Rocket Reader: A simplified PDA-based portable reading system for enabling access to audio books and electronic documents for individuals with intellectual disabilities

One of the most significant barriers existing today for individuals with intellectual disabilities is the inability for much of this population to independently read and access written information. The plethora of materials available electronically, including books, biographies, audio books as well as talking book services for individuals with visual and learning disabilities. Regrettably, while the amount of information now available electronically is greater than ever, tools that exist to access these materials have not been developed with individuals intellectual disabilities in mind, thus making them practically not available to this population. There is great need for innovative solutions to rectify this disparity and make available the educational and recreational benefits offered by electronic books and materials to individuals with intellectual disabilities. In this project we will develop Rocket Reader, a palmtop computer based application that will enable individuals with intellectual difficulties to access electronic books and documents of their own choosing. In Phase I we will identify the requirements for the system, design and build a software prototype, and conduct a pilot study to evaluate the utility of the system.