Standard Technology Tools Checklist For
Elementary

WRITTEN LANGUAGE:

IntelliKeys®:
  A programmable alternative keyboard that plugs into the keyboard port of your computer. It works with any software that uses a keyboard, mouse or switch.  A set-up overlay is used to customize settings.

Write:OutLoud®:  A software program that is an easy-to-use talking word processor that enhances a student’s writing success. This program provides auditory output to allow the student to hear what they are writing in addition to seeing it. The speech options can be set so that the student can hear letters, words and/or sentences. In addition, Write:OutLoud provides an auditory and visual cue when a word is misspelled. The student then has the option to use the spell checker to select the correct spelling of a word either visually or auditorily (listen to how words are pronounced). Write:OutLoud can be used to read aloud text that has been entered (ie. presenting a report orally…).

AlphaSmart 3000®:  The AlphaSmart is a lightweight and portable word processor that allows the student to complete and organize written work in up to 8 different 10-12 page files. Information can easily be sent to the computer for formatting and printing.


Amazing Writing Machine: 
  Writing software that assists students by suggesting topics to get them started or to continue when a prompt is needed. The program can suggest words, pictures, and sounds to make writing more interesting.

Computer Control Panel:
  The Control Panel of each computer has accessibility options. (The options available vary depending on the computer model and what has been previously installed. If there are options that a student needs, please contact the SFPS Assistive Technology Coordinator.)

To access the options: Start: Settings: Control Panel: Accessibility Options: Keyboard, Mouse, and/or Display.
Microsoft Word® - Word Processing Options:
  Student preferences for contrast between the background color and the text color, size of font, and type of font can all be changed within the MICROSOFT WORD PROGRAM. Once a document is open the settings may be changed and also saved for that document.

IntelliTalk®:  A software program that is a talking word processor. This program provides voice output for entered text.

Kidspiration®: 
Kidspiration® helps students K-5 see, organize, and develop their great ideas. Using the proven principles of visual learning, young readers and writers build confidence in organizing information, understanding concepts, and expressing their thoughts. Use Kidspiration across the curriculum to:  Brainstorm ideas with pictures and words; Organize and categorize information visually; Create stories and descriptions using engaging visual tools; Explore new ideas with thought webs and visual mapping.

PixWriter: A software program for early writing intervention.  It motivates students to write by providing a picture for most words that they enter. The student may also select picture/word buttons from templates to write. Built-in speech gives students immediate feedback on the selections they make or lets teachers create talking documents for early reading experiences.

Clicker 4®:  A software program that is a supportive writing tool that combines a talking word processor, Clicker Writer, with Grids (templates), Clicker Grids. Clicker Writer can be used with or without pictures and has speech support. You can type directly into Clicker Writer, or you can enter text and pictures from the Clicker Grids. A Clicker Grid usually fits in the bottom half or third of the screen. When using a Clicker Grid, cells can contain whole words, phrases, or pictures. You can listen to a cell before selecting it and also hear the whole sentence read back when a period is typed at the end. Pre-made grids are available in the program with hundreds more available from the Crick Software website.


READING:

Pal Pad:  A flat membrane switch activated with the slightest touch. Available in three sizes: large, small and mini. May be used with the Sequencer to allow students access to pre-recorded pages from a book.  

Sequencer: 
A voice-output, one-button, sequential messaging communication device. Record messages in preset order to play back in succession. A total of 60 seconds of recorded time is available to use on 1 or 2 levels.

Step-By-Step Communicator:  A voice-output, one button sequential messaging communication device. Record a sequence of any number of messages, up to a total of 75 seconds. Messages are recorded in a pre-set order to play back in succession.  

Write:OutLoud®:  A software program that is an easy-to-use talking word processor that enhances a student’s writing success. This program provides auditory output to allow the student to hear what they are writing in addition to seeing it. The speech options can be set so that the student can hear letters, words and/or sentences. In addition, Write:OutLoud provides an auditory and visual cue when a word is misspelled. The student then has the option to use the spell checker to select the correct spelling of a word either visually or auditorily (listen to how words are pronounced). Write:OutLoud can be used to read aloud text that has been entered (ie. presenting a report orally…).

