2008 Woodie Awards
Special program that scans and reads books helps those with dyslexia
Paulette Martin
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Features
Having a disability such as dyslexia or having trouble reading a book is no excuse to keep you from learning. The Kurzweil 3000, a program found at the DSPS center, is making education easier for those with these disabilities.
This machine is a unique form of technology that has been available to students for more than 10 years on campus.
The program is able to scan books onto the computer, and at the same time, students can follow along the scanned material that is generated on the computer screen. A voice of your choice then is able to read the words to the user clearly and coherently. All students have to do is listen and follow along.
"Kurzweil 3000 is the most popular program used when it comes to having difficulty in reading and in writing," said Assistive Technology Laurie Vasquez.
The easiest way to access and use the Kurzweil 3000 is by dropping in at the Assisting Tech Lab at the DSPS center.
"Students use it to assist them, for weakness in reading," said Vasquez.
Jordan Scott is a student who uses the Kurzweil 3000 frequently. He said that using Kurzweil benefits him with his reading disability, because it permits him to complete the reading assignments.
"I actually do the reading," Scott said when he uses the Kurzweil.
The only reason why Scott said he does not like the Kurzweil is because of its "robot sound" that he has to listen to when following along the reading.
Dyslexic student, Mario A. Rivera also expressed his satisfaction with the Kurzweil. He uses the program every time he needs to complete a reading assignment.
"When the computer is reading it to me, I can follow along what the computer is saying, understand it, and comprehend it. It stays in my head and I don't space out," Rivera said.
Rivera also said the City College benefits from students like him using the Kurzweil because students do not get frustrated and bored. It makes him interested in class assignments because he is able to complete the work.
This machine is a unique form of technology that has been available to students for more than 10 years on campus.
The program is able to scan books onto the computer, and at the same time, students can follow along the scanned material that is generated on the computer screen. A voice of your choice then is able to read the words to the user clearly and coherently. All students have to do is listen and follow along.
"Kurzweil 3000 is the most popular program used when it comes to having difficulty in reading and in writing," said Assistive Technology Laurie Vasquez.
The easiest way to access and use the Kurzweil 3000 is by dropping in at the Assisting Tech Lab at the DSPS center.
"Students use it to assist them, for weakness in reading," said Vasquez.
Jordan Scott is a student who uses the Kurzweil 3000 frequently. He said that using Kurzweil benefits him with his reading disability, because it permits him to complete the reading assignments.
"I actually do the reading," Scott said when he uses the Kurzweil.
The only reason why Scott said he does not like the Kurzweil is because of its "robot sound" that he has to listen to when following along the reading.
Dyslexic student, Mario A. Rivera also expressed his satisfaction with the Kurzweil. He uses the program every time he needs to complete a reading assignment.
"When the computer is reading it to me, I can follow along what the computer is saying, understand it, and comprehend it. It stays in my head and I don't space out," Rivera said.
Rivera also said the City College benefits from students like him using the Kurzweil because students do not get frustrated and bored. It makes him interested in class assignments because he is able to complete the work.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 2
Jean Hutchins
posted 3/13/08 @ 1:54 AM PST
Kurzweil 3000 and other scanning and text to speech software (free and for purchase) are very good. Dyslexics use them a great deal. However, it does not give equality. (Continued…)
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