Technologically - abled

Welcome! My first few blogs will be focused on how technology has helped me academically and in the classroom. For those of you who are not quite as interested in this subject, HOLD TIGHT! I will continue my blog about my other findings and what I do with my days in a few weeks. Here is my first ode to technology! I transferred to University of Northern Iowa after completing a year and a half at University of Iowa. During my freshman year at Iowa I was getting very frustrated because I felt like I wasn't understanding things as well as my classmates were, and my grades were not as high as I would have liked. After many talks with my parents they decided to accompany me to the University of Iowa hospital for some psychological tests. Long story short, they diagnosed me with a type of dyslexia and ADHD. Although I hate labels, I was thankful that I knew what the trouble was and I could take care of it. The problem with my reading was not obvious so I was able to make it through past schooling with decent grades and teachers/my families help. I can read at a normal, if not faster than normal pace, however I do not process things as quickly as a read them. My parents and I started to research options to help me with school. The University of Iowa's disabilities department introduced to software called Kurzweil. Through Kurzweil I could download or scan in my books and Kurzweil would read them to me at any pace I chose and with numerous voice options. This way I was processing the information through sound as well as reading it. Also, I could write my papers in the software so when I was finished Kurzweil could read it aloud to me since I could process what I wrote through sound, resulting in more understanding of my writings. This way I could also critic it more accurately. There are NUMEROUS more things I can do through Kurzweil. Here is the link below to research what other things Kurzweil can do for students. http://www.kurzweiledu.com/ Research and enjoy!