Writing/Spelling

Programs that list out words and definitions to assist individuals with finding proper words for their needs.

Form software is a way to scan and create electronic forms with ease. Though word processing software and graphics software have options that allow forms to be created, software designed specifically for creating forms is often more user friendly and efficient. Software products are available at local office supply/electronic stores.

Line guides can be sheets of paper with bold, dark lines on them that are placed behind the sheet of paper that is being written on to provide guidance for writing is straight lines.  The guides’ lines come is different sizes for varied spacing.  Lines guides can also be plastic forms that are placed over the paper to help guide writing. There are guides for writing on regular sizes of paper, envelopes, and for signatures. Bold line paper can also be provided.  It is printed with bold, raised lines to help with word and sentence spacing

Products and services to improve literacy skills.

Personal Data Assistants or PDAs are widely used as portable organizational devices. PDAs for individuals with vision impairments may include features such as voice output, Braille display, planner, calculator, address book, word processor and computer connectivity for e-mail and sharing files. Some even feature a Global Positioning System (GPS) add-on device. In addition, talking or Braille notetakers and laptop computers with voice output and Braille display are portable products with similar features.

Although an employer never has to pay two people to do one job, they may provide the proofreading services of one employee to another who needs assistance.  It would be up to the employer to determine how much time would be needed to provide an effective accommodation and not cause an undue hardship.

Screen Reading Software can be installed on a computer to allow text to be converted into computer synthesized speech. With this software, the computer basically reads aloud the text that appears on the screen. The hardware that provides the actual "voice output" is a speech synthesizer. This can be an internal sound card or an external speech synthesizer device. The screen reading software “tells” the speech synthesizer what to say.

Individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and learning impairments may have difficulty accessing computers. Traditionally, a computer user accesses a computer with a standard point and click mouse and a QWERTY keyboard (named for the top left-hand side of the rows). The computer takes the information that is inputted and processes it. Individuals with physical, sensory, or developmental limitations may not be able to use these standard input devices effectively and may benefit from using speech recognition. Standard computer input devices are keyboards made for typists who use two hands and ten fingers; speech recognition software is made for computer users with a variety of limitations, including individuals with no hand or finger movement.

An individual may request that communication be done orally instead of in a written format. When possible, the employee would be allowed to respond verbally to inquiries and questions, e.g., allowing telephone responses instead of e-mails.

Word prediction software displays a list of words that typically follow the word just entered. Word completion software displays sample words after someone starts typing part of a word. Macro software allows users to complete several steps of a task in a few programmed keystrokes. Many software programs contain all of these options.

People with reading limitations may have difficulty transferring information from one medium to another. Problems can occur when hand-copying written information from another source, when reading charts or lists, or when taking notes on information that is provided verbally. Using a word processor may help organize ideas, use correct spelling or grammar, compare lists, create documents, make signs, or otherwise communicate through written words.

Writing aids are products designed to help individuals with limited hand strengths perform writing tasks. Writing aids can transfer the fine motor pinch grip, usually used to write, to gross motor arm movements. A low tech solution is to push a pencil though a Styrofoam ball and use gross motor movements to write. Individuals with cumulative trauma disorders to the upper extremities or individuals with other impairments such as arthritis or quadriplegia benefit from these aids.

Writing or editing software can improve written work by reworking phrases, correcting grammar and usage errors, suggesting adjective or adverb enhancements, and/or modifying sentence structure.

Providing and allowing the use of pre-filled forms, or forms that provide enough information to prompt the employee to provide the required response can be helpful.  Allowing the use of pre-printed labels to adhere may be helpful, too.