Co:Writer Unlimited Site Licence

For the past 20 years, Co:Writer has been providing support to students who struggle with reading and, particularly, writing. It is an incredibly clever word prediction program, capable of suggesting correctly spelled and grammatically appropriate words in place of misspelled words. This is of great value to students who struggle to even type the first two or three letters correctly. Many other word prediction programs are not able to accurately predict words in such cases. It is also of value to students with physical disabilities which make writing a painfully slow process - even when using a computer.

At Spectronics, we often refer to Co:Writer as the “Rolls Royce” of word prediction programs. The latest release of Co:Writer 6 lifts the bar even higher again and it really does live up to its claim that it only takes 30 minutes to learn how to use the program. The "Train-in-30 Tutorial" backs this one up. Check out this informative video demonstrating the many clever features of Co:Writer 6.

And for the first time, Co:Writer is now available as an Unlimited User School Site Licence! Meaning that for a “one-time” price, you can install Co:Writer 6 on every computer on your site. The Unlimited Site Licence also includes student and teacher take-home rights, so your students can be given the writing support they need, even when not at school, and the teachers can create student resources at home if they wish.

Advantages:

• Install on every computer on your site for one low price
• Includes take-home rights* for students and teachers
• Eliminates the need to manage your software licence
• Makes universal access a reality!

*These take-home rights mean that the software can be installed on any Mac or Windows-based home computers or laptops (owned by the school’s teachers or students) and used for the duration of the school site licence.

For more information about this new licence option, download the PDF or visit the Spectronics website.

 

ILT Conference 2012 Update: 200 FREE iPads available for loan!

New! As an enticing incentive to register early to attend the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference, the first 200 delegates registered for the "I Want Everything" package will be offered use of an iPad free-of-charge for the full four days of the conference! If you don't already have an iPad to bring with you to the conference, this will provide a great opportunity to explore firsthand how the iPad might be of benefit to your students, your teaching, your therapy programs, or just for your own use.

There will be a focus on mobile learning in many of the sessions - with an iPad lab for hands-on learning sessions too. Free wireless Internet access will be available to all throughout the conference too of course to enhance this learning experience.

We also have news of three VERY exciting prizes from our three generous Gold Sponsors!

From AbleNet.  A chance for one lucky delegate to win an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference in Orlando, Florida, USA in January 2013! Just show us how you are using AbleNet technologies to support your students. Read more!

From DynaVox Mayer-Johnson.  A chance to win the innovative DynaVox Maestro speech generating device valued at $13,000. Just tell us how you would benefit from winning this prize. Read more!

From Texthelp Systems.  A chance to win the fabulous prize of a Texthelp Read&Write GOLD Dual Platform for Windows and Mac - P-12 School and Home Site Licence (for two campuses) along with five USB Mobile versions of the program. Valued at $14,000! Just tell us how you would benefit from winning this prize. Read more!

To ensure that you keep up-to-the minute up-to-date with exciting announcements like these, it would be great if you could do three things.

1. Sign up via the conference website to receive the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 emailed updates

2. Visit the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 Facebook page and “like” the page and while there join the ILT2012 Facebook Group

3. Follow us on Twitter @ILT2012

We’d love to have you as a part of the growing ILT2012 Conference “family”.

 

Skooging it: Music made accessible and ... uber fun!

Meet the Skoog! It’s an exciting new musical instrument with accessibility at its heart. An instrument designed explicitly for special education to empower those unable to play traditional instruments. The Skoog is a soft, squeezable object that simply plugs straight into your Mac or Windows computer or laptop’s USB port. Simply touching, pressing, squashing, twisting or tapping the Skoog allows you to play a wide range of instruments, intuitively.

Video is the best way of demonstrating the wonderful potential of the Skoog for making music by students in special ed settings. So here we go with some suggestions!

• Join the 50,000 others who have viewed the quirky YouTube video of Brett Domino using the Skoog to perform “Hey Ya!” by OutKast. It does do a great job of showing off the flexibility of the Skoog. (Be warned though - our Melbourne office team got totally hooked on this one playing it over and over!)
• Click here to see the Skoog explained by its developer, Benjaman Schogler.
• And watch it here in the hands of a student for the first time and here using animal sounds - highlighting the fact that any sound - not just musical instruments - can be added to the Skoog using its clever software on a computer. Even record students’ voices or singing to add to the sound and music mix!

