Universal+Design+for+Learning+-+A+Partnership+Model

The **Patrick O'Hearn Elementary School in Dorchester, MA**, the **Jackson Memorial Middle School in Massillon, OH** and the **Southeastern Vocational Technical High School in Easton, MA** are currently using **Kurzweil 3000** to include all students in the classroom. Each school is at a different stage in their implementation of the technology and each has a different approach to using **Kurzweil 3000**. **// All schools report exciting results with the use of Kurzweil 3000 //**// and had the opportunity to share their stories through the //**// CEC Assistive Technology Showcase conducted by Simmons College! //**      **Universal Design for Learning** is a framework, developed by the [|Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)], that aims to accommodate a broad spectrum of learners by requiring a range of options for accessing, using and engaging with learning materials.
 * [|Kurzweil 3000]** software, by **Cambium Learning Technologies**, is research-aligned technology that provides **//reading, writing//**, and **//study solutions//** to help all students overcome learning challenges. **Kurzweil 3000** is no longer considered a tool just for Special Education. It is increasingly becoming recognized as a powerful tool for General Education classrooms to support all students.  **Good technology that is //necessary// for some, //beneficial// for ALL!**


 * //The Three Guiding Principles of Universal Design for Learning://**



These //multiple means of representation//, //expression// and //engagement// reduce barriers for individuals with disabilities but also enhance opportunities for every student.

The key is //flexibility//, not uniformity.

A core component of a Universally Designed classroom is curriculum that is accessible to the widest range of learners possible and that honors a wide variety of learning styles.

Providing content in a //digital format// makes it inherently accessible to a broad range of learners. *  **Kurzweil 3000** enables schools to convert curriculum content into a format that provides the range of accessible accommodations most students need to independently access the curriculum. **Kurzweil 3000** can be used to //read content to struggling students//, offers instant //word study support,// reads //tests and worksheets// out loud to students, provides //talking word processor// support for writing, allows teachers to //embed comprehension supports// in its digital text, and is currently an accommodation for //High Stakes Testing// in several states.

In addition, **Kurzweil 3000** provides //keyboard shortcuts// for its features. This is essential for making sure that individuals who use assistive technology devices to access the computer can fully access **Kurzweil 3000** files and features.


 * //Links for resources for alternate access to Kurzweil 3000:// **
 * **//[|IntelliTools]//, a Cambium Learning Technologies Company:** IntelliKeys, IntelliSwitch
 * **//[|Madentec]://** Discover Pro
 * **//[|VCom3D]://** ASL animated gifs
 * **[|Prentke Romich]:** AAC devices
 * **[|Nuance:]** Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition
 * **[|Mayer Johnson]**: Picture Symbol Library
 * [|Dynavox:] AAC devices
 * [|Smart Technologies:]Smart Boards for //whole class// instruction!

*     **Kurzweil 3000**, by Cambium Learning Technologies, is content independent, and is therefore being used by Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Universities, and adults in the workplace

** O'Hearn School Educator Contact : //Amy Gailunas// ****

Jackson Memorial Middle School Educator Contacts: //Kathy Brand// and //Rachel Stien//

See Jackon's AMAZING [|Kurzweil 3000 movie] ** which includes student and teacher interviews!

* The //Iowa Text Reader Project// is an independent 3-year longitudinal study looking at the impact of Kurzweil 3000 on student achievement with middle school students. //Key findings include://
 * Southeastern Educator Contact: //Kathy Zingg// **
 * Research To Support the Use of Kurzweil 3000: **
 * Improved reading comprehension
 * Ability for students to access content at twice the rate they could without the accommodation
 * Independent access to content
 * Reductions in absences, tardies and office referrals
 * Improvements in rank on Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores

**[|Link to other Research]**

* **CLT Implementation Services: Professional Development is NOT an option!**

//Integrating technology involves more than just training on the technology tool//**//.//** //It must be connected to classroom teaching and curriculum in order to truly impact student achievement.//


 * [[file:CLT Implementation Services.pdf]]

Resources to support successful implementation of Kurzweil 3000: **

**Other Resources:** [|Kurzweil 3000 USB]

//Jennifer Edge-Savage//**, MS, EdS, OTR/L, ATP Faculty, Simmons College, Assistive Technology for Special Education Program Director of Implementation Services, Cambium Learning Technologies, Inc. 100 Crosby Drive Bedford, MA 03170 1-800-894-5374 x632 jennifer@kurzweiledu.com
 * For more information contact:

[|www.kurzweiledu.com] [|www.sopriswest.com] (Digital Content available for Kurzweil 3000: Non-Fiction Bookbag and Language!) [|www.intellitools.com] Cambium is committed to delivering research-based, culturally responsive and proven products and services that address the unique needs of the nation’s under-served student segments including minority, at-risk, and special student populations. It is the largest company in the world solely committed to this population.
 * The Cambium Learning Family of Companies:**