Gardner, T. J. (2008). Speech recognition for students with disabilities in writing . Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services , 26 (2), 43–53. https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/pders

[no doi reported]; Also downloadable from ERIC online database: http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ795377

The use of speech recognition technology for students with physical disabilities who cannot use computer keyboards or switches was discussed.

Literature related to speech recognition technology for students with physical disabilities was examined.

A literature review of research related to speech recognition technology and students with physical disabilities was conducted. Benefits and limitations of the use of speech recognition technology for students with physical disabilities that emerged from the review were highlighted.

Benefits of using speech recognition technology for students with disabilities included ease of access, decreased teacher time working one-on-one with the student, increased independence, participation in standardized writing assessments, and improved generation of ideas. Problems included limited accuracy for students with dysarthric speech, unacceptable modifications of formal assessments, the need for error recognition and correction, the need for problem solving skills, and the challenge of computer access. The researcher concluded that the use of speech recognition technology is an effective way to assist students in their writing abilities.