In a time when we find our student populations becoming increasingly diverse and learning differences more apparent, Apple provides technology tools to support the best learning environment for all students regardless of their learning differences. These tools can engage all students, enhance their achievement, and inspire them to work harder.

Technology opens doors and equalizes the learning opportunities for everyone in today’s classrooms.

— Madalaine Pugliese, Coordinator Assistive Special Education Technology, Simmons College

Universal Access for All

At the heart of Apple’s solutions for students with learning differences is the easy to use operating system that enables students to access content for learning and to become producers of knowledge. Powerful, built-in accessibility features offer options such as VoiceOver, QuickTime closed captioning, Speech Recognition, Text-to-Speech Synthesis, and other tools for accessibility that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each learner. Apple refers to these features collectively as Universal Access.

Apple Tools for Digital Expression

We know that today’s digital kids need a different set of tools to be successful and engaged in learning. At the same time, all students — and particularly those with learning differences — need tools that will allow them to express themselves in creative, flexible ways and in the modality that best meets their needs.

When students are offered these tools, they suddenly find ways to express themselves that go beyond the limitations of paper and pencil. We find students who are deaf collaborating with iChat AV, students with learning disabilities using iPhoto to create stories, and students who are blind producing movies with iMovie to share their perspective of the world.

Apple’s iLife applications, together with tools such as iChat AV, iPod, and iSight cameras offer new and multiple pathways to learning that take into consideration physical requirements, learning disabilities, learning styles, intelligences, and interests. Aligned with best practices for teaching and learning, Apple’s digital tools ensure that the needs and preferences of each learner can be optimized.