There use to be a product called Dynamite Math which you could download from
RegSoft at the cost of $12.95.  It was very good practice for long division
and long multiplication problems because the program lined up the problems
and the cursor would go where the next digit would be inserted.  I don't
think you could enter your own problems though.  I went to the RegSoft
website and couldn't find it so you might not be able to find it anymore.
There is also a program called, Access to Math.  I have not personally used
the product, but it sounds like what you might be looking for.  You can find
it at www.donjohnston.com. The cost is $79.00 for a single user. I am
surprised that the school district could not offer you any suggestions.
They should have a solid understanding of educational technology and be able
to offer you a choice of options.  I would also suggest that you visit
www.ldonline.org.  It is a wonderful resource.

Ann Pearce
Assistive Technology Librarian
Manhattan Public Library

-----Original Message-----
From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of McCandlish, Karen
(ETS: Library)
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2002 8:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Math computer for students with NLD?


I checked the EASI website, but did not find what I was looking for.
I have a daughter with NLD (nonverbal learning disability)which effects
spacial understanding.  I am looking for something that would allow her to
do her math on the computer as you would on a sheet of paper.  In other
words, typing in the numbers and having the computer line them up neatly and
legibly.  Then the student does all the work of multiplying, carrying,
adding, etc. and gives their answer, so not a calculator.  There is a
product called Math Pad, but the one that can allow you to do
multiplication, division, and factions is about $100!!  It is a software.

Now I know there isn't a big market for this type of product and that is
probably why it is priced so high.  I also know that getting services, and
resources from the school system (especially during this present time of
budget crisis- I live in the City of Rochester) is like pulling teeth and
they didn't even really want to give her an alphasmart, but she had been
using it for years at her old school and so it was continued.  I know that
she deserves these things, and that the school district should rightfully
pay for them, but if I have to pay a lawyer to come with me to an IEP
meeting then I might as well just pay for it myself.

I was just wondering if there was another product out there that is cheaper.
I saw something similar for around $30, but it was only for Macs and neither
I nor the school have a Mac.  Has anyone seen anything like this?  I have
heard it can really improve the math work for children with NLD.  The other
option is to write to the maker of the product and ask for a gift or
discount.  I'm kind of shy about it, but I will do that and grovel if
necessary.  I just don't know how successful that might be.  It was
suggested to me by their customer service and she was very nice, sympathetic
and helpful.  I'm sure it's a wonderful product but right now I have to pay
for catholic school because the city schools are so huge and not very safe
for these girls given the disability and other factors.

Thanks for suggestions.
                                             -Karen McCandlish