CDT Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When calibrating a text-to-speech device for a student with dyslexia, which speech rate setting is typically recommended as a starting point?
- Maximum speed to build fluency
- A slightly slower than natural rate (around 80–90% of normal speed) (Correct answer)
- The fastest rate the student can tolerate
- Silent mode with text highlighting only
Correct answer: A slightly slower than natural rate (around 80–90% of normal speed)
Starting at a slightly slower rate allows the student to follow along and build decoding skills before increasing speed.
Question 2: A therapist notices that the microphone on a speech-recognition device is producing garbled output during sessions. What is the FIRST troubleshooting step?
- Replace the microphone immediately
- Check and clean the microphone port for debris and verify the connection (Correct answer)
- Uninstall and reinstall all software
- Switch to a different student activity
Correct answer: Check and clean the microphone port for debris and verify the connection
Checking for physical debris and verifying the connection is the simplest first step before pursuing hardware replacement or software reinstallation.
Question 3: Which type of colored overlay maintenance practice helps ensure consistent visual benefit for a student using them during reading?
- Replacing them after every session
- Cleaning them weekly with a dry lint-free cloth and storing them flat (Correct answer)
- Washing them with soap and water daily
- Laminating new ones each month
Correct answer: Cleaning them weekly with a dry lint-free cloth and storing them flat
Weekly cleaning with a dry lint-free cloth removes smudges without damaging the overlay, and flat storage prevents warping.
Question 4: When using a digital audio recorder to document a student's oral reading during a CDT session, which file management practice is most important?
- Storing all recordings in a single unnamed folder
- Labeling recordings with the student's initials, date, and session number in a secure folder (Correct answer)
- Keeping recordings on the device indefinitely without backup
- Sharing recordings via unencrypted public cloud storage
Correct answer: Labeling recordings with the student's initials, date, and session number in a secure folder
Proper labeling and secure storage ensures compliance with FERPA and makes session data retrievable for progress monitoring.
Question 5: A portable light box used for tracing letter forms begins flickering during a session. What is the safest immediate action?
- Continue the session and note the issue for later
- Turn off the light box, discontinue its use, and report the malfunction for inspection (Correct answer)
- Place a cloth over the box to reduce the flickering
- Increase the brightness setting to override the flicker
Correct answer: Turn off the light box, discontinue its use, and report the malfunction for inspection
Flickering electrical equipment should be powered off and removed from use immediately to ensure student and therapist safety.
Question 6: Which assistive technology feature is MOST critical to verify before beginning a phonological awareness drill using computer software?
- Screen wallpaper color
- Audio output levels and speaker/headphone functionality (Correct answer)
- Internet browser version
- Keyboard backlighting
Correct answer: Audio output levels and speaker/headphone functionality
Phonological awareness drills rely on auditory feedback, so confirming that audio output is functional is essential before the activity begins.
Question 7: When storing multisensory sandpaper letter tiles, which condition is most likely to cause them to degrade prematurely?
- Storing them in a cool, dry environment
- Stacking them loosely in an open bin
- Exposing them to high humidity and direct sunlight (Correct answer)
- Keeping them in labeled zip-lock bags
Correct answer: Exposing them to high humidity and direct sunlight
Humidity causes sandpaper to lose grit adhesion and warps cardboard backing, while sunlight fades tactile contrast cues.
CDT Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2
When calibrating a text-to-speech device for a student with dyslexia, which speech rate setting is typically recommended as a starting point?