Everyday cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), and hand-held MP3 players already have built-in assistive technologies. These devices can contribute to your independence, productivity and participation in academics.

Mobile Phones, Smartphones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s)

• Computers on hand-helds are capable of running thousands of programs, including educational tools for students with disabilities (see Palm’s Quick Guides below). You can use PDA’s and smartphones to set a reminder to take a medication, record lectures, store lesson notes and assignments, or to look up the spelling of a word in a mobile dictionary.
• These everyday electronics offer significant potential to aid you with visual and audio reminders, predictive word software for spelling assistance, voice recognition software for calling commands, as well as text message dictation (see VoiceSignal below).

iPods

• iPods transform into assistive technologies through a built-in compatibility with audio books, study guides and GPS maps.
• iPod's notes feature and its high fidelity audio transform the hand-held music player into a learning platform.

Merriam-Webster Dictionaries

• Merriam-Webster Dictionaries are available for several PDA platforms and different kinds of smartphones.

Palm's Quick Guides

• Palm's Quick Guides provide an introduction to an educationally relevant topic in math, science, music, social studies and a sampling of available hardware, software and accessories. Palm also offers a list of compatible programs for students with special needs.

AvantGo

• Avant Go synchronizes mobile versions of websites to smartphones and PDA’s.
• This free service offers thousands of channels in news, weather, language development and travel.

Google Maps



• Google Maps is a free download that combines directions, maps and satellite imagery. 

• It can help you navigate neighborhoods, build confidence in your navigational skills and enhance your independence.

VoiceSignal

• VoiceSignal develops speech solutions for wireless mobile devices. 


iTunes and Audible.com

• iTunes and Audible.com have downloadable audio books, magazines and news casts for MP3 players.

iPREPpress

• IPREPpress offers various downloads for iPods such as study guides, foreign language lessons, test preparation, reference and travel aids.

CNET

• CNET provides detailed information, as well as links to many useful products.

This list is for reference purposes only and does not reflect an endorsement by LDAC.

References:
Burgstahler, S. “The Role Of Technology In Preparing Youth with Disabilities for Post-secondary Education and Employment.” Journal of Special Education Technology. Vol. 18: No. 4. http://jset.unlv.edu/18.4/burgstahler/burgstahler.pdf