Free and Low-Cost Reading Tools for the Common Man

Handouts

Presented at 8:00am in WB III on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.

Speaker(s)

• Susan Kelmer, Alternate Format Production Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format:
• Expertise Level: Not provided
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

You don’t need a reading disability to benefit from text-to-speech or other helpful tools that work with technology we already use. Beyond Siri, Cortana, and Google Assistant, what other tools exist that may help you get through reading materials more quickly and with less distraction?

Abstract

Studies have shown that many tools used to accommodate students with disabilities in the classroom and when doing schoolwork can also be beneficial to those without a disability. Removing distractions, increasing reading speed, using text-to-speech, and other methods may help that student who is not quite qualified to receive accommodations. These methods may also help you get through the mountain of reading materials you encounter every day, from web pages to PDF documents to emails to white papers. This session will cover a variety of free or low-cost solutions that anyone can use.

Keypoints

1. Everyone can benefit from reading tools in their daily lives.
2. Software and apps don't have to be expensive to have value.
3. Students who don't quite qualify for accommodations may find these tools helpful, too.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Vision

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Assistive Technology

Speaker Bio(s)

Susan Kelmer

Ms. Kelmer has been working with alternate format and accessible technology for more than 20 years in a higher education environment. Currently she works at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Alternate Format Production and Access Center, where alternate format materials for students with print disabilities are produced. She also consults with other departments on campus and other campuses about alternate format and how to produce materials effectively. She has presented at multiple AHG conferences in the last 20 years.

Handout(s)

• free-and-low-cost-reading-tools-for-the-common-man