IntelliTalk®:  A software program that is a talking word processor. This program provides voice output for entered text.

PixWriter: A software program for early writing intervention.  It motivates students to write by providing a picture for most words that they enter. The student may also select picture/word buttons from templates to write. Built-in speech gives students immediate feedback on the selections they make or lets teachers create talking documents for early reading experiences.

Kidspiration®:  Kidspiration® helps students K-5 see, organize, and develop their great ideas. Using the proven principles of visual learning, young readers and writers build confidence in organizing information, understanding concepts, and expressing their thoughts. Use Kidspiration across the curriculum to:  Brainstorm ideas with pictures and words; Organize and categorize information visually; Create stories and descriptions using engaging visual tools; Explore new ideas with thought webs and visual mapping.

Clicker 4®:  A software program that is a supportive writing tool that combines a talking word processor, Clicker Writer, with Grids (templates), Clicker Grids. Clicker Writer can be used with or without pictures and has speech support. You can type directly into Clicker Writer, or you can enter text and pictures from the Clicker Grids. A Clicker Grid usually fits in the bottom half or third of the screen. When using a Clicker Grid, cells can contain whole words, phrases, or pictures. You can listen to a cell before selecting it and also hear the whole sentence read back when a period is typed at the end. Pre-made grids are available in the program with hundreds more available from the Crick Software website.

Instant Access to Living Books:  Adaptation for Living Books software by Broderbund to make Living Books accessible with a TouchWindow®, IntelliKeys®, or switches for scanning.

WordWise:  WordWise combines pictures, words, speech and print features to provide comprehensive language enrichment. Students can record their own voice to compare to the voice on the program for pronunciation training. The word can be presented with or without a picture. Word files can be created for each student or chosen from seven pre-selected lists:  community, house, people, outdoor, actions, or adjectives. The program is compatible with the TouchWindow® and IntelliKeys® keyboard.

Looking for Words:  Looking for Words is a community exploration software program that combines reasoning skills while it helps build vocabulary. There are three different modules to the program:  Community Words, School Words, and Home Words.  In the Explore mode, the student is able to move to different locations, learning new words. Click (or touch using a TouchWindow®) any object and it identifies itself. The List mode creates a word list. Here, the student must look for words in all the right places. Where would you find a basketball, rake, or mailbox? The instructor can direct the difficulty level, and save student scores to track progression. Finally, use the Print option to print individualized vocabulary lists along with their corresponding full-color pictures. It's a great way to make student booklets, table-top activities, and homework assignments.  

Story Time (now titled Story Kits): 
A software program consisting of thematic units based on adaptations of popular folktales. Storybooks feature patterned language and familiar refrains. Activities reinforce basic skills such as counting, colors, days of the week, matching, sorting, and sequencing. 


MATH:

IntelliKeys®:
  A programmable alternative keyboard that plugs into the keyboard port of your computer. It works with any software that uses a keyboard, mouse or switch.  A set-up overlay is used to customize settings.

Coin-U-Later®:  A hand-held device that makes counting money easy. Uses realistic coin buttons and calculator features that can be used to count money or teach the value of different coins.

Show Me Math: 
A software program that includes basic math computation (+ - x ÷) with an option for on-screen manipulatives. This program includes scanning options for switch users.

Time Scales:  A software program that allows students to match times, choose times from multiple choice, or set the clock. It addresses various levels of difficulty: hours, minutes, and the difference between two times. Students may choose from various clock faces, digital time, time in words or audio cue only.


STUDY STRATEGIES/ORGANIZATION:

PicSyms:  PicSyms are line drawn graphic symbols created using Boardmaker™ software. Boardmaker along with the three addendum libraries contains over 6000 symbols in color or black and white. Sign language addendums are also available.

