Maria (Dyslexia) – Struggles with reading speed, spelling, and processing written text.

Low-Tech Tool:
Colored overlays or reading guides. These are transparent sheets placed over text to help reduce visual stress and make it easier for students with dyslexia to track lines while reading.

Mid-Tech Tool:
A digital spell-checker and grammar tool such as Grammarly. This tool helps identify spelling errors and suggests corrections, which can support students who struggle with spelling and written expression.

High-Tech Tool:
Text-to-speech software such as Kurzweil 3000. This program reads digital text aloud while highlighting the words on the screen, helping students process written information more easily.

Maria could use Grammarly while writing a research essay for her college writing class. As she types, the program highlights spelling and grammar errors and suggests corrections, helping her produce a clearer and more accurate final paper.

One low-tech tool

An option that could help Maria in CWP 102 is a colored reading overlay. A colored reading overlay is a transparent colored sheet that is placed over text ti reduce visual stress and improve focus while reading. Maria could use the overlay for printed reading articles or peer essays when doing reading assignments so she can process the text more smoothly.

One mid-tech tool

Text- to- speech is a software that reads digital text aloud while highlighting words on the screen. Mari could upload PDF readings from her writing class and listen while following along, improving comprehension and reading effciency.

One high-tech tool

Speech-to- text dictation is a speech recognition software that converts spoken words into written text. Mariia could use the software to explain her argument verbally while the software converts her speech into text.

- Struggles with reading speed, spelling, and processing written text.

Low-tech: A colored reading overlay. Transparent colored sheet placed over text while reading, the overlay would reduce visual stress & help with tracking words.

Mid-tech: An audiobook or text-to-speech feature in the learning platform. This would improve comprehension and reduce frustration for long passages.

High-tech: Speechify is a tool that scans or uploads documents & reads them aloud using natural-sounding voices as well as having change of speed features and highlighting the words being spoken.

2. Real world example

Human Biology.

A text-to-speech feature could help with an assignment on the McGraw Hill platform, which the homework assignments are located in. These assignments integrate with the e-book textbook & the website has an innate 'read aloud' or text-to-speech feature, which a student with dyslexia could use to read the textbook or the questions.

Low-tech: Pencil grips and wide-lined or raised-line paper to reduce the physical strain of handwriting.

Mid-tech: A portable word processor (like an AlphaSmart) for taking notes without the complexity of a full computer.

High-tech: Speech-to-text software like Dragon Naturally Speaking, allowing the student to dictate responses verbally.

real world traslation for a philosophy class : The high tech would greatly benefit the student with dysgraphia because, instead of having to write, they can use text-to-speech to further progress in a class they might have struggled in before. it seems like a great tool for someone with dysgraphia.

ChatGpt recommended the following technologies, for low tech: graph paper, for mid tech: basic calculator and for high tech: A math app like photo math. At the mid tech level a calculator can be used to solve highly complicated or simple equations. This would allow Liam to save time on multiplication and division instead of processing the information on his own where his disability may limit him.

Low Tech: A colored overlay or reading guide stip

Mid Tech: audiobook

High Tech: A text-to-speech program

An audiobook can help her with Dyslexia because it allows her to listen to the text instead of struggling to read every word. This helps her keep up with the class wall, understand the material better, and complete assignments more easily.

Low Tech: Tools with no electronics that make tasks easier.
Example: A pencil grip that helps someone with Dysgraphia hold a pencil more comfortably and write more clearly.

Mid Tech: Devices that use simple electronics but are still easy to operate.
Example: A basic calculator that helps a student complete math problems without writing every step.

High Tech: More advanced technology that uses software or complex electronics.
Example: A machine that lets someone speak and have their words typed on a computer.

Students with Dysgraphia often struggle with handwriting, so using a mid-tech tool like a calculator can help reduce the amount of writing needed in math class. On a worksheet with multi-step equations, the calculator allows the student to focus on solving the problem instead of writing out every calculation.

1. Low-Tech Tool: Color-Coded Recipe Cards

A teacher can provide color-coded recipe cards where each step is separated with large fonts, clear spacing, and symbols or pictures. For example, ingredients might be highlighted in one color and action steps in another.

