding when instructed verbally. On the other hand, a person with Lexical Dyscalculia has an opposite challenge to Verbal Dyscalculia, the person can follow verbal instructions but has difficulty in writing or copying numbers or signs when presented visually.

A person with Ideognostical Dyscalculia can understand numbers while listening, but they may have difficulty of retaining it and may not be able to repeat the same mathematical exercises in their next session. Additional information about types of Dyscalculia can be found here.

This difficulty with numbers can stay with a person throughout their life so it is important to identify these disabilities early. Educators and learning specialists recommend that you include teaching plans specially designed for children with dyscalculia. Math games and practicing math skills daily can help persons with dyscalculia. It is important that you provide them with accommodations, especially when they take tests or need to work on assignments. A few examples of accommodations are use of calculators, talking calculators, text-to-speech apps, graph paper vs a plain notebook while providing extra time to complete each task.

If you would like to know more about Dyscalculia or try to find activities for your children, you may find the following websites (i.e. math games and resources) useful. Some require subscriptions, but most sites offer free or provide sample math games or lessons. Unfortunately some websites may not fully accessible so you may need additional assistive technology tools (i.e. low vision).

BEST TOOLS: https://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools
Dyscalculia Games: https://www.dyscalculiagames.com/

Screenshot – example game

IXL Learning: https://www.ixl.com/

An example of how the game corrects your mistake

For example, if you forget sign (- minus or negative sign), the game will prompt you what is wrong with your answer.

Audacity

Audacity is a free audio editor software that you can use in a classroom setting.
You can download the free Audacity audio editor for Windows, MacOS, or Linux. Legacy versions of Audacity are also available (i.e. Windows 7).

Audacity can record live audio through a microphone, recordings from other media, and streaming audio, etc. You can import, edit, and combine sound files. You can export recordings in many different formats. It supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32 bit with high-quality sampling and dithering. It offers a large range of keyboard shortcuts that provides additional accessibility.

Audacity manual – screenshot

Here are some suggestions from users and educators on how Audacity can be used as a learning tool.

• Recording journal assignments. Instead of writing a journal in a notebook, students can create a podcast or record their opinions and feedback after listening to a podcast.

• Record sound stories, interviews, and natural sounds.

• Practice audio production (i.e. Create audio advertisement, soundtracks for animations)

• Language Learning

• Create book reviews by audio

• Record speeches

• Record sound for PowerPoint slides

Here is the link to Audacity editor: https://audacityteam.org

Here are a few YouTube videos on how to use the Audacity Editor:

Record Audio for Your Learners and Website Using Audacity (YouTube posted by Teaching ESL Online)

How to use Audacity to Record & Edit Audio – Beginners Tutorial (YouTube posted by Kevin Stratvert)

Morphic

Morphic makes a computer easier to use by allowing persons to access the settings of Assistive Technology features quickly without knowing the detailed steps. The Morphic basic features are free, and a subscription version offers additional features. Basic Features include Text Size settings, Magnifier, Snip tool, read selected section, contrast change, and a setting to dark mode. Morphic has to be installed on each computer that you want to use it on, but the installation is very easy. So users can use one-click to access the built-in accessibility and usability features and to transfer the same settings to another computer. The capability of transferring the saved accessibility/usability features for the person is helpful, especially if you need to access a different computer daily.

Morphic Basic (YouTube posted by My Morphic2021)

Morphic Plus offers the additional feature of creating a customized basic menu, which will be helpful to the users who are not familiar with a computer so that you can access other programs such as making a phone call from a computer, checking weather, email, etc. Students may benefit from a customized menu to access different courses easily. You can get the Morphic Plus through subscriptions. Currently it looks like they offer a free trial period.

Morphic Plus (YouTube posted by My Morphic 2021)

Additional information and comparisons can be found here: https://morphic.org/Features/

Currently Morphic can work on any Windows 10 version newer than 2018 (1903 and higher) and any macOS version from Mojave onward (10.14 and higher). However, it does not work on Android or IPad.

C-Pen – Reader pen

There are many apps and software that support students who have challenges in reading. However, some students may require a slower pace to read a printed book or may not have readily access to a scanner for their reading.

The C-Pen Reader pen scanner can help persons who struggle with reading such as persons who suffer from dyslexia. It is a pocket-sized pen which reads text out aloud with digital voice or headset. When you pass the point of the pen across a sentence or word, it reads the text aloud. So students can check the definition and the pronunciation whenever they come across unknown words. C-Pen reader pen supports English, Spanish, or French with in-built-dictionaries (Collins English, Oxford Primary, New Oxford American, Vox Spanish & Cordial French dictionaries).

The C-Pen is also a scanner so you can capture lines of text and upload it to a computer (PC & Mac). You can just connect a pen to a computer with a USB cable. It also includes a built-in voice recorder with playback. These features allow not only students but also teachers or professionals to capture and review important information later.

