Inexpensive color highlighters, for example, can help individuals with reading difficulties distinguish words that appear the same like proud, pound, and pond. Providers help the student highlight the troublesome words in different colors and make the reader visually aware of the differences between these words. High-tech devices, such as an optical character recognition system, provide a means of entering text or printed material directly into a computer by use of a scanner. Once the text has been scanned into the computer, it can be read back to the user by means of a speech synthesizer. Technology in itself is not the answer to all problems faced by people with LD or for their service providers.
Technology does, however, provide valuable tools for life.
Those seeking technological assistance should focus not on the device, but on what the device can do for the individual in need. The fit must be right. The biggest or most expensive may not provide the best fit. The presentation will lead participants to a clearer understanding of how technology can help answer these questions and direct you to selecting the appropriate AT for each individual s needs.