Question:I have a 9th grader with ADHD who is reading at a 1st grade level but he seems to understand information at his grade level. I would like to know what your suggestions are: Do we teach functional words? Try and teach him to read through phonics? What type of Assistive Technology would be beneficial?
Thanks, Kristin

Answer: I can respond to your question about assistive technology but the reading instruction questions would best be answered by a reading specialist. We just added SHARI GENT to this ASK A SPECIALIST web site; she is a specialist in reading and students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder. I'm going to forward your question to Shari so she can give you suggestions.

To address your student's assistive technology needs, you must first determine his comprehension level when information is read to him. There are several reading comprehension tests that can be adapted for a non-reader; you can't report a standardized score but you will have an idea of what he understands.

IF… his understanding is at, or near his grade level… take a look at the WYNN (What You Need Now) program as a reading accommodation.

This software program will enable your student to work with grade level curriculum while he is developing reading skills and strategies for studying. WYNN works with a scanner to give him access to print materials; it "reads" electronic files, and "reads" the Internet. It speaks the text aloud and displays it in the size, spacing, and colors that work best for your student. It also has tools like a talking dictionary and voice notes to help him study and comprehend the information, and writing tools like word prediction. You can download a 30-day/30-hourtrial at www.freedomscientific.com/wynn or call 888-223-3344 to request a demo CD.

If your student's listening comprehension is not very close to his grade level, you could try Start-to-Finish Books www.donjohnston.com -- they are written for 2nd to 3rd grade readability, come with a print book, audiocassette & talking CD-ROM. The CD includes printable worksheets & graphics from the books to encourage other literacy skills. They look age-appropriate for older students, and your student could at least start with the CD and/or audiocassette.

A series of Greek Myths and Legends has just been released and two more series will be released in Summer 2002, which include Classic Adventures (the retelling of works of literature such as Jack London's Call of the Wild) and A Step Into History series about the American Revolution. Three additional series will release during the 2002-2003 school year.

Jerry Stemach, Director of Content Development for Start-to-Finish, points out that these books are written specifically for the older, struggling reader. "The books respect the life experiences of these students. Our content is mature and the computer format guarantees a successful reading experience. Students can't get enough of these books. That's good because research tells us that reading-and lots of it-is what makes a good reader."

Hope this is enough to help you consider your student's needs for assistive technology.