Technology and Dyslexia Using Technology to Bridge the Gap of Learning Disabilities.

Technology and DyslexiaUsing Technology to Bridge the Gap of Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Jeff Poblocki Buffalo, New York

2.2m of Snow in the last 48 Hours

Introduction

Jeff Poblocki Buffalo, New York Background in Information Technology 10th year at The Gow School serve as Director of

Technology

The Gow School College-prep boarding and day school for students with

dyslexia and similar language-based learning disabilities School population unites students from 18 different US

states and 23 different countries Grades 7-12 Founded in 1926 - Educating dyslexics for 88 years

Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a reading disability that occurs when the

brain does not properly recognize and/or process certain symbols.

Lessons from Dyslexia:

1. Dyslexia does not go way

2. No two dyslexics are alike

Technology’s Role

Dyslexia does not go way Can not “fix” users problem

No two dyslexics are alike Users are not the same

How do we develop/deploy technologies that target a unique set of problems

depending on the user?

Technology’s Role

There is no one size fits all solution.

Deploy an array of technologies to all users and train them in the methods that best fit their disability

Multi Sensory

Technology at The Gow School

Hardware Standardized across campus for students and faculty Lenovo – Windows Based Laptops

Software “Assistive Technology”

Text to Speech

Kurzweil 3000

Speech to Text

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Concept Mapping

Inspiration

Combining Assistive Technologies

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Kurzweil 3000

Combining Assistive Technologies

Kurzweil 3000 Inspiration

Combining Assistive Technologies

InspirationDragon

NaturallySpeaking

Other Programs

Bring You Own Device Program iPads (Siri) Second Screen

On going research 2 PhDs on staff Working to develop a system to assess these tools for

better deployment

Strengths of Dyslexia

Goal

Empower our students.