Although you have assistive technology to help you access information, it is still important to learn how to use live readers. You have already been doing this with your vision teachers and perhaps other students--but now it is time to practice using live readers in a more professional way. Think of it as practicing for college. In fact, the articles you read below will mention college and even paying for live readers. It's something you already need to start thinking about.
Before accessing the articles and websites below, please create a new MS Word document entitled "Live Readers" in your Live Readers folder. Copy your notes and answers to the questions below within this document.
Read the article, Using Readers--The Human Variety, by Carol Castellano. You'll notice that she is writing for teachers--not students. Answer the following questions after you finish reading:
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr35/1/fr350105.htm a. Why should you learn how to use a live reader now that you have JAWS? b. What kinds of directions does a student with a visual impairment need to give to his or her live reader? c. Is a live reader a tutor? d. What are two suggested activities she mentioned to help train you to use a live reader effectively? e. How do college students who are visually impaired usually pay for a live reader?
2. Read the article, Working with Readers, by Sarah Blake. The author concentrates on the college experience but the things she discusses will apply to you in middle school and high school (except for the fact that you can't fire your vision staff if we're not good live readers). Answer the following questions after you finish reading: a. What are some ways to find and pay for live readers in college? b. What kinds of questions should you include in your interview of a live reader? c. What are some things you have to consider in regard to paying live readers and scheduling time with them?
3. Write a list of directions you would give to a live reader (don't worry--this is just a rough draft). Consider the following: speed, how you will indicate that you want the reader to stop or pause (raise hand, say "just a minute"), whether you want all of the headings read in a chapter before the main content is read, how you want captains read or pictures described, how you would like words in bold to be read, whether you want any comprehension questions at the end of a chapter or section read prior to reading the main content).