Types of Dyslexia

Types of Dyslexia

(Determined by the DDT)

• DYSNEMKINESIA

Deficit in the ability to develop motor gestalts (engrams) for written symbols, e.g., letters, and write them without reversals.

• DYSPHONESIA

Deficit in visual-symbol and sound (grapheme-phoneme) integrations, and the inability to develop phonetic word analysis-synthesis skills.

• DYSEIDESIA

Deficit in the ability to perceive whole words (total configuration) as visual gestalts and match them with auditory gestalts.

• DYSPHONEIDESIA

Deficit in grapheme-phoneme integration and in the ability to perceive whole words as visual gestalts and match them with auditory gestalts.  (Mixed dysphonetic and dyseidetic coding patterns.)

• DYSNEMKINPHONESIA

Deficit in the ability to develop motor gestalts for written symbols and in grapheme-phoneme integration.  (Mixed dysnemkinetic and dysphonetic coding patterns.)

• DYSNEMKINEIDESIA

Deficit in the ability to develop motor gestalts for written symbols and the ability to perceive whole words as visual gestalts and match them with auditory gestalts.  (Mixed dysnemkinetic and dyseidetic coding patterns.)

• DYSNEMKINPHONEIDESIA

Deficit in the ability to develop motor gestalts for written symbols, grapheme-phoneme integration, and in perceiving whole words as visual gestalts and matching them with auditory gestalts.  (Mixed dysnemkinetic, dysphonetic, and dyseidetic coding patterns.)

Assistive Technology Tools South Africa

http://www.assistive-technology.org

What is Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is difficulty in learning to read fluently and with accurate comprehension. This includes difficulty with phonological awareness, phonological decoding, processing speed, orthographic coding, auditory short-term memory, language skills/verbal comprehension, and/or rapid naming.

It is believed that dyslexia can affect between 5 and 10 percent of a given population although there have been no studies to indicate an accurate percentage.

There are three proposed cognitive subtypes of dyslexia (auditory, visual and attentional), although individual cases of dyslexia are better explained by specific underlying neuropsychological deficits and co-occurring learning disabilities (e.g. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, math disability, etc.).

Reading disability, or dyslexia, is the most common learning disability. Although it is considered to be a receptive language-based learning disability in the research literature, dyslexia also affects one’s expressive language skills. Researchers at MIT found that people with dyslexia exhibited impaired voice-recognition abilities.

Adult dyslexics can read with good comprehension, but they tend to read more slowly than non-dyslexics and perform more poorly at spelling and nonsense word reading, a measure of phonological awareness. Dyslexia and IQ are not interrelated as a result of cognition developing independently.

Some see dyslexia as distinct from reading difficulties resulting from other causes, such as a non-neurological deficiency with vision or hearing, or from poor or inadequate reading instruction.

Assistive Technology tools South Africa 

http://www.assistive-technology.org

Hearability South Africa brings you Varibel Hearing aid Glasses www.hearability.co.za Cape Town / JHB / Durban

Hearability South Africa brings you Varibel 

Hearing aid Glasses 

www.hearability.co.za

Cape Town / JHB / Durban

About Varibel
Though each of the five senses are of great importance, sight and the ability to detect and interpret sound are of the utmost essence to our everyday lives.
It is Varibel’s philosophy to amplify sound as naturally as possible while at the same time maximising your ability to understand speech in all situations, even the most noisy and difficult ones.
Established in 2003, Varibel has built a strong reputation in the Netherlands with the development of superior hearing glasses based on digital technology.
Today, Variabel’s hearing glasses are sold exclusively within the Netherlands where hundreds of wearers enjoy their unique benefits on a daily basis.
In the near future Varibel plans to make their hearing glasses available in other countries around the world through international partnerships, while adding more innovative products to our portfolio.
Varibel strives to improve the quality of life for everyone who comes in touch with our products.

History of Varibel
Since its inception Varibel has gone through several stages of the business cycle. What has been a constant is the high number of satisfied users, who can finally enjoy conversations in noisy surroundings without any difficulty.

To develop their hearing glasses Varibel worked together with Philips Electronics BV and the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands.

Once Varibel made its hearing glasses commercially available to the public in 2006, they generated a steady stream of attention from the international audiology community. Various studies all came to the same conclusion: for understanding speech in a noisy environment, Varibel’s hearing glasses are significantly superior to other hearing aids.
In 2011 Variabel added more innovative features to their product. Such as the “Receiver-In-Canal” feature which is connected to the arms of the glasses through a patented magnetic connection.

Supported by positive feedback from both users old and new, Varibel has been able to further commercialise their fully optimised product and has steadily gained ground in the Dutch market since 2012.

The year 2014 will mark the internationalisation of the company. We will start offering our products to select countries around the world. 

