tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268058133525072004.post7188684351141348464..comments2024-03-26T20:54:21.966-07:00Comments on No Limits to Learning: Resources to Build Free Electronic Books and More...Lonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11567344790169106284noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268058133525072004.post-46669252450175907822008-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:002008-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:00The thing I worry about with Bookshare is this: I ...The thing I worry about with Bookshare is this: I believe in "lifespan" solutions, not things that are only useful in school. And once students leave school they will need to have medical coverage in order to remain "listed as disabled." In fact, students who move from high school to community college to universities often need to pay large amounts to be re-certified as "disabled" because their school psych reports are now "over 3 years old."<BR/><BR/>Yes, the problem is in part with the publishers, but the real issues are with US copyright law and US health policy.<BR/><BR/>For editing work quickly I'd suggest trying that Google Docs/Click-Speak combo. I've used this to support student writing (hear back what you just wrote). Unlike ReadPlease it is a full word processor. And if you need better spell checking for dyslexia support keep the brilliant Ghotit.com open in another Firefox tab.irasocolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01412837280249622430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268058133525072004.post-22203385663313978482008-04-12T18:00:00.000-07:002008-04-12T18:00:00.000-07:00Thanks for the contributions. It is great to get t...Thanks for the contributions. It is great to get these tips. I wonder how many people come back again to read comments under these posts. If they don't they are missing some great information!<BR/>Since my stroke last year I have had some dyslexic-type issues with reversals and my typing/spelling has goten really bad. I have to proofread alot more than I used to before. Maybe typing in Readplease would help me too!<BR/>I am interested in your comment Narrator, about Bookshare.org. I didn't cover it in this post specifically because of that. I remember something with NIMAS that it is only open to those with a medical diagnosis of a print disability I want to say because of an organic brain dysfunction. The problem is that the publishers are so paranoid that it was the only way NIMAS could happen. We are able to get free memberships for students in our schools just by the school verifying that the student has a print didability without the medical diagnosis/sign off from an MD. I apologize that I can't remember where exactly the M.D. organic brain dysfunction comes into play off the top of my head - I'll have to look through my notes. If anyone knows- let me know.<BR/>LonLonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11567344790169106284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268058133525072004.post-23630600035047557372008-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:002008-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00UVA e-books is another great sourcehttp://etext.li...UVA e-books is another great source<BR/>http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/ebooks/ebooklist.html<BR/>especially if you are using Microsoft Reader (and if you are using MS Reader be sure to add the RMR tool for MS Word for instant e-book creation).<BR/><BR/>And just to emphasize that all three "high-end" literacy solutions - WYNN, Kurzweil3000, Read-and-Write have instant mp3 conversion and CD burning.<BR/><BR/>But I also like to point out the simplest method, using Google Docs with Firefox's Click-Speak.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to be a fan of bookshare - they do good work - but I hate that access there is tied to diagnosis, a diagnosis often unobtainable for Americans who lack health insurance (or even just really good health insurance). Access to texts needs to be a right, not a gift at the end of a humiliating process of declaring oneself "disabled."irasocolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01412837280249622430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268058133525072004.post-69186318043891991292008-04-12T13:13:00.000-07:002008-04-12T13:13:00.000-07:00Dear Lon:Great ideas and products.In addition, www...Dear Lon:<BR/><BR/>Great ideas and products.<BR/>In addition, www.Bookshare.org is an awesome resource for those who have a print disability. <BR/><BR/>The Lord has given me the gift of dyslexia and I use www.readplease.com and read at 300 to 480 wpm with 90+% comprehension. Another benefit to reading with readplease is that my spelling has improved immensely.<BR/><BR/>Also there is a website which you can read with readplease if you have the software downloaded and running in the background. All you have to do is to click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner and it will read the page to you. www.manateediagnostic.com<BR/>This is called "Readplease enabled" ( Go to: http://www.readplease.com/english/rpenablewebsitecontent.php for their demo.)<BR/><BR/>Would this be wonderful if all newspapers would provide this option?<BR/><BR/>Thank you again for your informative article on your blog.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely, Davis. <BR/><BR/>P.S. I proofread my comment with www.readplease.com.Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08288698696060272925noreply@blogger.com