Write Today, Write Tomorrow, Write to Learn!
By Slater, Jean M.; Closing the Gap, Vol. 26, No. 4Publication Date: October/November 2007
Review of PixWriter, computer software for beginning and struggling writers with disabilities. The article, written by the designer, describes the features and applications of the software from the point of view of eight students at below-average literacy levels writing assignments in social studies and science classes. PixWriter features a word bank which is set up by typing in a word and hitting the space bar, at which time a button, appearing on the computer screen, automatically fills with the word and a describing graphic. A student clicks on a button from the completed word bank to write. Buttons can be created from 9,000 Literacy Support Pictures providing the visual support needed for understanding print. Voice output reinforces the student’s selections. Students’ assistive use of PixWriter ranged from using regular keyboarding except for words with unfamiliar spelling, when buttons were used, to extensive use of buttons by a student with severe cognitive and physical delays who made selections with a switch. As their proficiency grew, several students were included in the creation of the word banks. Because the PixWriter window can be resized, it is possible to reference articles from the Internet while writing with the word bank.
Assistive Products Discussed: PIXWRITER
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
