ERIC Number: ED601770
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Mar-9
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Audio-Supported Reading and Students with Learning Disabilities
Jackson, Richard; Karger, Joanne
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
This paper provides an introduction to the concept of audio-supported reading (ASR) for students with specific learning disabilities. In a previous paper written for the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM Center), Jackson (2012) defined ASR as a technology-based technique for reading in which individuals read digital text "in conjunction with" listening to the text in an audio format such as text-to-speech (TTS). A video demonstration of ASR with computers, tablets, and smartphones can be viewed on the Audio-Supported Reading page. While this earlier work focused on ASR in relation to students who are blind or have low vision, here we expand the discussion to include students with specific learning disabilities. Part I of this paper describes the evolution of the concept of "specific learning disability" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. Part II discusses the ways in which accessible educational materials (AEM) can be used to support specific reading-related needs of students with learning disabilities. Part III provides a summary of ASR technique and examines the limited research pertaining to ASR and students with learning disabilities. Finally, Part IV presents key considerations for future work in this area.
Descriptors: Assistive Technology, Audio Equipment, Reading Instruction, Learning Disabilities, Students with Disabilities, Educational Technology, Disabilities, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Federal Legislation, Educational Benefits, Reading Difficulties
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. e-mail: aem@cast.org; Web site: http://aem.cast.org/
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS)
Authoring Institution: National Center on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST, Inc.
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: H327Z140001
Author Affiliations: N/A