“This is more than just a sound making object, it’s a great way for young people to be introduced to making expressive sounds, and in time, music... The Skoog, though silly and fun loving on the outside, contains within it the serious potential to turn anyone into a musician and enjoy the satisfaction of musical expression.” - Young and Able Magazine (Sept 2010)

As you can see by the photo below, the Skoog was a popular addition to the Spectronics Exhibit area at the AGOSCI Conference in May of this year. We had many visitors calling in specifically to try it out - including Marlena Katene from Queensland (left) and Oliver Mills with his parents (Kerri and Maurice) from South Australia (right).

 

Spectronics no longer selling Tobii Speech Generating Devices and Software

If you are interested in the area of speech generating devices and AAC, we need to let you know that Spectronics no longer supplies technologies from Tobii Technology in Sweden. These include: the MyTobii P10 eye-controlled computing and communication system; the Tobii C-Series speech generating devices (C8, C12 and C15); the Tobii S32 speech generating device; and Tobii’s software suite (including VS Communicator).

These are now available for purchase across Australia and New Zealand from Link-AT. For more details, please contact Bas Tijdhof, Managing Director of Link-AT in Adelaide on bas@linkassistive.com. We have enjoyed working with the Tobii team over the past five years and have confidence in recommending Bas and Link-AT for support of future Tobii technologies purchases.

Of course, all customers who have previously purchased Tobii technologies from Spectronics will, as always, be supported for the life of the product. We are here to assist you on mail@spectronicsinoz.com for Australia and mail@spectronics.co.nz for New Zealand.

We also have a range of ex-demo Tobii devices available for purchase now at a discount of 50% off original pricing. All are in excellent condition but only limited numbers remain and will only be available at these reduced prices while stock lasts.

• MyTobii P10 Premium Package
• Tobii C8
• Tobii C12
• Tobii C12 with Tobii CEye Eye Control device
• Tobii (VS) Communicator 4 software
• Tobii Sono Suite Add-on for Tobii (VS) Communicator software

We also have a limited number of the popular Tobii S32 Scan (ex-demo) devices available at 20% off original pricing.

 

Helping you to quickly find Apple and Apps-related Resources, Links and Ideas!

The Spectronics Blog is becoming more and more popular with comments and sharing of the posts coming in now from around the globe. We think that’s pretty cool. ☺

One of the areas of most interest recently on the Blog has been the articles around Apps and iPads for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC); for special education; and for literacy support in regular ed school classrooms. So we thought it would be helpful for you if we pulled together the collective thoughts of the Spectronics team into one dedicated area of the Blog called Apple and Apps-Related Resources. We hope you find this a valuable collection - saving you time on Googling to find them all!

The Spectronics team can’t offer specific support for Apple hardware, iTunes or Apps Store enquiries - as we need to ensure that we are available to assist you with enquiries about all of the technologies sold by Spectronics. So we hope this continually updated collection of the resources we have found will help in quickly answering your Apple and Apps-related questions.

BTW. The two most popular links there are as follows.

• iPhone/iPad Apps for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) by Jane Farrall (Spectronics’ Senior Speech Pathologist and AAC Support Services Manager)
• Apps for Literacy Support by Greg O’Connor (Spectronics’ Teacher and Education Services Manager)

Enjoy reading!

 

Perth it's your turn for a Texthelp Read&Write GOLD Workshop this Month!

Join us for a full day of hands-on training learning about the NEW Version 10 of the popular Texthelp Read&Write GOLD literacy support software in Perth on Friday 26th August - 9am to 4pm. Where? Rydges Perth | Cnr Hay and King Streets | Perth CBD.

Why is the Texthelp Read&Write GOLD program so popular?

