“Accessibility Suite 4.0” from Premier Assistive Technologies

Premier Assistive Technologies Mission: “To enrich and improve the lives of millions of people worldwide by making information truly accessible through the use of affordable technology.”

What is “Accessibility Suite 4.0” software from Premier Assistive Technologies?

Accessibility Suite 4.0 is an assistive technology package offered by Premier Assistive Technologies. It is aimed at addressing reading and writing needs for learning disabled students and all learners. Accessibility Suite 4.0 can be integrated into all classrooms and used by all students to foster reading and writing success. It is marketed towards school districts because it is cost effective and can be used with the entire learning population on a number of different workstations. The package consists of the following reading and writing technology tools:

Universal Reader with Talking Pointer	Scan and Read Pro
Universal Reader Plus	Ultimate Talking Dictionary
Talking Checkbook	Complete Reading System
Text Cloner Pro	Text to Audio
Scan and View	Talking Word Processor
PDF Magic Pro	E-Library—Volume 1
E-Text Reader

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How can students and teachers use it?

Students, teachers, and parents can manipulate Accessibility Suite 4.0 easily and quickly. After the software is purchased onsite training is available at cost to districts to fully teach and demonstrate all of the products. Teachers are taught how to integrate the assistive technology into the classroom during this session by instructing on the basic first-hand knowledge of how to use the products. There are also training videos available which are similar to having a personal software instructor on hand.

The following are a list of just a few detailed ways that students can use Accessibility Suite 4.0 in the classroom and at home:

• Scan and Read technology can be used to read a document at the student’s instructional level so that they can complete an assignment. Predictor-pro will be able to assist the student in filling in the blanks and answering questions.
• Student can participate in activities in the general education classroom without strong reliance on instructional support personnel to read and write activities assigned by the teacher.
• Student with visual impairments can read smaller detailed text using the Complete Reader Pro.
• Student can remain in the inclusive classroom setting for longer periods of time because of the assistive capabilities these tools provide.
• Students can increase grammar skills using the Talking Grammar Check and Talking Word Processor.
• Books on tape can be created for the student using the Text to Audio tool.

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The following are a list of just a few detailed ways that teachers can use Accessibility Suite 4.0:

• Teacher can make the curriculum more accessible to all learners.
• Teacher can deliver the curriculum in a way that is more multi-sensory, stimulating the learners to remain on-task and more independent.
• Teacher can become more accessible to all the students because the technology will encourage more independent learners and less reliance on adult support.
• Teacher can develop the students technology skills and ability to manipulate the computer.
• Teacher can motivate students to enjoy learning and lessons through the interactive nature of the programs different tools.
• Teacher can help ensure success with homework.
• Teacher can encourage communication with parents who are involved in the programs tools applications at home.

Why use this technology with students?

It is ideal to use this tool to foster independence and on-task behavior, while boosting student achievement and success. Accessibility Suite 4.0 is also able to be incorporated not only in school but at home. Although, there has been no research conducted to support a boost in reading and writing abilities and levels, the independence and motivation this technology promotes in student learning can be witnessed by those that use it in their classrooms.


Some of the benefits of Accessibility Suite 4.0 include:

• Less reliance on one-on-one instructional support assistants when performing different curricular activities.
• Increasing the amount of time spent in the general education classroom, fostering the least restrictive environment.
• Motivating students to learn and remain on-task.
• Freeing up the teachers time to assist all learners during instructional and on-task activities.
• Fostering independence of the learner.
• Empowering students and making them feel success.
• Increasing the level of communication between home and school.
• Providing the learner with different tools to access the curriculum, which in turns helps boost their chances for success and achievement.

How are teachers using it?

Currently, my district is going to be investing in this technology in order to meet the needs of the diverse learners we serve. I am looking forward to learning and using this technology with all of my students. There will be an on-site training at the beginning of the year which will instruct all the teachers on how to implement the software in their classrooms. I would like to see all teachers use it with all of their learners in order to experience the benefits listed above.

Resources (links): To find out more about the information above and to contact the company directly in order to invest in this software package please visit the following links.

Accessibility Suite 4.0 from Premier Assistive Technologies:
http://www.chirpingbat.com/premierprogrammingfrm.html

Premier Assistive Technology Newsletter Update on Accessibility Suite 4.0:
http://www.premier-programming.com/newsletters/Newsletter%20092005.htm

Assistive Technology Benefits All Students:
An Interview with Assistive Technology Developer Steve Timmer: http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech200.shtml

“Breaking Down Barriers to Assistive Technology”
Grant Application Form:
http://www.premier-programming.com/grant/grantform.htm


"Pigeonholes Are for Pigeons: Premier Assistive Technology and Access for All:"
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/partnership/casestudies5.asp

"Assistive Technology Benefits All Students:
An Interview with Assistive Technology Developer Steve Timmer":
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech200.shtml

Alliance for Technology Access: http://www.ataccess.org/about/default.html


Council For Exceptional Children: A Resource on Special Education: http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&WebsiteKey=ccc2b576-80bf-48af-8827-0acb530166fb

References

1. Roblyer, M.D. (2003) Intergrating Educational Technology into Teaching (4th Edition), Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

2. Grisham, Kenneth (1998). Premier Programming. Retrieved July 18, 2006, Web site: http://www.chirpingbat.com/premierprogrammingfrm.html http://www.chirpingbat.com/premierprogrammingfrm.htm