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Reading can be particularly
difficult for students with learning disabilities. See the Reading
and Writing Modules
for more suggestions.
Adapting BooksWhen
books are adapted, they can making reading more successful and enjoyable for children.
Adaptations can include making book easier to use (turning pages, holding), text
easier to read (simplify, change) and to remember. The Boston Public Schools Access
Technology Center addressed this need in a workshop, Recipe
for Adapting Books, that offers a systematic approach to the process
of adapting books. HighlightersWhen
using hard copy books, try applying color coding to emphasize key points. To do
this, use - Pens, markers, hightlighter tape, folders, etc.
- Sticky
notes for headings, labels, etc.
- Sentence strips; story sequence, retelling
(manipulatives)
Re-written Text
Text can be re-written
in a lower reading level, printed out on re-useable labels and adhered to the
pages of a book to make text more accessible for all students in a class. 
Electronic
TextThere are an increasing number of books available in e-text format.
Benefits of this format includes the ability to change how the text appears. How
a student sees the text can impact her ability to read and comprehend. Cluttered
pages with little white space and small print makes reading more difficult. With
e-text, try resizing the font and controlling the color contrast of the text
and background to make onscreen reading easier. Studies show that
when a student can listen to text being read as they follow along, comprehension
may be enhanced. Try using books on tape or CD or digitizing text by using scanners
and text-to-speech software programs. Several textbook publishers are working
towards e-text versions: Prentice
Hall SuccessNet Several Middle and High School textbooks are now available
in electronic format. These "iText" versions include the complete textbook
which has been enhanced certain images with videos, slide shows and other multi-media
elements. WizeUp.Com
works together with publishing companies to create digital versions of
college textbooks. Original textbooks are provided in full, page-by-page, graphic-by-graphic—while
providing interactive experiences.
ResourcesStart
to Finish Books
These books have been re-written for 2/3 and 4/5
level readers. Over 60 titles are available and come in 3 formats: audiocassette,
hardcover book and CD book. Software features include enhancing text with definitions
and explanations of text, bookmarked pages, and audible reading. Project
Intersect
Project Intersect is creating a set of digital books, available
to be read via the Internet. These books are infused with a wide variety of resources
to support comprehension, extend reading strategies, provide background information,
improve content area achievement, and to help students meet state standards. Available
books include:
Diary
of Opal Whiteley
On
The Run
Your
Genes
Juan
Bautista de Anza
American
History SourceBook
Gettysburg
Address
Mayflower
Compact
Poe
Short Stories
Letters
of Virginia Reed
Romeo
& Juliet
Origin
of the Species
Huckleberry
Finn Accessible
Books Collection (subscription required) BookShare.Org
(subscription required)
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