1. Assistive Technology
Information for Parents of Students Using Assistive
Technology
SEA Funded Computer Equipment
Your child has been provided with a SEA funded computer for use at school. This means that
each year they are registered at an OCDSB school, they will have access to a computer to as-
sist them in understanding the curriculum and completing classroom activities and assign-
ments. The computer must remain at school—each student has received a USB drive which
they can use to transfer documents to and from school.
Training
Your child will be trained by an Itinerant Teacher for Assistive Technology. This teacher will
visit a number of times when your child first receives a computer to ensure that they understand
how to use the necessary programs and how to apply them in the classroom.
S o ftw are
The computer that your child will be using has a variety of software installed on it. Each pro-
gram has specific areas that will support and develop different skills:
-Organization
-Reading
-Writing
S o ftw are for O rgan i za ti on S o ftw are for Readi n g
Smart Ideas 5: This program assists stu-
dents in organizing information and ideas Premier Assistive Suite: This package con-
in a visual manner. Brainstorming webs is tains an E-Text reader, as well as a tool for
one common use for this program. The reading information on the web.
program can be used in a wide range of Word Q: This program allows students to
subjects from English to Science. select text from a variety of sources and have
the computer read it to them aloud.
Licensing: Premier Assistive Suite is avail-
able to all OCDSB families for download at
home (no cost). Ask your school for the
downloading information. Word Q is licensed
for home use as well. Request the installa-
tion CD from your school.

2. S o ftw are for Wri tin g
Premier Assistive Suite: The Talking Word Processor supports writing by provid-
ing word prediction as well as speech playback of text. New additions to this pack-
age, Write Now and Worksheet Wizard, provide similar support to the Talking Word
Processor. The Worksheet Wizard allows students to scan printed classroom mate-
rials, have the computer read them, and fill in any required answers.
Word Q: This program supports your child’s writing by suggesting words they could
use as well as providing correct spellings for words they are typing. The program
makes writing less frustrating by speeding up the task as well as providing better re-
sults.
Antidote: This program is a writing resource for students working in French. It in-
cludes an electronic dictionary, conjugation tables, and grammatical information. It
will indicate to students where mistakes are made and provide suggestions on how
to fix them.
Dragon Naturally Speaking: This program allows students to speak to their com-
puter using a microphone and the computer will record what has been said. Stu-
dents must complete a training process in order to get accurate results while dictat-
ing. This can take several hours. Dragon Naturally Speaking is typically used by a
small number of students in intermediate and senior grades.
Home Licensing Infor matio n
Smart Ideas 5: This program is not licensed for home use but can be purchased at
some retail stores. Similar programs, classified as mind mapping or concept map-
ping can be downloaded.
Premier Assistive Suite: This package of programs can be downloaded at home
for no cost. Request downloading information from your school.
Word Q: This program is licensed for home use. Request the installation CD from
your school.
Dragon Naturally Speaking: This program must be purchased for home use.
Antidote: This program must be purchased for home use.