AlphaSmart 3000®:  The AlphaSmart is a lightweight and portable word processor that allows the student to complete and organize written work in up to 8 different 10-12 page files. Information can easily be sent to the computer for formatting and printing.

Kidspiration®:  Kidspiration® helps students K-5 see, organize, and develop their great ideas. Using the proven principles of visual learning, young readers and writers build confidence in organizing information, understanding concepts, and expressing their thoughts. Use Kidspiration across the curriculum to:  Brainstorm ideas with pictures and words; Organize and categorize information visually; Create stories and descriptions using engaging visual tools; Explore new ideas with thought webs and visual mapping.


COMMUNICATION:

Object Communication System:
  A communication system that consists of real objects that are attached to laminated 4x6 cards to be used for communication, transitions or choice making. Picsyms are attached to the card to reinforce the transition from objects to symbols. 

PicSyms:
 
PicSyms are line drawn graphic symbols created using Boardmaker™ software. Boardmaker along with the three addendum libraries contains over 6000 symbols in color or black and white. Sign language addendums are also available.

Flip & Talk:  A communication system that consists of a spiral bound set of 15 vinyl strips with picture tabs. Vocabulary can be placed on both sides of the strips giving access to up to 30 categories of symbol strips. It is available in large and small sizes.

PECS:  The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) focuses on the initiation component of communication, which is used in a variety of settings. Students are taught to approach and give a picsym of a desired item to a communicative partner in exchange for that item. In doing that, the student initiates a communicative act for a concrete outcome within a social context. Then the student is taught to sequence a sentence using picsyms that are placed on a sentence strip. The sentence strip is then handed to the communication partner. 

BIGmack Communication Aid:  Voice output communication device with single message output.

Rocking Plate:  A voice-output communication device offering two plates each with a ten second message. Picsyms or Object Communication Cards can be attached to each plate.

Four Compartment Communicator:  A compartmentalized communicator. Place objects, pictures, picsyms or word cards in each of the four compartments; record message for each compartment; press down on the corresponding colored switch for voice output.

Cheap Talk 4:  Voice output communication device that allows the student to communicate a message by touching one of four 2" colored squares. Depending on the model, external switches or scanning options are available.

Cheap Talk 8:  Voice output communication device that allows the student to communicate a message by touching one of eight 2" colored squares. Depending on the model, 6 levels, external switches or scanning options are available.

Sequencer:  A voice-output, one-button, sequential messaging communication device. Record messages in preset order to play back in succession. A total of 60 seconds of recorded time is available to use on 1 or 2 levels.

Step-By-Step Communicator:  A voice-output, one button sequential messaging communication device. Record a sequence of any number of messages, up to a total of 75 seconds. Messages are recorded in a pre-set order to play back in succession.  

Voice Pal:  Voice-output portable communication device that uses recorded speech.  Record and play up to 10 messages for a total of 60 seconds of speech. Configured to use 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10 buttons and attach picture cues accordingly. The student can access the buttons by touch or through attached external switches in each of ten different corresponding ports. Other features include visual scanning, two-button scanning and auditory scanning with or without cue words.

Dynamo:  Portable communication device with a dynamic black and white screen display, which uses recorded speech and allows access to several levels.


COMPUTER ACCESS:

Big Red Switch:  A 5” switch for single switch access.

SFSD IntelliTools® CD:  This CD contains 40 different activities that teach a variety of skills. Optional IntelliKeys® overlays are included for use of the IntelliKeys expanded keyboard with each of the programs.

Computer Control Panel:  The Control Panel of each computer has accessibility options. (The options available vary depending on the computer model and what has been previously installed. If there are options that a student needs, please contact the SFPS Assistive Technology Coordinator.)

To access the options: Start: Settings: Control Panel: Accessibility Options: Keyboard, Mouse, and/or Display.

Microsoft Word® - Word Processing Options:  Student preferences for contrast between the background color and the text color, size of font, and type of font can all be changed within the MICROSOFT WORD PROGRAM. Once a document is open the settings may be changed and also saved for that document.

