In my last blog, I introduced the idea of using eBooks to provide independent access to books for students with significant disabilities.  eBooks are an electronic version of a printed book which can be read on a personal computer or hand-held device designed specifically for this purpose (Oxford Dictionary of English). eBooks can also be read on dedicated hardware devices such as the DynaVox Maestro, eBook readers, personal computers and some cell phones.  eBooks allow students with physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy) to independently turn pages.  eBooks can also be read out loud for students who are emergent readers. 

While reading books is certainly a leisure activity that should be supported for students with special needs, there are many classroom applications as well. 

4 Tips for using eBooks in the classroom

1. Load a dictionary and with the speak features of your device; you can create a “talking dictionary” for your students.
2. Use eBooks during guided reading activities. This is one component of a four-block reading program, developed by Pat Cunningham and Dottie Hall.
3. Download national or local newspapers to read about and discuss current events. 
4. Provide visual and auditory feedback by using the Highlight as you Speak feature. This feature will speak the current eBook page and highlight each word as it is spoken.  This feature can be turned on by going into the Message Window tab in the Interface Features menu.

To learn more about accessing eBooks on your DynaVox device, go to http://www.dynavoxtech.com/Support/search.aspx and search by keyword “eBooks.”