With so many students in schools and post-secondary institutions experiencing difficulties with literacy, Texthelp Read&Write GOLD software offers critical support for reading and writing tasks throughout the day in class, in the library and after-hours at home. These supports are built into a discreet “floating toolbar” that works with all regular software programs (including Web browsers and virtual learning environments such as Blackboard and Moodle). As a result, students using the software do not feel “different” to their peers. The resultant ability for these students to achieve independently of adult assistance, often results in significantly improved self esteem and a willingness to participate actively in reading and writing tasks for the very first time.

Please note: This is a BYO windows laptop workshop

Bring your laptop pre-loaded with Texthelp Read&Write GOLD Version 10 for Windows. If you do not have the program installed, USB versions of the program will be available for use on the day.

To read more details about the workshop view the downloadable flyer.

How do you register?

Alternatively you can complete the registration form - found on the last page of the downloadable flyer and fax the form to Spectronics on (07) 3808 6108.

Cost of the workshop?

The workshop registration fee is $180.

What is built into this comprehensive and informative workshop package?

• A full day of hands-on training in using Texthelp Read&Write GOLD
   
• Training supported by Certified Texthelp Trainer as presenter, as well as skilled Certified Texthelp Trainer support staff assisting “on-the-floor”
   
• A full version of the program will be provided for your use for the duration of the workshop
   
• A comprehensive printed Training Manual covering all program features in detail for use at the workshop and to take home for further learning
   
• The option to complete a Texthelp Certified Trainer assessment on completion of the training
   
• Full catering of arrival tea/coffee, morning tea and lunch on-site for the workshop day

 

Literacy for ALL students - A World First for a Special School in Wagga Wagga

Recently Jane Farrall, Spectronics’ Senior Speech Pathologist and AAC Support Services Manager, shared a blog titled Literacy for All at Willans Hill about her involvement in the literacy program for all students at Willans Hill School in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. She is working with this special school’s Principal to roll out the Four Blocks approach to literacy across her whole school. She visits the school once a month and assists by providing inservices, support, practical assistance, resources and advice.

The school, motivated by Principal Chris Lennon’s absolute commitment to “literacy for all students” has seen remarkable successes in a very short space of time. So much so, that mainstream television and radio programs have picked up the story. Great news!

Click here to listen to the ABC Local Radio and Radio National World Today report about the project aired on 22^nd June. Or read the text of the “Small school talks up literacy program” broadcast on the World Today website.

Click here to view the Prime TV Wagga local television coverage - featuring both Jane and Chris. With more heartwarming footage from the local ABC featured here Wagga school takes on teaching experiment. To quote Chris Lennon, “We will never never ever go back to thinking that literacy and communication are out of reach of our students.”

Australian Story on ABC TV next??

 

iZoom 4: New Version of the lower cost Screenreader for People with Low Vision

At less than half the cost of ZoomText, iZoom is an economical option for people with low vision who need an easy-to-use program for magnifying text on their computer screens. Another big bonus is that it speaks out the text using clear male and female Australian voices! AND the new iZoom Version 4 has just been released allowing reading of PDF files with those same clear voices. It also now supports use with dual monitors and incorporates a clever “Posture Improvement Module” to prevent back and neck pain commonly associated with leaning in close to read screen content.

Other benefits of using iZoom?

• The USB version of iZoom does not require you to install any software onto the computer at all. Just insert it into the USB drive and you are instantly up and running. Other programs, like ZoomText, need users to install a small file, effectively locking them out of any public computers (like those in libraries) and school or Uni/TAFE computers where students do not have administrator privileges.
• Exceptionally easy to use interface.
• Zoom scroll-bars appear on the side and bottom of the screen to assist users to know where they are on the screen once it is enlarged.
• Font smoothing ensures clear, non-jaggy text when magnified.
• SmartAlign technology makes viewing web pages, emails and documents that don’t fit on the screen much easier. No need to continuously scroll back and forward horizontally to read the text. With just one mouse click, SmartAlign will realign the text so that it fits on the screen allowing you to be more productive and reducing eye-strain.

Want to try the program for yourself? A 30-day trial version is downloadable from the Spectronics website. Or please feel free to contact Spectronics to have a copy of the trial version sent to you on CD. If you have enquiries about site licence options and pricing, we are also happy to assist.

