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Some Computer Programs for Teaching Basic Skills

This page includes the following:

Links to educational and adaptive software

All people have the right to use computers, if they so desire, to gain access to information, to learn new skills, and for recreation. Even the oldest PCs can be used to run educational computer programs.

Computers can be used by people with developmental disabilities to learn academic/work skills, type letters, make greeting cards, create art or just to relax and play games. Being able to type on the keyboard or move the mouse can improve attention span, fine motor coordination, and self-esteem.

Windows freeware:

The Most Commonly Used Words for Windows -- beta version 0.17. FREE

Screen shots of Community Signs For Windows

Community Signs for Windows version 2.0 for Windows PCs. Practice reading, spelling, and matching common street signs. -- freeware

Screen shots of Spell the Fruit

Spell the Fruit for Windows PCs. This freeware program lets people practice reading and spelling the names of fruit. It's fun and helps build vocabulary for the next trip to the local market.

Spell the Fruit -- FREE

Spell the Vegetables version 1.02 for Windows PCs. This is the same program as Spell the Fruit, but it includes over 50 vegetables.

Spell the Vegetables -- FREE

DOS freeware and shareware programs:

All DOS programs require a PC computer and an unzip program to decompress the files. Be aware that these DOS programs will probably run on Windows NT, ME, 2000, or XP but the sound files will not play correctly.

Download Talking Community Signs ver. 2.22: Learn to recognize and spell familiar signs such as bus stop, caution, danger, walk, telephone, etc. - Freeware 453,307 bytes

Also available: Community Signs for Windows

Download Talking Letters & Numbers ver. 2.3a: Practice typing the alphabet and numbers -Freeware 300,366 bytes

Download Talking Money version 1.0: Learn about money - Freeware 430,437 bytes

Download Talking Words 1.0b : Learn the 300 most common sight words in English - VGA, 286 CPU (or better) and Sound Blaster compatible sound card are recommended. Freeware 1,783,477 bytes

Also available: The Most Commonly Used Words for Windows 95 and above -- beta version.

Links to other educational programs for PC computers:

Flix Production's site: animated educational shareware company with downloadable Windows and DOS programs.
Grey Olltwit's Freeware: educational freeware designed for people with ADD/ADHD.
Educational Software from Owl & Mouse: online maps and downloadable freeware.
Software from SEN Teacher Resources: educational freeware.

Links to adaptive computer programs for people with disabilities:

Ai Squared: makers of ZoomText low-vision software for Windows.
Freedom Scientific (formerly Henter-Joyce): distributors of JAWS and Connect Outloud screen reading software.
Laureate Special Needs Software: has a free CD demo of their Macintosh and Windows software.
ReadPlease: free text-to-speech program for Windows.

Links to Macintosh educational shareware/freeware:

KidsDomain PC and Macintosh Downloads: an excellent educational software site.
Bry-back Manor: Mac. software and educational activities.
Littlefingers.com: Download some great Mac. educational software.

Online educational games and activities:

Some of these links will only work if you have a JAVA enabled browser. If necessary you may download the Java Plug-in for Windows XP.

A Simple Letters and Numbers Java Keybanger: Hear the sounds of the letters and number keys.
Exact Change Please Java Applet: Learn money skills online.
Poison Applet: Play a game to learn about what's safe to eat and what's not.
LittleClickers: fun online games and activities.
Learn to Read at Starfall: free online interactive reading books

If you have an old computer or working computer parts please consider donating to a local non-profit agency or school near you: PEP's National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs.