Universal Access for All Students
Use ARRA Funds to Build a Least Restrictive
Learning Environment
Through Unlimited Whole-School Cost Savings
Educators, particularly those in special education, know first hand the true benefits of implementing quality assistive technologies to support students with disabilities. The term, Universal Design for Learning comes to mind, as we think of designing a systematic education program to “fit” all students’ needs.
How do we comply with IDEA 2004 and make smart buying decisions using ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds? How do we implement assistive technologies to have a long range effect to help more students ‘school-wide’ reach their maximum learning potential?
This article will explore cost-saving ideas to provide access to core instruction materials and to provide improved reading accommodations.
Universal Access
A text reader can significantly benefit students who struggle in reading and students with physical and cognitive disabilities. Is it common for your school to have a few text readers stretched across your school to support a handful of students? This ratio could mean one text reader for every 100 students; making it difficult to accommodate students with reading disabilities.
Let’s start with universal access to core instruction materials using Read:OutLoud.
Stretch your school dollars by serving all students who need added reading support. For as little as $1K, you can benefit many student populations when you purchase an unlimited site license of Read:OutLoud. This tool will help you provide digital access to electronic formats such as DAISY, rtf, pdf, html, xml, and NIMAS (National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard). Students will also receive take-home privileges, which is helpful for those who need extra reading practice beyond the school day. An
unlimited site license will enable you to image the software on every computer; reducing the frustration and burden of tracking individual site licenses. Your cost-per-student ratio becomes manageable by implementing assistive technologies across the curriculum to serve lots of students’ needs.
Start Now!
Download your wish list planner (Excel spreadsheet, 24KB) and schedule a meeting. Watch this 5-min online product demonstration to make sure everyone understands how assistive technology tools can benefit students with reading challenges. Read these Q & A to stimulate your discussion. Or give us a call at 1.800.999.4660 to discuss your Universal Access initiatives.