 

PODD Success after initially "Not Getting It"

Over the past few years, the Spectronics team have been impressed by the inspiring work of Kate Ahern - A US-based special education teacher who compiles the informative Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs Blog - a great repository of useful articles, resources and ideas for teacher of students with severe and multiple disabilities.

We particularly liked her recent post describing her journey to successful communication for her students using the PODD communication system developed by Gayle Porter. So, with Kate’s permission, we added it to the Spectronics Blog in a post titled “PODDtastic!”.

In her article Kate wrote the following.

“The PODD or Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display is a both a method of communication/method of teaching communication and a set of manual communication books. PODD was created by Gayle Porter in Australia. PODD materials are arranged especially to be used for social interactions (pragmatically).  Messages in the PODD flow from one page to the next by way of page numbers that guide the user through a conversation.  So a conversation can move easily through conversational turns.

I will be the first to admit that I did not “get” PODD when I first read about it. It seemed cumbersome and indirect.  I disliked how the same symbols may be in different places on different pages (being the big believer in motor learning that I am).  I thought some of the language was too immature for my high school students.  And finally when I saw it in action it did not work. Our SLP attempted to implement it with another student in the classroom but it was not successful, mostly because we were not using it receptively with the student.  The PODD book ended up sitting in the student’s cubby unused until it landed in our drawer of abandoned communication aides.

Then I went to Linda Burkhart’s workshop at the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) Conference  in January.  Wow!  First of all if you ever get the chance to attend a workshop Linda Burkhart presents you should go. Second of all, it is seeing videos of PODD in action that really “sells” it for use with our students.  The first thing I did when I came home from the conference was apologize to our SLP.  The second thing was to lay out a plan to introduce PODD into my classroom.” 

We especially liked the following two comments after we posted Kate’s article onto the Spectronics Blog.

• “I have always wanted to try PODD with my students, but it was overwhelming. This article gave me the courage to try it!”
• “Thanks so much for this inspiring BLOG. I have just attended Gayle Porter’s workshop in Brisbane and have introduced some early functions PODDs to some of my clients. This BLOG was great to keep me inspired and enthusiastic. Thanks so much.”

Kate mentions a video in her Blog - but we also think these totally heart-warming videos of Callaghan from Broken Hill in far west NSW, just two years old and successfully using PODD to communicate are amazing to watch. Definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

PODD - How old are you?
Callaghan 2.5 years old uses his PODD to answer the question 'How old are you?'

PODD - Describe dish
Callaghan is 2 years 7 months old. Watch him navigate through his PODD book to communicate a message about the dish in front of him.

PODD - I can write my whole name!
Callaghan 2 years 8 months navigates the PODD to spell out his whole name - only a week after spelling out 'Cal'!

Looking forward to seeing the PODD framework on a speech generating device once Gayle has time to move forward on this project too!

 

Other Cool Stuff to Know About!

Incredibox Human Beatbox Choir - Fun for Touchscreen or IWB

Looking for a fun activity for use on touchscreen monitors or Interactive Whiteboards? The Incredibox online activity is totally addictive! Simply drag sound icons onto each of the human beatboxers (pictured above). Click or touch the screen to add or remove characters as you build your choir. Or just run in shuffle mode and watch it all happening automatically. Lots of fun!

AAC-RERC White Paper

The AAC-RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center) is a US-based organisation that conducts research, development, training, and dissemination activities to improve options for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. They are often a good source of information and just recently published a downloadable white paper titled "Mobile Devices and Communication Apps". It presents a measured view of how these apps are impacting on the available range of AAC options and services - and offers some valuable thought-provoking comments worth considering too. Worth reading if you are interested in AAC.

Warringa Park School iPad Project

Warringa Park School is a special school in Melbourne and was one of the first of many Victorian special schools to roll out iPads to all of its students (almost 300 in total). To learn more about the project read their story online or contact the school's full-time "iPad Coach", Dawn Hallett on email hallett.dawn.l@edumail.vic.gov.au. Dawn organises weekly tutorials for staff dedicated to the use of iPads and the Ultranet. Teachers get together to share their tips and tricks, discuss favourite apps and boast about success stories. She will also be presenting a session on the Warringa Park iPad Project next year at our Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012. Looking forward to it Dawn!