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Dyslexia
Why assistive technology benefits everyone Making adaptive tech a part of all tech will make accessibility a breeze, writes Myles Pilling
D
uring this time of Covid, we have had to adapt our teaching methods and practices from face to face to online methods. I recently connected with a parent with a teenage son who has dyslexia and had to conduct an online assessment. The video meeting was done via video and sharing of screens. I was surprised to find that we could share my mobile device screen with him. He was also on a mobile device, so he could type in real time into a word processor. We then looked at ways to help his spelling using a built-in assistive technology keyboard app. Mobile devices can be shared on video conferencing software. It’s not always 100% reliable but what is clear is that you can work collaboratively over the internet even over a distance. I regularly use tools that enable me to connect effectively over the internet to help people.
Interactive tools For instance, some tutors use Assistive Tech to remotely connect with the user’s computer. In these times of remote learning, having more interactive tools is helpful to dyslexic SEN111
“Are you making the most of all the tools in your virtual toolbox?”
learners but AT can be used to collaborate on joint peer to peer projects. The tools are out there for this to take place. Are you making the most of all the tools in your virtual toolbox? Are you taking time to look at what would be useful to help pupils learn? Obviously, talking over machines has a risk factor and should only be allowed for professionals such as teachers and tutors known to the pupil. Sharing screens is a lot easier from an e-safety point of view using software that has good protection from outside interruption by unwanted guests. senmagazine.co.uk