Hearing glasses
One in three people over the age of 60 suffers from hearing loss. However, only half of those people use hearing aids and even the ones who do are often less socially engaged. This is in part related to the appearance of hearing aids, but most importantly related to the fact that traditional hearing aids amplify sounds coming from all directions and are incapable of distinguishing background noise from speech.

Varibel’s hearing glasses have finally solved this problem by incorporating four tiny microphones inside each of the glasses’ arms. The sound signals from the microphones are passed through a processor that determines what sounds should be amplified to the ear. This allows the glasses to dampen background noise while selectively strengthening sound coming from in front of the user.



Varibel hearing glasses feature :

• Digital multi channel technology 
• 4 microphones in both the left and right arm
• 4 different listening programs
• A telecoil to connect to (Bluetooth) loop systems
• Rechargeable capability through a patented charger 
• Choice of frames in multiple colors
• Invisible “Receiver-in-Canal” option
• Proven and reliable arm design

Why Directional Hearing is important
Directional microphones are available in all size hearing aids except the smallest Completely-in-Canal devices. This results in less noise, greater comfort, and better sound perception for most patients. However, because unwanted noise reduction can hamper sound and a more normalised perception, hearing aids should be fitted with the capacity to maximise auditory processing and be able to learn from natural sound.

The solution of Varibel hearing glasses is based on the fact that the direction of different sounds can be distinguished through the travelling nature of sound. Because the microphones are positioned within different distances from the sound’s origin, they can detect the sound’s direction based on the difference in the time it took for the sound to travel to each microphone. This process can be simplified and improved when there is a larger distance between the microphones, and these larger distances are available on the arms of the spectacles.

This gain in directivity is expressed in the so-called directivity-index or DI. Because the DI is frequency dependent it is usually weighed over the frequency range. This is important for speech intelligibility and is referred to as the speech-intelligibility-weighted directivity index or DIw. DIw is a measure for the attenuation of unwanted sounds from random directions as compared to the sensitivity to sound coming from the frontal direction. The processing of Varibel’s hearing glasses give a DIw of 8 dB, which is extremely high for such small array of only 4 microphones over a length of 72 mm. In short: sounds in front of you will be perceived 8 dB louder than the noises surrounding you.

Varibel’s philosophy is to amplify sound as naturally as possible while at the same time maximising your ability to understand speech in all environments, even the most noisy and difficult ones. 

Look good, hear best
The integration of spectacles and hearing aids in one device bring a lot of other benefits to the table. Of course the frame has to suit your features and personality. Not just color, but design is also an important factor.

Varibel has a range of 9 frames in its collection to match your personal preference. Each frame is available in 3 colors which gives you a total choice of 27 different styles. The color of the arms will be matched with the color of the frame.

You also have a range of choices on the audiology front. Your audiologist or optician can advise you to choose either an “Ear Connector” with a tube or a “Receiver-in-Canal” (RIC) to bring the sound into your outer ear canal. Both options use the patented magnetic connection to the arms of the glasses and will also match the chosen color of the frame and arms.

Last but not least your hearing consultant can choose between 2 different RIC’s depending on your hearing loss: a smaller version for normal fittings and a more powerful version for those suffering from more severe hearing loss. 

Varibel and the future
Based on its current proven technologies, Varibel strives to develop more products in the near future. Our product road map foresees the implementation of wireless technology to make our hearing glasses even more versatile.

We are also looking into solutions for occasional hearing problems and for more flexible versions of our current product, for example by adding customisable frames to our portfolio.

An international expansion program has been introduced to offer people around the world the benefit of understanding speech in noisy surroundings through the use of Varibel hearing solutions.

Varibel is confident it will expand its position as the world’s leading hearing glasses manufacturer through more innovative and creative hearing solutions in the near future. 

Hearability South Africa brings you Varibel 

Hearing aid Glasses 

www.hearability.co.za

Cape Town / JHB / Durban

Jaws Screen Reader South Africa (Software for the Blind)

http://www.assistive-technology.org

Jaws Screen Reader South Africa 

info@microlinkpc.co.za

The World's Most Popular Windows Screen Reader

JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is the world's most popular screen reader, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC.

Features

• Two multi-lingual synthesizers: Eloquence and Vocalizer Expressive
• Talking installation
• Built-in free DAISY Player and full set of DAISY-formatted basic training books
• Works with Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and much more
• Supports Windows 8, including touch screens and gestures
• Fast information look-up at your fingertips with Research It
• Access any image on the screen that includes text with Convenient OCR
• Save time with Skim Reading
• The only Windows screen reader to provide contracted Braille input from your Braille keyboard
• Fully compatible with MAGic, screen magnification software, and OpenBook, scanning and reading program

Advanced Features

• JAWS Tandem available for free to help with support and training
• Optional support for Citrix, Terminal Services, and Remote Desktop
• Powerful scripting language to customize the user experience on any application
• Includes drivers for all popular Braille displays
• Includes voices for over 30 different languages
• Distributed worldwide with local sales and support in most countries

http://www.assistive-technology.org

LifeStyle HD

You’ll love what you can see again!

