Assistive Technology Terminology
In discussing assistive technology hardware and software , it will be useful if we are all using the same terminology to discuss products. In particular, it will be less limiting if we curtail the use of specific product names. Since there are numerous products that perform similar functions, it will be more effective to discuss categories of products.
The following list is an attempt to categorize some of the most common assistive technology software and hardware products. Many of the software products, in particular, have overlapping features, so may fit into more than one category.
NOTE: The list of Sample Products is NOT comprehensive; for each category there may be additional products on the market. This is a fluid document that will be updated often.
| Category Name | S/H | Sample Products | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice recognition | S |
Dragon NaturallySpeaking iListen Speak Q Via Voice |
|
| Literacy and learning support | S |
Kurzweil 3000 WYNN Read & Write (from TextHelp) Scan and Read Pro (from Premier AT) |
|
| Concept mapping | S |
Inspiration/Kidspiration Smart Ideas SparkSpace DraftBuilder |
|
| Screen magnification | S |
ZoomText Magnifier (built into Windows) BigShot MAGic |
|
| Text to speech | S |
Aspire Reader Read Please Universal Reader and U Reader Plus E-text reader Text to Audio Scan and Read Plus |
All of the literacy and learning support and integrated packages products also have text to speech features. |
| Talking word processors | S |
Write: Outloud Writing With Symbols Talking Word Processor (from Premier AT) |
All of the integrated packages products also have text to speech features. |
| Integrated packages | S |
IntelliTools Classroom Suite Solo Premier Assistive Technology packages |
|
| Onscreen keyboards | S |
Reach Interface Author WiViK On-screen Keyboard (built into Windows) |
|
| Productivity | S |
Reach Interface Author WiViK On-screen Keyboard (built into Windows) |
|
| Portable note takers | H |
Co:Writer WordQ Abbreviate ShortKeys |
|
| Mouse alternatives | H |
AlphaSmart (Neo, Dana) CalcuScribe Laser PC QuickPad |
|
| Keyboard alternatives | H |
Very many products in these subcategories: Non-standard mouse (ergonomic, diff size) Trackballs Trackpads/Touchpads Track Point Head controlled mice Eye trackers Other |
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