Inclusive education is something all teachers will experience nowadays. Inclusive education is when all students, regardless of any challenges/disabilities, they may have, are placed in age-appropriate general education classes that are in their own neighborhood schools to receive high quality instruction, interventions, and supports that enable them to meet success in the core curriculum. I evaluated each of the tools using the Triple E Evaluation Rubric and they each scored in the “green light” sections. In order to ensure inclusive practices, here are three tools i found that can be used in your classroom to make learning accessible to students with different needs.

The first tool is Ginger. Ginger offers several features that can help students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities with writing. It is also designed for speakers of languages other than English. Some of the options on this website include: Grammar checker that analyzes context to determine any errors or misspellings; Word prediction and sentence rephrasing tools that can be helpful for students learning how to construct sentences properly; TTS functionality so students can hear what they’ve written; and A personal trainer that provides practice sessions based on past mistakes made by the student.

When evaluating Ginger using the Triple E Evaluation tool, it scored highly at a 16/18. I think that Ginger is such an awesome tool that students of all ages can use in order to achieve their learning goals, and its score reflected that. With its many features, it allows students to focus on the assignment, enhance and extend their learning. I highly recommend all educators use this tool in the classroom for all students and even themselves.

The second tool I found was MathTalk. MathTalk a speech recognition software program for math that can help students with a range of disabilities. This is ideal for middle school – college students who need the extra help. Students can perform math problems by speaking into a microphone on their computer. The program works with Dragon NaturallySpeaking programs for voice-to-text functionality, making it ideal for students who have fine motor skill disabilities. Students with blindness or vision disabilities can use the integrated braille translator.

When using the Triple E Evaluation rubric, MathTalk scored a 17/18. This tool is a really awesome tool that older students can use to help them visualize and verbalize the math they are doing. The only reason I took one point off was because I felt it could only somewhat connect school and real life experiences. Other than that, I feel like students, especially with dyscalculia, could really flourish with a tool like this. I highly recommend that teachers/schools provide this program for students!!

The third tool I found was the Sip/Puff System. Sip-and-puff systems are used by students who have mobility disabilities, such as paralysis and fine motor skill disabilities.These systems allow for control of a computer, mobile device or some other technological application by the child moving the device with his or her mouth. Similar to a joystick, the child can move the controller in any direction and click on various navigational tools using either a sip or a puff. An on-screen keyboard allows the child to type using the same mouth movements. The Origin Instruments website says, ” If you can use a drinking straw you can use our Sip/Puff Switch.”

This tool was such a truly amazing tool! I love how far technology has come in order to give students with disabilities the same opportunities as all other students. This is why on the Triple E Evaluation tool I gave it a 18/18! It can literally help students with any assignment, inside or outside of school, and provides them with equal opportunity. I recommend this tool to all parents/teachers who have a child with a motor disability. When looking for a tool to help them move, type, and interact with ease, chose the Sip/Puff System!