SET-BC Accessible Books Project
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The very act of reading increases cognitive abilities in ways that conversation cannot. (Cunningham and Stanovich, 1998) On March 12, 2001, SET-BC staff, school district teams, and Bridges staff gathered with the goal to begin to build a collection of "accessible books." |
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For this project we defined accessible books as follows - The contents (graphics and text) of a selected book are displayed on the computer screen with text read through either digitized or synthesized speech. Graphics from the book are either scanned or digitized with a digital camera. Software applications with graphics and speech capabilities that enable switch and adapted access methods are chosen. The following software applications were used: Intellipics, Clicker 4, Speaking Dynamically Pro, and BuildAbility. School district teams arrived with their favorite print book in hand. The day started off with SET staff demonstrating books that they had made accessible (programmed) in the various software applications. Step by step instruction sheets were developed by SET staff to support the days activities. The variety and creativity in the books proved very stimulating. |
| Inspiration flowed throughout the day as teams chose the software application of their choice, scanned the graphics from their books, and enhanced the text of the books with auditory feedback. By days end, each team demonstrated their accessible book. The variety of titles and the creativity of final products was indeed inspiring. Participants loved the opportunity to explore the sophisticated features of the software applications with fellow techies. All participants benefitted from the opportunity to work together and share knowledge of the intricacies of the specific software applications. Everyone finished the day keen on making more books accessible for all students and also developing writing activities to complement reading activities. |
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The hope is that the SET-BC accessible books collection will grow and be available for SET-BC teams. Copyright issues will be addressed as these books are made accessible in alternate format for special needs students.
Cunningham, A.E. and Stanovich,K.E. (1998) What reading does for the mind. American Educator. Spring Summer 1998, American Federation of Teachers, 8-15. |
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