Page 21 - SEN106 SEN Magazine May-June 2020

it difficult to navigate a standard touchscreen due to a lack of tactile feedback. Accordingly, functions are being introduced by some manufacturers that enable users to navigate their device screens through voice-over software, along with different ways of controlling their devices, including with voice commands. Nowadays, if someone with dyslexia needs to proofread written work, they can choose from a wide range of text-to- speech options (including a range of product options and free browser extensions) to read out content on the browser. This allows someone who may have trouble reading or processing information to identify typos, grammatical errors and structural flaws in written work. Previously, specialised and expensive software would have been required. Changing lives These advances in technology have some very positive implications for schools. Normalising assistive technology helps learners with SEN and disabilities feel included in mainstream learning. For example, previously the use of speech-to-text software (dictating to a computer) was unusual but nowadays it is extremely common for anyone to dictate text messages into their phone because they don’t feel like typing, or their hands are occupied. A good example of how assistive technology could change an individual’s life was when one young person with dyslexia started to refuse to attend school trips. The trips often included tasks that involved reading information from exhibits in order to answer questions. The young person was unable to read without help and he had been made to feel bad about this by some of his peers. As he had a smartphone, it was suggested that he download an app which uses a phone camera to capture text and play that as audio to the user. With the app, the student could use his smartphone and a pair of headphones to complete reading tasks, so he felt much more comfortable attending school trips. Below are three types of technology which can help remove barriers to learning, are widely available and are often built in to mainstream technology. Speech-to-text software This is now more powerful than ever before. Previously, only a few products offered this feature, it wasn’t particularly reliable and it would take a long time to recognise the voice of the user. Today though, cloud-based software from some of the biggest names in computing has excellent built in speech-to- text features. Users can narrate an entire story and be readily presented with a very accurate transcription. Text-to-speech software This assistive technology reads aloud digital text. The software can be downloaded as a free browser extension for user interface modifications and is available in many windows and iOS products. Difficulty with reading is no longer as great a barrier to accessing information as it used to be, thanks to this feature. Adaptable user interfaces Many devices now have settings which allow user interfaces (the place where a user and a computer system interact) to be adapted to an individual’s needs. Examples include making fonts larger or smaller or changing colour combinations. Some devices also allow content on a user interface to be read aloud or displayed in a way that makes it easier for a user with dyslexia or a visual impairment to read. The possibilities offered by technology for teaching children and young people with SEN and disabilities are, I believe, astounding. With new edtech products and initiatives being developed all the time, it is going to be very interesting to track the journey of edtech advancement in England in coming years. Users can narrate an entire story and be readily presented with a very accurate transcription About the author A former assistant headteacher, Adam Gordon is now the SEND and Inclusion Manager for edtech charity LGfL. The charity is one of the delivery partners of the DfE’s EdTech Demonstrator Programme, part of the roll-out of the EdTech Strategy in England. lgfl.net/inclusion @LGfL @LGfL ■ Accessibility is becoming mainstream. senmagazine.co.uk SEN 106 21 Ed tech