Students who are struggling with reading, writing and spelling greatly benefit from the use of Assistive Technology (AT). For young students, the use of audio books is an excellent way to engage students in reading and develop their vocabulary and comprehension abilities. Using audio books is referred to as “ear reading.” Two of the main audio book providers to dyslexic students are Learning Ally and Bookshare.
Other uses of AT include: text-to-speech, speech-to-text and predictive spelling. Jamie Martin is an expert in AT for dyslexic students and we encourage people to visit his website. Once a student is on an IEP or a 504 Plan, an Assistive Technology Assessment may be requested.
Students in the Park City School District are fortunate to receive MacBook Airs beginning in elementary school. Once students are in sixth grade, they are allowed to take their computers home daily. If you aren’t a “Mac” family, you may want to consider investing in Mac products at home, so that your child can become proficient on a Mac before 6th grade.
After years of advocacy work, PC READS is pleased to announce that the Park City School District has a district-wide subscription to Learning Ally beginning in fall 2017. Therefore, it is available to all qualifying students. If your child has an IEP, 504 Plan or is receiving reading support at school, please inquire about this wonderful service.
History of Learning Ally in PCSD:
2015-2016: Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) awarded a school grant to Parley’s Park Elementary School for Learning Ally
2016-2017: Parley’s Park Elementary School continued using Learning Ally thanks to a private donor’s support; Treasure Mountain Junior High School used school funds for a school subscription
2017-2018: PCSD has a district-wide subscription to Learning Ally. Parley’s Park had already secured a private donor’s support; however, district funds are supported the other schools.
