Technology

Hillside provides a variety of assistive technology. Software includes screen readers, word prediction, graphic organizers, as well as reinforcement and training in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, keyboarding skills, and math. Students are encouraged to try many forms of assistive technology to find the best tools to meet their individual needs.

Audio enhancement systems are used in many classrooms to help students focus and filter out background sounds. Students use Neo portable keyboards to write their rough drafts, the view of only four lines helps them to concentrate on the task. Franklin Speaking Dictionaries also enhance the daily work and allow students to independently find the correct spelling and definition of a word. 

Students have access to screen reading software that will read what they are writing and will read web pages on the Internet. Word prediction software (CoWriter/ Read & Write Gold) and speaking word processors (Write OutLoud) are used to help students compose and spell. Kurzweil 3000 software, using optical character recognition, allows whole pages of published work to be scanned and read to the student. Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) disc and tape players provide student with books read by a human voice while they follow in the text.

Inspiration and Kidspiration are graphic organizers, which have the ability to turn a diagram into an outline, enable students to plan their writing assignments and reports.

Three to four computers and a printer are available in all classrooms for research, reinforcement of skills, and project oriented tasks. The computer lab provides the opportunity for individual computer use and whole class instruction through the use of a projection system.

The technology provided for our students enhances and supports the learning process. Assistive technology provides them with compensatory strategies that will help them be successful in their future education.