Learning & Communicaton
Open communication
Students struggling with language and communication — or with other learning disabilities — can use features in Mac OS X to accomplish their specific learning goals. Whether the need is for alternative forms of communication, solutions that help with language development, or assistance in the areas of literacy, mathematics, or spelling, the customization capabilities of Mac OS X can provide solutions to help with a range of issues.
Built-in solutions
Solutions such as TextEdit enable persons with language and communications disabilities to speak text. With customization of voice and speed, TextEdit allows struggling learners an easy way to adapt this word-processing tool to their needs.
Text-to-speech synthesis, Sherlock, and a talking calculator enable persons with learning disabilities to access material faster and more easily.
Apple's VoiceOver screen reader technology is built right into the Mac OS X operating system providing access to the Macintosh through speech, audible cues, and keyboard navigation. Complete with an advanced synthesized English voice, braille support, extensive keyboard capabilities and localization into eight languages, Apple gives users with visual disabilities more control over the Mac than ever.
Success story: Language Learning with iMovie
Teacher Nancy Weed Taylor discovered how iMovie could help her instruct students with communication/cognition, motor development, and socio/emotional development issues.
"I used iMovie to stimulate two of my nonverbal students to communicate by using words, BabySigns, or symbolic gestures to identify objects or actions seen in digital videos of themselves."
Success story: Boosting Self-Esteem
Josiah is a quiet boy aware of his speech disability. His teachers have found that using iMovie to communicate has boosted his self-image, increased his self-confidence, and helped him to work harder towards overcoming his speech disability.
He worked with his teacher, Mrs. Jamie Moore, to collect his media - pictures from home, images from the internet, and his own drawings to depict scenes. He recorded his voiceover in iMovie, added his media, transitions, and sound.
When his story was completed, it was shared with the class - he was a star! The students loved hearing him tell his story and not one remark was made about his speech disability. Josiah bloomed with confidence. He has inspired other students who are often heard asking their teachers when they too can create a digital story of their own.
Success story: Building Confidence with Digital Communication
Teachers like Kris Hill, Special Day Class Teacher at Shoreline Middle School in Santa Cruz, California, recognize that special education students need learning to be relevant, meaningful, and easily accessed. Using iPhoto and iMovie to document web-based research has led to increased engagement and attendance among her students.
"Difficulty reading doesn’t mean difficulty thinking. Apple provides tools that allow students with learning differences to break free of worksheets, and dive into learning."
Disabilities Education Act
Learn about federal support for technology in special education. Learn more