AlphaSmart 3000®:  The AlphaSmart is a lightweight and portable word processor that allows the student to complete and organize written work in up to 8 different 10-12 page files. Information can easily be sent to the computer for formatting and printing.

IntelliKeys®:  A programmable alternative keyboard that plugs into the keyboard port of your computer. It works with any software that uses a keyboard, mouse or switch.  A set-up overlay is used to customize settings.

TouchWindow®:  A touch screen that attaches over a computer monitor for direct selection. With a simple touch the computer responds and allows students to make selections, move objects, pull-down menus, and write with onscreen keyboards.

Click It®:  A software program for making “point and click” software accessible for students who use the IntelliKeys® keyboard and/or switch.

Features:

IntelliPics®:  A software program that is used for creating multimedia reports, presentations and activities. It features animation, graphic and sound collections. It also has a quiz option available. Use with Overlay Maker® to create overlays for your IntelliPics programs.  

Overlay Maker®:  A computer program for creating custom overlays for any activity that is made with IntelliTalk® or IntelliPics®. These programs create the keys for the overlay by sending the activity into Overlay Maker. Overlay Maker is then used to edit and print the overlay. It also allows you to create keys to perform multiple actions.

Instant Access to Living Books: 
Adaptation for Living Books software by Broderbund to make Living Books accessible with a TouchWindow®, IntelliKeys®, or switches for scanning.

Switch Basics: 
A software program that teaches students to use a switch to select onscreen animations with sound output. Scanning options are available.   


SOCIAL/RECREATION/LEISURE:

Pal Pad:  A flat membrane switch activated with the slightest touch. Available in three sizes: large, small and mini. May be used with the Sequencer to allow students access to pre-recorded pages from a book. 

Taction Pad: 
Clear, adhesive backed, flexible, touch sensitive, plastic patch activated by the slightest touch. When adhered to a surface or object, it acts like a switch. Taction pads are available in four different styles. Taction pads only work with Adaptivation's line of touch activated devices. Other devices can be used with them when interfaced with a Link Switch or the Switch Scanner, also available through Adaptivation.

Switch Basics: 
A software program that teaches students to use a switch to select onscreen animations with sound output. Scanning options are available.   

IntelliPics®:  A software program that is used for creating multimedia reports, presentations and activities. It features animation, graphic and sound collections. It also has a quiz option available. Use with Overlay Maker® to create overlays for your IntelliPics programs.  

SFSD IntelliTools® CD:  This CD contains 40 different activities that teach a variety of skills. Optional IntelliKeys® overlays are included for use of the IntelliKeys expanded keyboard with each of the programs.

Instant Access to Living Books: 
Adaptation for Living Books software by Broderbund to make Living Books accessible with a TouchWindow®, IntelliKeys®, or switches for scanning.

Battery Interrupter:  Quickly adapt any battery-operated device for switch use. The copper disk fits between the battery contacts and a battery in the device for switch access.

Power Link 2 Control Unit or Power Link 3 Control Unit:  An environmental control unit that allows the student to operate small electrical appliances through switch access. The control unit has two double outlets and is durable, portable, and meets rigorous safety standards. It can be used with any age and in any setting. Use with a corded switch (Big Red Switch), cordless switch and receiver or AirLink Cordless Switch (AirLink works only with Power Link 3 Control Unit). Various options are available including turning on two appliances with one switch or operating two appliances with two different switches, etc.  

Cordless Big Red Switch:  A switch that allows for Cordless control of electrical and battery-powered devices from up to 25 feet away. Four modes of control:  direct, latch, timed seconds, and timed minutes. Works with either a Cordless Receiver or Small Appliance Receiver available from AbleNet.

Cordless Receiver:  A device that is ideal for working with battery-operated toys/equipment that move or when the student needs to be farther away from the device than what a corded switch allows. Requires a Cordless Switch to operate. For instructions see Cordless Big Red Switch.  

Sony Mavica Digital Camera:  This camera takes digital photos and stores on a floppy disk. Video/audio capabilities are available for up to 60 seconds per floppy disk.