C-Pen image (from Dyslexic.com)

Testimonial: It Takes a Community

YouTube: It Takes a Community | posted by Scanning Pen #SucceedwithDyslexia

More Testimonials:https://www.scanningpens.com/ReaderPenUS/Videos-Reader-Pen-US/

Scanning Pens Inc: https://www.scanningpens.com/ReaderPenUS/
The C-Pen costs shows $275, and the company offers a trial period (as of 12/31/2021).

Thank you to all teachers, professionals, caregivers, and families who support individuals with special needs and wish you upcoming Happy New Year 2022.

Hearing Aids vs PSAP

Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) are electronic devices that can amplify sound. PSAP are available over the counter without testing or fitting by audiologist. Hearing aids may cost over thousands dollars based on the hearing loss condition vs you can find PSAP around a few hundred dollars. However, you should be aware of differences between hearing aids and personal sound amplifier products. Hearing aids are medical devices and Personal Sound Amplification products are not. Healthcare providers noted that the use of PSAP devices incorrectly may cause further hearing loss.

Hearing aids can adjust for hearing distortions and adjust sounds based on the person’s conditions of hearing loss. Hearing aids come with a variety of features like noise reduction or noise cancellation. Hearing aids incorporate directional microphones which helps you in a conversation in a noisy environment. Built in telecoils allow the hearing aid to enhance sound directly in public places. New Bluetooth technology allows hearing aids to connect with televisions or computers or phones. Advanced hearing aid technology allows you to control the settings suitable to the listening environments by apps provided by a manufacturer.

Some users have found PSAPs a useful electronic device to supplement their hearing aids. For example, some PSAP devices come with a T-coil that is compatible with hearing loops found in churches, theaters, museums and airports with the T-Loop or an audio frequency induction loop (AFIL) environment.

All of these PSAP devices can do the job of amplifying sound, but they are not recommended as a substitute for hearing aids. However, you may find it useful in certain situations such as bird watching, listening to lectures, watching TV from a distance, and listening to soft spoken conversations. For example, PSAP can help a hearing impaired person to hear the TV dialogue while leaving the TV volume at a reasonable volume for others to hear. Hearing impaired persons may find one type work better than another in a certain environment. Some of PSAP may have become over-the-counter FDA approved products. However, if you are planning to select a Personal Sound Amplification Product for a hearing impaired person, it is recommended that you consult with an audiologist.

IQbuds2 MAX: https://www.nuheara.com/usa/products/iqbuds-max/

Personal Sound Amplifier: CS50+: https://www.soundworldsolutions.com/product/personal-sound-amplifier-cs50/

Hearing Aids vs Hearing Amplifiers – YouTube (Posted by Pro Fit Hearing Nov 27, 2020)

Money Math Activities

If you are going to teach children about money, it’s best to start early. It is important for parents and educators to help children about money by providing age-appropriate materials and identifying their interests. There are many resources and activities online, but it is recommended that parents and educators review the activities first and identify how much assistance your children may require to participate in the activities so that children can maximize their learning experience from the activities.

Additionally while examining the money math activities, I did not find any fully accessible activities. For example, most apps only provided text instructions on the screen but no verbal instructions or only verbal instructions without text instructions. Even when both verbal and text question were available, the activities had no option to repeat the question. One had background music which may distract the player’s concentration. Children may come across activities which they may need to click to test each object on the screen to find out the next step. This could frustrate the young learner.

It is recommended that you work on the activities with your children, and use real coins and bills after the activities to help reinforce their learning; you may want to ask questions to your children while shopping together ( i.e. I need 79 cents, can you tell me which coins I need?)

Here are some money math activities you may want to play with your children. If the player has low vision, you may need to enlarge the display on a computer screen to recognize the coins.

ABCya

Learn to Count Money: https://www.abcya.com/games/counting_money

This site offers activities for PreK to Grade 6 level core standards. One of the good features is that a player needs to understand the different descriptions (25 cents, 0.25, 25 c, etc.) and match to a coin and bill on the screen.

Counting Money activities based on the skill level

Showing 25c – Identifying a coin from the multiple choices.

Count different coins and answer the total amount

Education.com

This site offers features such as guided lessons, printable worksheets, and common standard levels if you would like to align to specific grade level lesson plans. Animated characters may attract children to engage with these activities. You will need to create a login by using your Email address to use the resources and games.

In a certain lesson, questions are only asked verbally and written questions may not be available within the game. Images can be too small for low vision individuals to distinguish the difference of coins on a small computer screen so it is recommended to check the accessibility of each activity.

Identifying Coins: Couch Fishing: https://www.education.com/game/identifying-coins-couch-fishing/

Identify coins. Students click on the couch coins to answer the questions.

Money Math: Shopping with Penelope:
https://www.education.com/game/money-math-shopping-penelope/

Add the coins and pay at the cash register game

There are money apps for mobile devices (Android & IOS). Some children may enjoy playing Cashier money math games. Unfortunately most of the games are not accessible to all children and instructions may not be clear to children. I did not test apps on mobile devices, but some users reported that some money apps for mobile devices crashed while playing cashier money math games. Like activities on a computer, it is important for parents and educator to evaluate the activities first and reinforce the progress by working together with the actual coins and bills.

