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Summary of Assistive Technologies:

Gateway provides several computer applications that are available to students using computers in the Learning Center. Effective use of these and other titles can enhance learning, as well as help students approach academics in a more methodical, independent manner. Each of the following titles is installed on the Learning Center computers.

Inspiration: Inspiration is an application for creating concept maps and is especially effective for visual learners. Maps can be easily modified and rearranged as ideas develop. A click of the mouse transfers the diagram into 'outline' form. Alternating between the 'outline' and 'diagram' views is useful for examining logic, note-taking, brainstorming, and organizing ideas prior to beginning a rough draft. For more information and a free 30-day demo, visit www.inspiration.com.

Kurzweil 3000: Kurzweil 3000 is an interactive reading system that fosters reading skills and comprehension. Text is scanned into the computer, which creates an interactive reading environment. The application's main features involve reading material aloud and highlighting text. Other functions include note-taking, dictionary, and thesaurus. While students are welcome to utilize the computers in the Learning Center, materials can be scanned at school and read at home if a 'reader' version is purchased for home use. For more information, visit www.kurzweiledu.com.

Books on Tape: Gateway is a member of the Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, a non-profit organization with more than 83,000 titles available on audiocassette. Gateway is allowed to borrow 25 titles each academic year and orders audio copies of the books assigned in core classes. These CDs are available to students to borrow via the Learning Center. www.rfbd.org.