Voice/Speech Recognition       The technology with voice/speech recognition software continues to develop.  Check our own computer to see what is already installed.  The older versions of Windows may not have this feature but check it out anyways.   To see if it’s available try this:   Go to Control Panel … click on Sounds and Audio Devices …click on Voice and follow the instructions to test your microphone.   Go back to Control Panel … click on Speech or Speech Properties … click on Speech Recognition (text to speech feature is also on this page) … in the Language box look for Microsoft English (US) Recognizer v5.1 or later, then follow the instructions to configure your microphone and train your voice profile.   The most popular version of Voice/Speech Recognition software is Dragon Naturally Speaking.  One of our staff has used this … ask us for more information.   Voice-Activated Software          Sound Beginnings and Sound Beginnings Making Sounds are great examples of voice activated software that we have.  To move a character or blow up a balloon all that is needed is a sound.     One of the activities is moving a truck along a road.  Each time a sound is made the truck moves ahead – but you have to watch out for the gate and cow on the road … you wouldn’t want to hit them!  This is also a great opportunity to build visual perceptual skills too such as tracking and motor planning – when to make the sound!   You can track the progress of each child with both programs as well as modify it to meet their needs.   You are welcome to try this out in your classrooms – the kids will love it!!