Types of Software

Generic Content-free Software

This software is designed so that any words or pictures can be put into a file, grid or area within the software. The application of this software to a range of learning and curriculum areas is thus very wide. Such software allows the teacher or person preparing a material to differentiate appropriately. A comprehensive list of specific application titles is not needed here, but SEMERC, Inclusive Technology, Don Johnson software and Sensory Software and Liberator, provide software titles and resources for reading, writing and communication.

Content-Specific Software

Any software that holds content related to a particular curricular area or subset of a curricular area, is content-specific. They may allow for open-ended or structured tasks. Such applications as My World and Kar2ouche are examples where the adult can set up a template and ask the pupil to complete a specific task.

Utility and Support Software

Utility and Support Software is designed for assisting with input to the computer and control of the system. On screen keyboards, Word prediction, voice activated software and Screen readers, support the user in inputting text and hearing what is written. Utility programs such as enlarged cursors and screen magnifiers enable access to the computer systems as a whole not just within a particular application.

Differentiation between Software

The Content-Free software such as those listed above can be set up with whatever support the pupil may need including support software. The flexibility of the software should allow for changes to: tool bars; user interface inc. menu systems; text and instructions; the Navigation within the application.

Examples of Content-Free Software are:

· Clicker 4

· Word Bar

· Switch iT Maker

· Choose-iT Maker

· Textease and other Talking Word processors

· Drawing applications

Examples of Content-Specific Software are:

· My World 3

· Kar2ouche

· Oxford Reading Tree Talking Stories

· Flowol2

· Word Shark or Number Shark and similar

Examples of Utility and Support Software:

· Biggy for windows is a utility that loads a variety of larger Cursors to help with visual access.

· Word Prediction software such as Pen Friend or Prophet

· Screen readers that will read text from other applications

· Screen Magnifiers

· Voice recognition software such as Dragon Dictate

· Hot spot tools for making clickable items for switch access e.g. Click iT!.