Retain your independence and quality of life. Help people with Macular Degeneration and other Low Vision Conditions.

LifeStyle desktop video magnifiers are among the most helpful macular degeneration vision aids for extended reading and writing comfort, viewing photos and performing hobbies and crafts.

If you or someone you know has macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, inoperable cataracts, or any other low vision condition that is limiting daily living activities, the LifeStyle videomagnifier can help to retain or regain independence and quality of life.

A LifeStyle video magnifier is your low vision solution. Imagine what you can do again!

Read your personal mail

Browse the newspaper or a favorite magazine

Read the label on medicine bottles

Read receipes and cooking directions

View family and vacation photos

Sign your own checks, address envelopes and greeting cards

Zoom Magnification

Easily zoom the magnification from 3.1x – 95x. LifeStyle is the only desktop video magnifier that features more than 150 magnification levels. The magnification increases in 1/10 magnification increments from 3.1x – 10x (for example: 3.1x, 3.2x, 3.3x etc.) and in 1x increments from 11x – 95x. You will have complete control of how much you magnify and how wide of a view is displayed on the screen so you can read comfortably and conveniently.

The Benefits of a High-Definition Desktop Video Magnifier

The LifeStyle HD desktop video magnifier (CCTV) is one of the most popular products for the visually impaired, including people with macular degeneration. Introduced in June 2011, its one of the first high-definition desktop video magnifiers available on the market.

The LifeStyle HD video magnifier optimizes the high-definition image quality to produce a crisp, clear display. LifeStyle HD provides three primary benefits compared to a traditional standard-definition image:

Clearly readable low magnification starting at 3.1x

Sharp, high contrast text display

Vivid realistic color image quality

With the LifeStyle HD desktop video magnifier, many users can read at a smaller size due to its sharper image, thus seeing a wider field of text with more letters or words displayed across the line requiring less movement of the X/Y reading table. The lower magnification level allows a wider field view of photos and the natural color image shows more definition and detail.

See the difference in HD quality!

All the Features You Expect

LifeStyle is so easy to use! All LifeStyle models feature a simple front panel design. Power, Magnification and Image buttons are all located on the front panel.

A single Power button, powers on the unit. Magnification buttons are large and ergonomic push buttons. To increase/decrease the magnification, simply press the Up or Down arrow buttons. The LifeStyle will zoom up or down continuously (not to a limited preset number of magnification levels.) To select or change the Image mode, press the large Left or Right arrow buttons to view the different Modes. Color, Enhanced Reverse Image (white letters on a black background), enhanced B/W, normal B/W, or the most commonly used monochrome images like yellow text on a black background, yellow text on a blue background or green text on a black background.

Advanced features are available with LifeStyle HD. Set horizonal or vertical Line Markers to help guide reading across a row of text or separate columns of a table or spreadsheet. Create a horizontal or vertical window view by adjusting the Window mode button. For PC connectivity, plug in a DVI-D cable (included with the unit) from the PC to the LifeStyle, then toggle back and forth to switch between a full screen view of the LifeStyle image or the full screen view of the PC or Mac. (Mac requires aditional cable purchase)

Note: MicroSoft Windows Accessibility settings or computer magnification software is required to enlarge the PC image.

Choose 22″ LCD or 24″ LCS Screen Size

Your choice of a 22″ or 24″ wide-screen LCD screen size is available. Both monitors adjust higher or lower, tilt forward or back, and swivel left or right for optimum viewing height and angel comfort. As a macular degeneration aid, the display on all LifeStyle models may be angled slightly for peripheral viewing.

Smooth X/Y Reading Table

Moving the sliding x/y reading table allows you to visually track the words across the line more conveniently.

Technical Specifications

Product Name           LifeStyle HD

Model No.       HD730

Magnification 22” LCD 3.1x – 95x

24” LCD 3.4 x – 95x

Resolution      High-definition

Monitor          22” LCD or 24” LCD

Ergonomic Adjustment         Monitor up and down, tilt forward and back, and swivel left and right

Image Modes 7 Image modes, including 4 user-selectable modes which can be selected from a palette of 28 text and background combinations

Line Markers/Windows       Horizontal and vertical Line Markers and Windows available

PC Video-In Connectivity     DVI-D

Picture and Text Modes       Picture mode to maintain image geometry or Text mode for extended text spacing

Power 100V – 240V, 50/60HZ

Weight            40 lbs. – 22” LCD model

40 lbs. – 24” LCD model

Dimensions    20.8” x 21.6” x 20.1”  – 22” LCD model

20.8” x 21.6” x 20.1”  – 24” LCD model


http://www.assistive-technology.org

software to support dyslexia