Assistive Technology madness can mean many things. It can be a reference to the March Madness tournament that we see in college basketball or the madness that comes along with knowing what the best device for our individuals may be. Either way, there will be devices that work well and those that cannot rise to the occasion. Knowing about every device is not possible. Also, trying to fit the needs of the individual into devices is the opposite of what might be most effective in supporting them. We need to fit devices into the needs of the individual. That is why you might have heard me say before that the best device is the one that works for that individual.
For the sake of keeping this a blog and not a novel rivaling War and Peace in length, I am going to structure this blog into three general categories, switches/access, AAC, and Reader Pens over the next three writings. I realize that we will be leaving out those devices which assist in daily life activities as well as those which may have more specific purposes. However, I want to address the questions which I am most often asked by our schools and therapists. I am going to begin with Reader Pens in this blog as we strive to improve our literacy skills here in the US.
Reader Pens
You have heard me speak about this before. There are only three manufacturers with whom I am comfortable recommending to anyone for reader pens. Those three manufacturers are C-Pen, Scanmarker, and OrCam. I have not had enough information shared with me or the ability to test things out from other manufacturers to have the same comfort level. Each of these manufacturers has both the research and the field successes to be something that would be worth investing in for your individuals.
When we are looking at the OrCam Read, no matter what version, this is something that can work for those with visual impairments as well as reading issues. The point-and-click ability allows individuals simplicity in use. When we look at the OrCam Read 5, the addition of AI really allows that device to support individuals when they encounter reading and researching, as well as being able to use it for other daily purposes. The only concern I have is the cost. This is a device that offers a lot, but you want to make sure your return on investment supports your purpose.
C-Pen is the next manufacturer we will review. The research and case studies around their devices is solid. All their devices have demonstrated the ability to support those with reading difficulties as well as other health issues when it comes to processing text. We have seen this manufacturer be accepted by groups throughout the globe, including multiple groups which focus on dyslexia. I am a big fan of both the Reader 2 and Reader 3 devices as they are flexible in how and where they can be used. The Reader 2, because it is not connected to the internet, offers security from issues that may exist outside of the building. Its smaller size also works well for smaller hands when one is grasping it to be used. I tend to recommend this device for any environment where one does not want a connection via the internet as well as for students at the elementary or middle school levels. The Reader 3 adds the depth of being able to connect to the internet so that it can include multiple dictionaries (quite helpful at the secondary and post-secondary levels), simple translation tools in five languages when not connected to the internet and forty+ additional languages when connected, a voice recorder, and the ability to have both scanned text and voice notes saved for easy review. It is a little bigger in size than the Reader 2, but it offers so much more for students as they progress through their lives and into the workplace. It becomes a great tool for reading, studying, and even reviewing things like manuals or directions which rely on written text. The design of the Reader 3 incorporates the menu button of the Reader 2 along with touchscreen capabilities so that a continuation of the physical and intellectual behaviors can be maintained when moving between devices.
Over the last few years, Scanmarker has established themselves as another important manufacturer when it comes to reader pens. The Scanmarker Reader is a good pen when one understands that it works through an app and does a good job when it comes to taking notes, translating into many languages, and adjusting font on the computer to create even more ease in reading, processing ideas, and having a place where textual information can be stored and used for other work. The two devices that I tend to see most these days are the Scanmarker Pro and the Scanmarker Max. The Pro is a great device for reading, translating, and carrying on conversations in multiple languages. It can be connected to the internet for additional capabilities. The Max takes the features of the Pro to the next level. It is a device which allows the teacher or administrator to lock out any function on the pen. So, if you did not want students to log onto the internet, use a dictionary, or have access to the recording feature, those could be locked. The Max also has a static IP address for those who have strict requirements with their IT. One of the features that the Max has that is now being used is the Phonics feature where a list of common words can be scanned and then broken down into their phonemes. This allows the device to be utilized in early reading classes which are using the Science of Reading as a foundation.
There are a couple of other pens that I am currently reviewing. They all have similar features. However, until I see them in action and hear from teachers and therapists using them in the field, I cannot, in good conscience, blindly recommend them. The major caveat I have for you is to beware the many “less expensive, but just as good” knockoffs that you might find on places like an Amazon. Many of these knockoffs do not have the depth of features, the computing capacity, or the strength of the camera which allows for consistency which benefits the user. That is why I would always recommend one of the three manufacturers when you are considering buying these devices.
So, Which One is the Best?
The one that works for your individuals. I have worked with districts that choose one and use them across the board. I have also worked with districts which choose to have class packs of each and do some trialing with the individuals to gauge which device best meets their needs. In my mind, all three are number one seeds. As you go through your decision-making process, feel free to send any questions you might have to me at rheipp@schoolhealth.com. We can set some time to review your questions and see what might be best for you.
Our next blog will focus on switches, so stay tuned for that one!