Freedom Scientific SAL

SAL Speech Assisted Learning System

For Learning Braille

SAL Speech Assisted Learning System

SAL Speech Assisted Learning system provides a solution to all who want to read and write Braille. Merging the latest research and technology, SAL offers an uncomplicated approach to teaching by integrating curriculum that is used with a stand-alone, multimedia Braille station. SAL extends the ability of teachers to provide Braille instruction over longer periods of time with greater results, while maintaining student interest. Mastering tactile perceptual skills and Braille reading techniques has never been easier with the pre-packaged curriculum courseware. And, a record-keeping feature allows teachers to monitor a student's mastery of each skill.
 

How SAL works:

The courseware consists of data diskettes with corresponding bar-code technology Braille curriculum worksheets. The curricula introduce students to correct formats, spelling, mathematical sequencing and special Braille symbols. These Braille worksheets are placed on the touch screen of the unit. Through a synthesized speech feature, the student listens to spoken tutorials and then is asked questions. The student indicates an answer by pressing on the Braille page or by typing it on the 8-dot notetaker style keyboard. SAL will then provide spoken feedback on the accuracy of the answer. A slight press on the worksheet prompts SAL to speak what is under the student's finger. Press a word to hear it spoken, press the same word again and hear it spelled with the correct Braille contractions.

SAL Speech Assisted Learning System Courseware

Exceptional Teaching Aids, Inc. introduces the first SAL courseware using remarkable new methods for teaching Braille reading, writing, and math. SAL is a unique system that combines Braille, a pressure-sensitive pad, and high quality synthesized speech to create a stand-alone Braille learning station.

SAL provides two basic learning modes-study and activity:

· To use the "study mode", place a page of Braille on the touch-pad and close the latch. Press lightly on any word to hear it spoken. Press again to hear the word spelled. Braille contractions are described.
· To use the "activity mode", press in the bottom left corner to hear the page directions. Press the correct answers for the activity. SAL will indicate if the answer pressed was correct. A score for each page is given.

Every set of SAL courseware includes:

· Barcoded Braille pages
· One SAL disk
· One print copy of the Braille pages unless otherwise indicated

SAL Speech Assisted Learning System: $ 4,595.00

Mangold Braille Instruction Courseware for the SAL System:

The Braille Basics Series for Teens and Adults

Teens and adults can begin learning to read using Braille immediately since there are no commands to learn and a talking tutor gives directions for each page. Clear synthesized speech provides instant feedback regarding the accuracy of the student's responses.

The Braille Basics Series is designed for students who are fourteen years of age or older. Each courseware package teaches specific skills that lead to mastery of the Braille literary reading code. All courseware packages are in the SAL Activity Mode.

Braille Basics 1 For Teens and Adults:
Introduction to Braille

A beginning Braille reader will develop the most efficient techniques for reading Braille and develop his/her individual reading style by completing exercises using tactual perception. When the basic hand movements become automatic, students experience success, gain speed and confidence, and are ready to move on to more advanced reading skills.

BBC1.UB.US** Braille Basics 1 for Teens and Adults-132 pages. Price: $195.00 USD***

Braille Basics 2 for Teens and Adults:
Learning the Braille Alphabet

The exercises in Braille Basics 2 provide practice in using Braille letters to create labels for food items, makeup, toiletries, music, appliances, and more. Single words, short phrases, and sentences that are useful in everyday activities are introduced. Techniques for using Braille to support individual needs and lifestyles are introduced.

BBC2.UB.US** Braille Basics 2 for Teens and Adults-226 pages. Price: $260.00 USD***
 

Foster Faster Braille Reading and Writing

The exercises in these books will improve reading speed and help minimize Braille reading and writing errors. Beginning Braille readers, of all ages, learn to read more smoothly by not stopping at the spaces between words. Experienced Braille readers, who want to improve their skills, also benefit from these tracking exercises. Eliminating excessive up-and-down and back-and-forth finger movements is the most important step in becoming a fluent Braille reader. These engaging exercises will help establish effective reading and writing techniques.

Each page in these tracking books presents a specific Braille model for the student to recognize. The student is then asked to find each occurrence of this model on the page and press it. A spoken message after each press indicates whether the student's response is correct. A score is given after each page is completed.

Word Tracking High Frequency Words

By the time the student completes these exercises the student will be familiar with the 500 most frequently used words in the English language. The student will also benefit by improving tactual discrimination, left-to-right progression, and reduction of reversals and omissions. Word Tracking includes fully contracted Braille reading and writing activities.

BRW2.FB.US** Word Tracking High Frequency Words-63 pages. Price: $89.95 USD***

Sentence Tracking

This book is designed to provide practice scanning lines of fully contracted Braille. This practice will improve reading speed and word recognition. The learner must differentiate real words from groups of letters that do not spell words.

BRW3.FB.US** Sentence Tracking-108 pages.
Price: $119.00 USD***

Literary Braille Practice Sentences
Systematic Review of the Braille Code

Literary Braille Practice Sentences allows students to review and practice reading letters, punctuation, and contractions. It has been used successfully for years to help students refine their Braille reading skills. The literary Braille contractions are introduced sequentially. The student is never asked to use a contraction until it has been introduced. Literary Braille Practice Sentences is an effective supplement to a complete reading program.

BRW1.FB.US* Literary Braille Practice Sentences-122 pages. Price: $109.50 USD***
 

High Noon Books
Sound Out Series Set A-1

Each book in the Sound Out series is written using a chapter format. This series gives students practice decoding words. Some pages show pictures. Press on the word "picture" to hear the picture described. Set A includes six books, three of which focus on short vowels and three that focus on long vowels. SAL helps students with minimal reading skills read these books from cover-to-cover.

· The Tug-Gus's tug is lost in the fog. Will it reach the dock safely? Only with a little help from Bob's friend.
· The Red Cap-Max, a big Lab, saves Ted and his red cap from a robbery. Ted's red cap will never be the same.
· Up the Hill-Kim and Pat race to the top of the hill where a "fortunate" mishap helps Pat race back down.
· Bass Lake-Grace and Sue awaken when a forest fire threatens the life of their friend.
· The Deep Sea-Dave and Bill's boat sinks and they are left adrift. Will they make it to Gull Rock?
· The Red Gem Mine- Jake and his mule turn out to be good miners.

Starting Gate Series Set 1

The Starting Gate series offers students reading below grade level an opportunity to experience success. There are five books in the Starting Gate series. Each book contains four short stories on contemporary topics. These topics will appeal to young people and adults. Starting with 101 basic sight words, each story presents new words to be added to the student's reading vocabulary. By the time all five books have been completed, a new vocabulary of 315 words will have been introduced. The books should be read in the order listed below.

· The New Computer and Other Stories, Book 1
· A Boat Ride and Other Stories, Book 2
· Up in the Clouds and Other Stories, Book 3
· A New City and Other Stories, Book 4
· The Music Store and Other Stories, Book 5
 

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