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UDL Guidelines - Version 1.0: Examples and Resources

Checkpoint 2.3: Options for decoding text or mathematical notation

Example/Resource Description See Also
Click, Speak logo

CLiCK, Speak

CLiCK, Speak is a text-to-speech function designed for sighted users who want to hear text read aloud. It is compatible with Windows and Macintosh.

Why UDL? CLiCK, Speak is an excellent example of providing options for decoding text. Students who have difficulty decoding, students who are English-Language Learners, and students who simply like to listen to text as they read all benefit from this option.

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: All content
Cost: Free
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Tool

 

Voki Avatar

Voki

Voki, is  text to speech generator that allows the user to create a personal speaking avatar that can be embedded in a website.  The site offers a high level of customization ranging from the overall look of the Voki to the sound of its voice.

Why UDL? Voki is a creative and versatile text-to-speech option and serves as another great example of providing options for decoding. Reading text aloud can help students who are struggling to decode by modeling pronunciation of letter and word sounds and by making a connection between oral language and written text. Plus, the fact that students can customize the look and sound of their avatars adds to engagement!

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: All content
Cost: Free
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Tool

Checkpoints:

1.3: Options that provide alternatives for visual information

 TumbleBook static logo

TumbleBooks Library

TumbleBooks are digital books that read themselves aloud in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. The words are highlighted as they are read aloud.  Students can choose stories independently and collect their favorites.

Why UDL? TumbleBooks provides options for decoding text by incorporating a text-to-speech function that reads the text aloud to students.

Age Group: K-2
Content Area: Early Literacy
Cost: Free library
$399 per branch/year; discounts for multiple branches
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Teaching material

Checkpoints:

2.4: Options that promote cross-linguistic understanding

Starfall logo

Starfall

Starfall is a free learn-to-read website. It contains various interactive activities and games related to the essential components of early reading. Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade.

Why UDL? Designed for early readers, Starfall features activities and games that build decoding skills such as the pairing of sounds with letters and letter combinations.

Age Group: K-2
Content Area: Early Literacy
Cost: Free books posted on site, others for a cost
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Teaching material
MathType logo

MathType

MathType can be used to create accessible math content via MathType's MathPage function. The resulting web document can then be read with any MathML-enabled screen reader or assistive technology application.

Why UDL? MathType's ability to create accessible math content is great example of providing options for decoding mathematical notation.

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: Math
Cost: $51-$100
Technology Involved: Compatible with Microsoft Word, Power Point, and many other applications

Informational website

Checkpoints:

1.3: Options that provide alternatives for visual information

 

real world example for "angle"

Mathematics Glossary

This free online glossary defines mathematical terms and concepts through text, images, and examples relating to real world applications.

Why UDL? The Mathematics Glossary uses multiple means of representation to help students decode mathematical notation.

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: Math
Cost: Free
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Tool

Checkpoints:

2.1: Options that define vocabulary and symbols

W3C logo

Math ML

Informational website on Mathematical Markup Language, or MathML. MathML is an XML application for describing mathematical notation and capturing both its structure and content.

Why UDL? Access this website to learn more about Math ML and how mathematical equations are being embedded in digital format in the same way that text has been embedded to promote the flexibility and fluidity of mathematical notation on the web.

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: Math
Cost: Free
Technology Involved: Internet connection

Informational website

Checkpoints:

1.3: Options that provide alternatives for visual information

 Letterpop logo

WinZoom

WinZoom is a screen magnification and reading software package. It will magnify text and images on the screen, heighten color contrast, smooth font, and read text aloud.

Why UDL? WinZoom's ability to read text aloud is an example of an option for decoding text.

Age Group: All ages
Content Area: All content
Cost: WinZoomUSB: $399; WinZoom Screen Magnifier/Reader: $299
Technology Involved: Computer

 Software

Checkpoints:

1.1: Options that customize the display of information

Last Updated: 02/01/2010