Using Speech: Speech Technology May Be the Key

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2.6 million children ages six to 11 years old in the US had learning disabilities (LD) or attention or hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD) in 1997-1998, and the numbers continue to increase. Individuals with learning disabilities may have difficulty with memory, writing, or comprehension. They may lose their place or forget what they are reading or they may lack organizational skills. Those with attention or hyperactivity disorders may exhibit behaviors that interfere with learning, being inattentive or impulsive.

Assistive technology with integrated speech technology has been used with great success to address the symptoms of LD and AD/HD. While critics consider use of this technology inadvisable, believing it prevents users from overcoming their disabilities, research indicates otherwise. In fact, these technologies may actually help people improve the skills with which they have difficulty. Students who routinely received failing grades before using the technology often excelled academically upon implementing the products.

“With this technology, kids are able to show what they know, not what their disability is,” says Cindy Johnson, vice president of marketing at Kurzweil Educational Systems.

Continue to read Robin Springer’s article at Speech Technology Magazine