Handheld Help for Frustrated Spellers

Ed Salisbury, Kent County AT Specialist

Can you imagine having a 300,000 word Merriam Webster dictionary, thesaurus, and spelling correction program all rolled into one? How about a dictionary in which one does not need to know a word's spelling to find the definition? What about a tool that did all this and spoke words and definitions aloud in a clear and natural voice? It would probably seem an unreasonable request for all of this to fit in a backpack, purse, or even a jacket pocket. Not only is a system such as this available, it is affordable. The device that has just been described is called the Language Master Special Edition from Franklin. This valuable tool was developed for people with learning disabilities, as well as those with visual and speech impairments. For those who would argue that a device such as this is only a novelty, and not a serious tool for people with disabilities, consider the long list of familiar agencies and organizations that contributed to the development of the Language Master SE: The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), Closing The Gap (CTG), and the Maryland Rehabilitation Center.

The features of the Language Master SE solve several problems for people with learning disabilities. First, the user can find a word quickly and easily without knowing the exact spelling. The person spells the word to the best of his or her ability and, if it is spelled correctly, the definition is instantly displayed. If the Language Master does not recognize the word, it presents the user with a list of choices that are possible matches for the desired word. The user is then able to hear each of the words read aloud. Once the word is found, its definition may then be displayed. The definition, of course, may also be read aloud. Second, if any word in the definition is not understood, it can easily be selected from the text and defined in the same manner as the original word. Third, if the word is very difficult to spell, the user need only type in those letters he or she is sure of, separated by "wildcard" characters. The Language Master will then generate a list of words that match the criteria.

The Language Master SE is also a valuable tool for people with visual impairments. Many keys on the keyboard have distinctly different sizes and shapes. This makes it easy for someone who is blind to memorize the keyboard. In order to assist with finger placement and orientation of the hands on the keyboard, Franklin includes press-on locator dots. Because everything can be spoken, including menus, the user who is blind is never left guessing as to what is being presented on the LCD screen. If, by some chance, a word is misunderstood, it can be spelled using the military alphabet (alpha, bravo, charlie, etc.). For those with low vision, letters are printed on the keys in bold capitals. A large type mode can also be used to increase the readability of the screen.

Other features of the Language Master SE include a thesaurus, nine talking word games, a grammar guide, classification of words by subject, identification of commonly confused words, a list of words commonly found on the SATs and other achievement tests, and the ability to store messages for spoken output. The device comes with an AC adapter or can be used with AA batteries. A headphone is also included for private listening.

In a small handheld package, Franklin has combined a talking dictionary, thesaurus, spelling corrector, and more. This tool can be used effectively by people with learning disabilities, visual impairments, and speech impairments. The Language Master SE can be purchased from Franklin for $450.00. If you would like to borrow a Language Master, one is available at your local ATRC.