week 6 Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is the bottom-up approach to reading?
The bottom-up approach involves decoding individual letters into sounds, then blending these sounds to form a word. For example, the word “SPOON” is decoded as /s/ + /p/ + /oo/ + /n/ to form “spoon”.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the bottom-up reading approach?
- Advantages: It helps read new or unfamiliar words, including words in different languages.
- Disadvantages: It is slow and not effective for irregularly spelled words (e.g., “YACHT”).
What is the top-down approach to reading?
The top-down approach relies on visual recognition of whole words, bypassing phonology. The brain recognizes the visual pattern of a word and associates it with its meaning, like recognizing the word “SPOON” as a whole.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the top-down reading approach?
- Advantages: Fast and efficient, recognizes misspelled words in context.
- Disadvantages: Less accurate for unfamiliar words or irregular spellings (e.g., “YACHT”).
How do both the bottom-up and top-down approaches complement each other?
Both approaches work together to enhance reading efficiency. Bottom-up helps us decode unfamiliar words, while top-down allows us to quickly recognize familiar words, improving reading speed and accuracy.
What are the higher-order processes involved in reading and writing?
- Semantics: Understanding word meanings.
- Syntax: Sentence structure and grammar.
- Morphology: Word forms, such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots.
What is acquired dyslexia?
Acquired dyslexia refers to the loss of reading and spelling abilities due to brain injury or illness, such as a stroke or head trauma.
What is phonological dyslexia?
Phonological dyslexia is when a person has difficulty with bottom-up reading, such as sounding out unfamiliar or nonsense words. They can still recognize familiar words.
What is deep dyslexia?
Deep dyslexia involves difficulty producing the correct spoken form of a written word. Words may be substituted for related meanings, such as reading “EDUCATOR” as “education.”
What is surface dyslexia?
Surface dyslexia occurs when a person cannot recognize whole words and must sound them out. It works for regular words (e.g., “CAT”) but not irregularly spelled words (e.g., “YACHT”).
How can people with dyslexia be supported in reading?
- Impairment-level support: Medical interventions and rehabilitation.
- Environmental modifications: Use of picture-based lists, larger font sizes, shorter sentences, and simpler vocabulary. “Easy English” can also assist with communication.
What does Gerard Nolst Trenité’s poem illustrate about English spelling?
The poem humorously highlights the inconsistencies in English spelling, showing how words like “yacht,” “break,” and “steak” don’t follow predictable rules, which can be challenging for learners.
What are the key principles for modifying text to improve accessibility for people with low vision?
- Contrast: Use light colors on dark backgrounds and vice versa (e.g., black on white).
- Size: Increase font size for better visibility.
- Organization: Ensure text is logically organized and avoid placing text over busy images.
- Brightness: Minimize glare, especially for signs exposed to light.
What is Braille, and how is it used?
Braille is a tactile system of writing with six raised dots that represent letters or numbers. Users read it by feeling the raised dots with their fingers. It is read left to right, typically with two hands and a light touch.
How do Braille machines work, and how have they evolved?
Braille machines, such as the Perkins Brailler, allow users to write Braille. They were once bulky, but now there are portable versions and Braille printers that can connect to computers, making it easier for people with vision impairments to access written material.
What is the difference between screen readers and speech-to-text software?
- Screen Readers: Convert screen content into audible descriptions, helping users navigate computers and websites.
- Speech-to-Text: Converts spoken words into text, useful for people who cannot type or write.
What are the considerations for making digital texts accessible to screen readers?
- Alt-text: Descriptions of images that screen readers can read aloud.
- Levels of Headings: Use proper heading levels in documents to help screen readers navigate.
- Avoid PDFs: PDFs often do not work well with screen readers, so Word or plain text documents are more accessible.
What is tactile and audio signage, and why is it important?
Tactile and audio signage helps people with vision impairments navigate spaces. Tactile maps allow users to “feel” for landmarks, while audio signs provide spoken instructions, improving wayfinding.
What is audio description, and how does it improve access to visual information?
Audio description (AD) provides an audible description of visual elements in TV programs, films, or live performances, making the content accessible to people with vision impairment. It is typically delivered through a private headset.
What are some types of mobile assistive technologies for the visually impaired?
Mobile apps and devices for people with vision impairments include those that help with navigation, text recognition, object identification, and even reading out loud. These technologies help individuals interact with the world despite their vision impairment.
How can user-centered design benefit assistive technologies for people with vision impairments?
User-centered design ensures that the technology is tailored to the actual needs and preferences of the user, making it more effective and easier to use.
What are some communication strategies for talking to people with a vision impairment?
- Identify yourself when speaking to them.
- Speak naturally and clearly.
- Use accurate and specific language for directions.
- Don’t assume the person can recognize you by your voice.
- Avoid talking through a third person.
- Always ask if help is needed.
How can participation opportunities be opened up for people with vision impairments through apps and devices?
Apps and devices allow people with vision impairments to access various aspects of life, such as education, entertainment, and navigation, increasing their independence and involvement in society.
What are the benefits of using alternative formats like “Easy English” for people with vision impairments?
“Easy English” uses strategies like larger fonts, simpler language, and visual aids to make written communication more accessible to people with vision impairments, as well as those with other disabilities.