How it helps:
Color and visual cues reduce the amount of dense text Maria has to process, making it easier to follow the sequence of a recipe.

2. Mid-Tech Tool: Audio-Recorded Instructions

Recipes or instructions can be recorded as short audio clips on a phone or simple audio player so Maria can listen to the steps while cooking.

How it helps:
Listening to directions reduces the need for heavy reading and allows Maria to replay instructions as needed.

3. High-Tech Tool: Text-to-Speech Software (e.g., NaturalReader)

Text-to-speech tools read digital text aloud while highlighting words on the screen.

How it helps:
Maria can hear and see the recipe instructions simultaneously, which supports reading comprehension and reduces frustration with decoding text.

Example of Use in a Specific Assignment

If the class assignment is to prepare a vegetable stir-fry using a written recipe, Maria could use NaturalReader on a tablet. The software would read each step of the recipe aloud while highlighting the text. Maria could pause after each step (e.g., chopping vegetables or heating the pan) and replay the instructions if needed. This allows her to focus on the cooking process rather than struggling to decode the written directions.

How it helps with a real assignment: Color coding will help with separating different words and making them stand out so it is not as easily mixed up. Text to speech takes out words so that struggling with reading would not be an issue

a mid tech tool would be a portable spell checker. it helps students edit their work independently and encourages vocabulary development.

a high tech tool would be a speech to text software. allows students to verbally express their ideas instead of typing every word. it reduces difficulties with spelling, typing, and writing.

the speech to text is to make it easier for people with dyslexia to write essays. text to speech can be used to help students listen to articles.

Low-Tech

Low tech items are items that you use that are really easy to use and require no technology, such as a checklist or planner

Mid-Tech

Mid-tech technology are some very basic technology items that are extremely easy to use. This can include things like a voice recorder or a calculator

High-Tech

High tech technology is for students with a bigger learning disability, and they need to use technology that assists them throughout their life to be able to do their work. An example of that would be a text to speech device to allow a student who cannot talk to speak out.

Part2

Student:

Liam – Dyscalculia (difficulty understanding numbers, time management, and math logic)

Course:

CIS (Computer Information Systems)

Low-Tech Tool

A printed step-by-step checklist for solving problems and completing assignments.

Mid-Tech Tool

A digital calculator or calculator app to help with number calculations.

High-Tech Tool

The app Microsoft Excel with built-in formulas to organize and calculate numbers automatically.

Explanation

Using Excel can help Liam complete assignments that involve numbers because formulas automatically calculate results and reduce mistakes. This allows him to focus more on understanding the concepts instead of struggling with the math calculations.

Low Tech:
Low tech assistive technology includes simple tools that do not use batteries or electronics, such as a pencil grip, which helps students who have trouble holding a pencil write more easily.

Mid Tech:
Mid tech assistive technology uses simple electronics, like an audio recorder, which allows a student to record lectures and listen to them later to better understand the material.

High Tech:
High tech assistive technology involves advanced technology such as speech-to-text software like Dragon NaturallySpeaking, which lets someone speak and have their words automatically typed on a computer.

Part 2

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Student: Liam – Dyscalculia (struggles with numbers, time management, and math logic)

Low-Tech Tool: A color-coded number chart, which helps Liam visually organize numbers and see patterns more clearly when solving math problems.

Mid-Tech Tool: A talking calculator, which reads numbers and answers out loud so Liam can hear the calculations and check his work.

High-Tech Tool: ModMath, an app that lets students solve math problems on a digital grid so numbers stay lined up and organized.

How one tool helps with an assignment:
In my statistics class, Liam could use ModMath when completing homework that involves solving equations or calculating averages. The grid layout helps keep the numbers aligned so he is less likely to mix up numbers or make calculation errors.

Low Tech Tool:
A graphic organizer worksheet to help Sam plan ideas before writing an assignment.

Mid Tech Tool:
A digital voice recorder so Sam can record ideas or lectures instead of writing everything down.

High Tech Tool:
Speech to text software like Dragon Naturally Speaking, which turns spoken words into typed text. Speech to text software can help Sam complete a Business 101 written assignment by letting him speak his ideas instead of writing them by hand. The program turns his speech into text, which makes it easier for him to organize and submit his work.

