BEST Websites for Assistive Tech: Audiobook Resources

Part 1 in a series of articles about Assistive Technologies for Challenged Readers

If you know or help a challenged reader, you also know that the RIGHT technologies can make ALL the difference in the world for an individual's level of reading success. Being aware of the BEST technology available for a specific reading issue will increase the possibility of that same individual experiencing even MORE reading success.

When printed media presents problems for some readers, there are helpful tech options available to allow such individuals to read with more comfort, focus, comprehension and retention, improving the over-all reading experience. In this article, we present text-to-speech as just one type of technology that can significantly help and support all types of struggling readers.

Text-to-speech technologies convert printed text into spoken words using synthesized voices. This type of technology is built into most computer operating systems, mobile devices, and e-book readers. In addition, there is a range of software, apps and extensions that also provide this support. This text-to-speech technology provides much support for the many readers who need it in the form of audiobooks, recordings of human narrators reading aloud.

Resources for Audiobooks---When LISTENING Is a Better Option

Kindle Fire and Immersion Reading
Kindle Fire's VoiceView features IVONA's natural language text-to-speech voice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSUGXKE/ref=sv_devicesubnav_1#tech
Immersion Reading (Video)
See the e-text highlighted while listening to narrated audiobook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccwBwnhD9SE

Audible app (for Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Windows Phone)
https://www.audible.com/sw

All You Can Books
http://www.allyoucanbooks.com/

Overdrive Media Console
Borrow digital audiobooks and e-books from local libraries.
https://app.overdrive.com/

Learning Ally Link (for Mac, PC, iOS)
https://www.learningally.org/link

Learning Ally Audio
iOS app for Learning Ally audiobooks.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learning-ally-audio/id418888450?mt=8

Learning Ally Audio
Android app for Learning Ally audiobooks.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.learningally.learningallyaudioandroid&hl=en

Sources:

Assistive Technology Tools for Learning Differences, ADHD, and Executive Function Challenges
by Shelley Haven ATP, RET
http://techpotential.net/attoolbox

AT Toolbox-Assistive Technology Tools for Education---Text To Speech
http://www.attoolbox.com/text-to-speech/

For more information about assistive technologies for challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

A Collection of ALL Kinds of Reading Resources, ALL in 1 Place!

We know that parents and teachers have only so much time to research, locate and review materials and resources to help the challenged readers they care about and serve.

Wouldn't it be a great thing if a SIZABLE collection of ALL kinds of reading resources could be available and easily accessible in ONE place? We certainly think so! That is why this week, which is the midpoint of the first academic quarter for the school year, we have decided to provide you with a list of CATEGORIZED reading resources here to help you meet the needs of the struggling readers (and other readers) you know, courtesy of our Pinterest boards!

These resources are some of the most popular and effective reading resources we know for children and teens who experience various issues when they attempt to read. We hope you will take just a few minutes now to quickly review the categoried board links AND "Follow" those relevant to you and your child(ren) or students.

If your time is particularly limited this week, please feel free to simply "Follow" our entire Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000, as it includes MANY other boards with educational resources for special needs, parenting, teaching, homeschooling and much more. We hope you'll re-visit our page often because we pin relevant resources there daily with a TOTAL of 137 boards at this writing!

Happy Reading----AND Pinning, everyone!

A Collection of ALL Kinds of Reading Resources---ALL in 1 Place!

Help for Struggling Readers---Resources, Links, and Activities for Challenged Readers
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/help-for-struggling-readers/

Good Books for Girls
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/good-books-for-girls/

Book Lists for Boys
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/book-lists-for-boys/

Rockin' Reading Resources
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/rockin-reading-resources/

Reading Resources GALORE!
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/reading-resources-galore/

Literacy
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/literacy/

Dr. Seuss We LOVE!
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dr-seuss-we-love/

Decoding Resources
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/decoding-resources/

Dyslexia Resources & Support
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

Dyslexia Tools
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-tools/

Low Vision Resources & Support
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/low-vision-resources-support/

Reading Tools for Kids---Tools and Strategies to Help Children Who Struggle to READ
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/reading-tools-for-kids/

Reading Technology Resources
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/reading-technology-resources/

Reading Apps to Help Kids
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/reading-apps-to-help-kids/

Vocabulary Fun
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/vocabulary-fun/

All About e-Books
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/all-about-e-books/

All About Books
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/all-about-books/

Summer Reading Resources
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/summer-reading-resources/

GREAT Places to READ!
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/great-places-to-read/

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Images courtesy of: Clker.com: www.clker.com/clipart-book-2.html and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Book Apps for Kids

For Apple, Android and Other Platforms

During the past week drove by one of the middle schools in our local district where the marquis on the front lawn read “Progress Reports due the week of September 16th.” Are we really approaching the mid-point of the first quarter? Yes, we are!

If you are like most parents and teachers, you may already be wrestling with the issues of homework and long term projects for your children or students. In fact, many students have already received their first book report assignments of the school year. How can you make these book report projects less “painful” and actually more enjoyable for students?

We think one good option might be to include or allow more e-books and audio books in the offerings made to the students. In fact, e-books, apps and audio books very often do an excellent job of addressing the needs of students' different learning styles, especially those of struggling readers and learners. The tech devices on which these digital books and apps are read can sometimes compensate for the issues frequently associated with florescent lighting (which can cause issues for some challenged readers) or allow for other text manipulation to improve reading comfort and success. Audio books have long been known to benefit auditory learners in a significant way.

This week, we are presenting here what we believe are some good resources for FREE and low-cost e-books and book apps for children and teens. With school budgets as they are right now and families wishing to be frugal in the current economy, these lists and selections (for various digital platforms) may be just what are needed for the current and future book report projects your children or students are assigned.

Note: Please stay tuned. Next week’s article here will offer online resources for audio books.

Happy reading, everyone!

BEST Book Apps & e-Books for Kids

Best Book Apps for Kids (for Pre-School through 14 years-Prices vary)
Platforms: iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire and others
You’ll find classic tales as well as interactive science books and much more here.
http://m.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/best-book-apps-kids

Best iPad Children’s Books (Various prices & FREE)
With your iPad, children's books truly come to life. No longer do you have to worry about making silly character voices yourself or accidentally skipping a page. Your iPad is the ultimate, interactive reading device.
http://appadvice.com/applists/show/children-ipad-books

50 Best Apps for Kids from 2013 That Parents Can Trust (Some FREE)
Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Android
These apps won't leave you with a big bill, but will provide stimulating education, creativity and entertainment for children. (UK)
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/appsblog/2013/jun/19/50-best-apps-kids-iphone-android-ipad

Read Me Stories: Kids’ Books (FREE)
Platform: Android
A new book EVERY DAY develops your child’s love for books and reading. Help establish a daily reading habit for your child---and you!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.interactive8.readmestories&hl=en

6 Great Reading Apps for Kids (Some FREE & others via monthly subscription)-by Scholastic
Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Google T, Windows Phone and Android
These phone and tablet apps will enrich storytime at home or on the road.
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/6-great-reading-apps-kids

Teens Book Apps & Games for Kids (Ages 13 to 19-Some FREE)
Platforms: Android, iPad & iPhone
Get reviews and download book apps for teens.
http://www.famigo.com/teens-book-apps/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC