CBC strives to be a happy, safe, caring, and inclusive community where everyone is supported to reach their potential.
One of the resources at our disposal to help us with this is Assistive Technology. Assistive Technology is any device, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual’s specific learning needs.
Assistive technology is playing an increasingly important role in the education of pupils with unique needs. Computer-based AT applications have the ability to help overcome some of the barriers created by a learning difficulty and can allow pupils to read, write and communicate more effectively.
The availability of assistive technologies can help to ‘level the playing field’ in terms of academic achievement.
AT Policy 2024 — Coláiste Bhaile Chláir
Below are links to the resources we use to support students in school. These handouts may also be useful for parents at home.
Allows students to speak aloud and have their words converted to text automatically — reducing barriers for students who find typing or handwriting difficult.
An AI-powered reading tool that helps students practise reading aloud, tracks accuracy and fluency, and provides personalised word practice — building confidence and reading skills over time.
A digital notebook for organising notes, recordings, and materials. Students can type, draw, record audio, and use built-in AT features like Immersive Reader — all in one accessible place.
A full-screen reading tool that uses text-to-speech, adjustable text spacing, syllable highlighting, and translation features to make reading more accessible for students with dyslexia or visual difficulties.
Generates real-time captions of spoken audio on screen — supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who benefit from seeing spoken words as text during lessons and online content.
A scanning app that captures whiteboards, documents and printed text using a device camera — converting them into editable digital content that can be saved to OneNote or used with other AT tools.
Text-to-speech and reading support tools
Speech-to-text and dictation tools
Digital note-taking and scanning tools
Live captions and accessibility features
Helping all students access the same curriculum