My group has Sam who is diagnosed with Dysgraphia

Low tech(short for low technology) refers to tools, systems, and methods that are simple, accessible.

An example of Low tech is a white board

Mid tech refers to tools or systems that use electricity, motors, or basic circuitry to perform a task, but lack the "intelligence" of high-tech. They don't have internet connectivity, complex software, or AI—they just do one job reliably.

An example of Mid tech is an Iphone.

High Tech (short for high technology) refers to the most advanced, cutting-edge technology available at a specific point in time.

An example Of high tech is smart glasses with real time translation.

For a student like Sam who has dysgraphia, the goal is to reduce the "cognitive load" of the physical writing process so they can focus on their actual ideas.

1. Low-Tech: Slant Board

A slant board is a simple, angled surface (usually made of plastic or wood) used for writing.

2.MID Tech: Digital Voice Recorder

A dedicated digital recorder (like a Sony or Olympus handheld) allows Sam to capture thoughts without needing to touch a pen or a keyboard.

3.High-Tech: AI-Powered Speech-to-Text (Dictation)

Advanced software like Otter.ai or the built-in dictation tools in Google Docs use sophisticated algorithms to turn spoken words into formatted text in real-time.

Assistive technology: helps individuals with specific disabilities/ increasing and maintaining or improving functional capabilities

Mid-tech: usually simple electronic devices

high tech: complex electronic systems involving computers and specialized

software

low tech: These tools are non-electronic, inexpensive, and require little to no training.

Liam: If Liam wants to be able to participate in a history class, the low-tech items are color-coded- timelines/ Mid tech consists of Digital video recorders/ and lastly for high tech, Interactive timeline software.

Low tech: Color-coded timelines: Using color cards for categorizing different eras.

Mid tech: Digital voice recorders: recording the audio allows Liam to verify specific years.

High Tech: Interactive timeline software allows Liam to drag and drop events towards a visual flow.

Students with the disability "Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects their ability to understand, learn, and perform math and number-based operations."

Low-tech tool:
A planner or assignment notebook. This helps the student write down homework deadlines, test dates, and study times. By organizing when assignments are due, the student can break larger math tasks into smaller daily goals and avoid last-minute stress.

Mid-tech tool:
The Photomath app. This app allows students to take a picture of a math problem and see step-by-step explanations of how to solve it. It helps students understand the logic behind the steps rather than just memorizing answers.

High-tech tool:
An AI-powered tutoring platform such as Khan Academy. It offers interactive lessons, videos, and practice problems that adapt to the student’s skill level. The platform also tracks progress and provides immediate feedback, which helps students identify areas where they need more practice.

Example of how one tool helps with a specific assignment:
If the student is assigned a set of algebra problems for homework, they could use Photomath to scan one problem they are stuck on. The app would show each step of the solution, explaining how the equation is simplified. By following these steps, the student can understand the process and then apply the same logic to the remaining problems in the assignment.

Low Tech- A paper planner or a checklist. This would allow him to write down assignments break tasks into smaller steps, and keep track of deadlines.

Mid Tech- digital calendar with reminders, such as the calendar on a phone or computer. The notifications would help remind him.

High Tech- An organization app he can download on his phone. These apps would help organize the things he needs to do.

Ben might find it easier to remember due dates for assignments if he had a smart calendar with reminders. For a biology research paper, for instance, he could create reminders so he receives notices a few days before to the due date and has time to organize and finish the task.

Low-tech: Cheap and easy to use items that help people. This would be colored folders to help organize subjects.

Mid-Tech: Simple technology to help further understanding. An example would be word processing programs to help spell-check and grammar.

High-tech: Advanced technology designed to help people. Speech-to-text software helps people speak what is on their mind without the struggle of writing or typing it out.

Part II: Sam (Dysgraphia)

1. Graphic Organizers

2. Word processor with spell-check

3. Speech-to-text software

   
   

   Graphic organizers help to organize different subjects within a class. This will help organize steps to understand what needs to be done.

Low Tech: A tool that can help sam write his paper is a pencil grip because it will make it easier for him to hold.