If you find accessible Money games, welcome to place comments to share the information.

Aided Language Stimulation

When an individual has difficulty to communicate verbally, we supplement what they can do with more ways to enhance their communications.  We may try writing, sign language or pictures.

It is suggested that persons with physical or cognitive disabilities often require formal evaluations to select an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device with the involvement of a Speech Language specialist to set a long-term goal for each development stage.  

However, most AAC devices are expensive and often require a long wait time to receive funding through an insurance company. There are many free or affordable AAC apps that are available for mobile devices (Android and Apple IOS).

Mobile devices

App Store (IOS Devices) & Google Play (Android Devices)

If you are planning to review a few Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps before you install on your mobile device, you can search the apps with a keyword.

Go to Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en_US&gl=US
Example: Search with a keyword: AAC apps free

The search shown above https://play.google.com/store/search?q=AAC%20apps%20free&c=apps&hl=en_US&gl=US

If you do not have IOS devices (i.e. IPhone/IPad) and would like to find out what Apps are available for IOS devices, you can download iTunes onto a Windows PC and then go to the iTune store on your Windows computer.

How to Download iPad Apps From iTunes on Your PC or Mac and transfer to iPad
https://www.lifewire.com/download-apps-to-ipad-using-itunes-4103798

Whether you are going to work with a speech language specialist or are trying to find if these free apps work, most importantly, the commitment and interaction of using the communication device with the individual who needs an AAC device are the keys for the success.

Aided Language Stimulation Explained

Aided Language Stimulation Explained
YouTube ( Posted by Icpsat 2015)

PhET Interactive Simulations

The PhET website offers free teaching Math and Science activities contributed by the PhET team and user community. Teachers, students, parents, and others can sign up at their website to access the free resources and activities. The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5 (Open source) and work in any browser, or you can also download them to use. In addition to the site’s simulations, you can download many lesson plans and available resources. It is great resources for teachers and home schooling parents to implement the same lesson plans or create your own and contribute it to the community.

You can select a subject (Mathematics, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, and other subjects) with different levels (K-5, MS, HS, UG-Intro, UG-Adv, Grad, and others). Some learning materials are available in different languages. Unfortunately most of the simulations are not accessible to all students with disabilities. So these students will need additional support from instructors and parents.

What is PhET? (from YouTube posted by PhET Simulations)

Here are a few examples of Simulations taken from the site:

Fraction Matchers- This simulation asks to match fractions using numbers and different picture patters. Students can answer independently.

A sample screenshot of the Fraction Matchers Simulations

Fraction Matcher simulation link: click here.

Projectile Motion
Determine how each parameter (initial height, initial angle, initial speed, mass, diameter, and altitude) affects the trajectory of an object, with and without air resistance.

A sample screenshot of Projectile Motion Simulations

Projectile Motion Simulation link: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/projectile-motion

You can find more activities here: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/teaching-resources/browse-activities

Additionally, PhET team are creating prototypes of accessibility activities.
There are prototypes so some activities may not fully accessible to students with various disabilities.

Frictions
You can hear sounds and sees the temperature gauge goes up whenever you try to slide the chemistry book sideways. The faster you move, the temperature goes up faster as well as providing more sound.

A sample screenshot of accessible activities – Frictions simulations

Friction simulation link: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/friction/latest/friction_en.html

Microsoft Math Solver

Students often need resources or tutors to help them with their school work. Mathematics is one of the subjects which you need to understand the steps of solving each problem before you can tackle problems independently. Additionally, parents can certainly benefit by having a way to verify the answers when they help their children.

Microsoft Math Solver will be able to help students and their parents in certain types of Mathematics such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Matrix mathematics. This app can be very useful for students who are learning higher levels of math after elementary school.

Microsoft Math Solver calculator screen

You can use Microsoft Math solver app from the website at: Microsoft Math Solver Website or Microsoft Math solver app which you can download from Apple Store or Google Play store from: Download link

App Store for Apple devices or Google Play link for Android

The following is an example of entering equations with “Draw” option on a tablet.
Surprisingly, it recognized these sloppy hand drawn equations, converted them to typed equations, and solved the problem with step-by-step instruction.

An example of “Draw” option to enter a problem

The steps of using substitution to solve the problem

Besides the “draw” option, you can “type”, “scan”, and get answers with step by-step solutions. For example, taking a picture of an equation on your phone or typing an equation from their app works well. Additionally, it gives you similar problems to practice with and offers support videos.

If you are working on a mobile device, you can send the solution link via email so that you can review it on your desktop. Here is what I saw after sending the link of the example problem above via email. https://mathsolver.microsoft.com/en/solve-problem/@f6zutdsh?ref=r

Microsoft Math Solver does not solve word problems. You have to know the order of operations in mathematical equations so that you will get a correct answer. However, Microsoft Math Solver certainly seems to be very helpful to support students.

Here is a YouTube video posted by AccessAbility Services (YouTube 2020)