Using Reading Machines in the Classroom for Visually Impaired Students

Much of the material presented to students in classrooms is often done so in a visual way. Teachers assign readings from a book, distribute handouts, or display the material on the board or overhead. For students with low vision or blindness, these methods of teaching exclude them from the learning taking place unless they are equipped with assistive technologies to help them. Reading machines are one form of assistive technology that help visually impaired students in the classroom and at home with reading and other printed material. The Low Vision Center and New Designs Unlimited, LLC are just two examples of online stores that specialize in selling assistive technologies for the visually impaired, and both sites offer a variety of reading machines based on the users needs. The initial software, scanning abilities, portability, and output (voice, pace, etc) may change slightly from model to model of reading machine, so it is important when shopping for a new reading machine to understand the features and differences between models.


New Designs Unlimited, LLC features a user-friendly and affordable SpeakEasy Reading Machine that comes standard with a magnification display, zoom ability, and a "natural" voice that reads the document at a pace that can be adjusted to fit the reader. This model of the SpeakEasy Reading Machine uses the scanner to read the document, display the text on the magnified screen, and read it aloud to the student. Students using the machine can use the control panel to move the curser, pause or change speed, store bits of text, or adjust the voice of the machine. This video demonstrates how the SpeakEasy Reading Machine functions when reading a poem, The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost.

While having a reading machine in the classroom might be an adjustment for some teachers, it is an easy and useful tool available to help visually impaired students of all abilities and at all levels.

Soundbeam for Assistive Technology in the Music Classroom

Though there are many areas of education that students with disabilities have difficulties participating with, I believe it is extremely important that every student is allowed to experience music. The Soundbeam is a very sophisticated digital instrument, which uses synthesizer type effects, that is played through various motions made by the player.


The instrument consists of a floor pedal, a controller, and sonar-like sensors that detect movements and translate the movements into sound. Though it is not made exclusively for students with disabilities, its ease of use makes it ideal for such students. The Soundbeam special needs and therapy section is actually dedicated to students with disabilities offers ideas and examples of how the Soundbeam can help such students.

The student in the following video composed the accompanying music on his mac and performs the lead with a Soundbeam by moving his powered chair.

Lightspeed audio amplification: Benefits all students, not just hearing impaired

Hearing impairments are identified as an area of disability under I.D.E.A., and research conducted by the Department of Education states that the use of assisted technology in the classroom not only benefits students with hearing impairments, but rather enhances the learning of all students and is considered best practice.

Lightspeed is one resource that has been proven effective.

This classroom audio system can be used in K-12 schools to enhance the teacher's voice, ensuring that sound is evenly distributed throughout the room. For students who have a hearing impairment, this type of technology will greatly improve their learning environment.

The system includes speakers that can be mounted on the wall or placed in the ceiling around the room, a receiver/amplifier, and a wireless mircrophone that transmits the teacher's voice clearly, enabling students to hear the teacher in any location of the classroom.