Mid Tech : Another tool that could help him is a portable word processor which is a small device that lets a person type instead of handwriting on a simple screen.

High Tech: A high tech tool that could help sam is speech to text because it lets a person speak instead of writing which may help him convey his thoughts better and converts his speech into typed text.

The speech to text will help sam the most because he won't have to write anything down and it could help him better his paper because he won't feel the pressure of trying to force himself to write it all down.

Mid tech - A kindle/ tablet just for reading like a handheld dictionary /spell checker

High tech - Having a electronic device that can read aloud at any specific pace

What can help Maria? :

A high-tech tool can help Maria in my African American Lit class. Since there is a lot of reading books/poems there can be a pdf file she can download and have a narrator read over the text. She can also download a app on her device that basically does the same exact thing.

Due to Maria's dyslexia, she has difficulty reading at a fast rate, spelling, and processing written material. There are many different types of assistive technology that she can use in a psychology class to enable her to be successful. A potential low tech tool could be a colored overlay or reading guide (a transparency sheet to place over text) that allows her to concentrate on one line of text at a time while easing visual stress.

Another potential mid-tech tool would be a digital voice recorder. It would allow Maria to record her classes to listen to later instead of having to rush with reading or writing notes.

A high-tech tool could be a Kurzweil 3000. This software can read digital text aloud, highlight words as read, and assist with spelling and writing. Each of these three different types of assistive technology enables Maria to be more actively engaged in classroom activities, making reading and taking notes much more manageable.

Mid Tech: A bit more advanced than low Tech that requires a bit more energy. Example : a washing machine .

High Tech: A device that contains Advanced software and hardware. This is based on most advanced technology available on the market. Example: Smartphone

Liam (Dyscalculia) : Struggles with numbers, time-management, and math logic.. Suggest one low‑tech, one mid‑tech, and one high‑tech tool that could help this student succeed in a Math 100 class. Explain briefly how one of these tools would support them on a specific assignment.

Low Tech: Color-coded step cards or graphic organizers. This helps with organization skills and help break the math problems down.

Mid Tech : A talking calculator. It will help him to see if he typed correct numbers which helps solve equations correctly.

High Tech: photomath . This software scans the math problem and solves the problem and shows them how to solve it .

Dyscalculia can make the quantitative side of college—from managing a chemistry lab to simply getting to class on time—feel like a constant uphill battle. Since Liam’s challenges involve both math logic and the "mental timeline," we need tools that offload that cognitive burden.

Here are three tiers of assistive technology (AT) to support Liam:

1. High-Tech: Smartpen (e.g., Echo 2 or Livescribe)

   How it works: This is a digital pen that records audio while Liam takes notes on specialized paper.

• The Support: If a professor is explaining a complex mathematical proof or a logic sequence, Liam can tap the pen on his handwritten notes later to hear exactly what was being said at that specific moment.

  
  

• Why it helps: It removes the pressure of having to transcribe numbers and formulas perfectly in real-time, allowing him to focus on the concept rather than the digits.

  
  

2. Mid-Tech: Talking Scientific Calculator

   How it works: This is a physical or software-based calculator that provides speech output for every button pressed and every result calculated.

• The Support: When Liam enters a string of numbers, the device reads them back to him (e.g., "Five, six, point, nine").

• Why it helps: Students with dyscalculia often experience "number reversals" (reading 56 as 65). The auditory feedback acts as a real-time spell-check for math, ensuring he hasn't misentered his data before he hits "equals."

  
  

3. Low-Tech: Printed Reference "Cheat Sheets" & Analog Visual Timers

   How it works: A laminated card containing common formulas, multiplication grids, or conversion charts, paired with a visual countdown clock (like a Time Timer).

• The Support: Liam keeps a reference card in his notebook so he doesn't have to retrieve basic math facts from his long-term memory, which is often a "glitchy" process for those with dyscalculia. The visual timer represents time as a disappearing red disk rather than numbers.

  
  

• Why it helps: The reference sheet reduces "cognitive load" during exams, and the visual timer helps with "time blindness," allowing him to see how much of a lab period is left without needing to calculate the difference between 1:15 PM and 2:00 PM.