Hey Everyone!!!!
Today I wanted to talk about accessibility and inclusion for your students. Inclusion is very important when you want your students to succeed along with administering accessibility products that further elevate their success. Hehir and Pascucci state that, “students with disabilities thrive when they are, to the greatest extent possible, provided the same educational and social opportunities as non- disabled students” (2016). Therefore, it is our job to make sure we have the best possible tools to educate all students in the classroom. So, today I am introducing a device that will help visually impaired students in the library.
Welcome this into your library: The PenFriend Audio Labeler Version 3
The PenFriend Audio Labeler Version 3 is a device that allows you to record a summary of a book, the name of a CD, Movie, or Video game and even directions to getting resources you may need. On the website, MaxiAid, they state, “This best-selling, low-cost, audio labeler for blind and visually impaired users lets you label anything and everything with discrete audio labels all in your own voice. Easily record and re-record information using this versatile, pocket-sized, easy-to-use labeling system. You can instantly play back the recordings anywhere simply using the PenFriend 3” (Maxiaid, 2023). This is a great tool for visually impaired students to come into a school library and find anything they need. All they have to do is check out the device at the counter and check it back in when they are done.
This is also perfect for:
Recording certain resources in different languages.
Recording audio versions of book trailers for reluctant readers.
Recording a podcast for book club, so everyone can interact.
Here are some other resources and links of other librarians or teachers using different labeling systems. You can use the PenFriend Audio Labeler Version 3 to help with these idea, as well:
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Making School Media Centers Accessible for Visually Impaired Students
Making Library Access a Reality for the Visually Impaired
References
Hehir, T., & Friesen, H. (2016). INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. Instituto Alana. https://alana.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/A_Summary_of_the_evidence_on_inclusive_education.pdf
Maxiaids. (2023). PenFriend 3 Voice Labeling System.
Hi Melanie, this is a very cool assistive technology that I've never encountered before. I had to reread your description a few times to understand how it works, but it finally clicked for me. This seems like an amazing labeling aid for libraries. I'm so glad that these technologies have been created to make the world a more welcoming place for all.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, this is so neat! I've never seen anything like it before. As someone who LOVES labels and organization, I am already thinking of ways I could use this in my current classroom. I love the idea of recording directions to games, worksheets, activities, etc and letting students use the pen to have the directions read aloud. This would also be fun to allow students to record their own blurb or sneak-peek for a book as a way to share books they love with others. Thanks again for introducing this tool!
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