Amira's Story
The technology that Amira uses includes a computer with Intellitalk II, Overlay Maker, and Balanced Literacy software. Amira accesses the computer using an IntelliKeys keyboard with custom overlays for writing her journal, simple sentences, and stories.
She moves the mouse with an RJ Copper joystick with switch adaptations to click and drag. Operating system enhancements of Sticky keys and an enlarged i beam, make it easy for Amira to see the cursor and do one-handed typing.
This year Amira started using the IntelliTools; Balanced Literacy software program. Balanced Literacy is based on the 4 blocks reading method. Amira uses the overlays that come with the program to assist her with reading the unit and pattern books, writing simple sentences, and doing the onset and rhyme and keyword activities. Her favorite Balanced Literacy activities are reading the singing books using a ‘turn the page’ switch and putting the farm animals to bed.
Amira reads the books over and over again laughing each time. The independence in reading she has gained is amazing. Debbie, Amira’s education assistant, uses the low tech word cards and initial letter mini posters included in the Balanced Literacy kit.
Debbie has also created parallel low-tech personalized materials and books and pictures to augment the program. Word family flash books that follow the letters and word families introduced in the units of the program are a popular addition.
Amira likes to work with her peers on the computer. She enjoys doing some math work with her friend Duncan. She says technology makes learning a lot more fun.