Happy New Year!

Season's Greetings

 I look forward to all that the new year will bring and to sharing the many resources I come across with all of you! Happy holidays and New Year!

#ATchat recap with Storify

Scroll through the slides to catch up on last night's #ATchat which focused on StrATegies for Success!

A Special Needs Gift Giving Guide

The excitement of children expressing their desire for new toys and "hot items" are echoing through homes around the country as we come full swing into the holiday season. With that being said, many families are faced with the daunting task of selecting the right gifts for their children or loved ones. This may resonate more deeply for families of children with special needs.

Glenda Hampton Anderson from Glenda's Assistive Technology Information and More...blog shares a comprehensive gift giving guide of what to consider when buying toys for children with disabilities. The guide provides insight into considerations of toy safety, gift giving ideas for toys ideal for younger children to gifts better suited for teens, as well as a long list of helpful resources. 

My hope is you find the guide, as well as the vast resources Glenda offers on her fantastic blog, as a great starting point and hopefully provides some relief during this fun-filled, but at times stressful, time of year. Happy shopping!!! 

Gift Giving Guide for Kids with Special Needs Link

Source: Glenda's Assistive Technology Information and More...blog

Twitter Chat: Preview Tonight's #ATchat Questions

Twitter Chat: StrATegies for Success

I am extremely excited that I was asked to co-moderate this week's #ATchat on Twitter with the extremely knowledgeable Mike Marotta (@mmatp). The focus of our discussion will be about StrATegies for Success when screening for and implementing assistive technology. This is a great chat for those new to the AT field to ask questions and perfect for AT "veterans" to discuss areas of success and share their go-to resources. A preview of the questions will be posted here tomorrow! Whether you want to lurk, follow along or actively participate, be sure to join us tomorrow night at 8-9pm EST on Twitter using the hashtag #ATchat! 

Motivational Monday

Sensory Friendly Santa

The incredible website Autism Speaks is once again joining "holiday forces" with the Noerr Programs Corporation on their Sensory-Friendly Santa programs! Caring Santa (a partnership with SIMON Malls), Santa Cares and Sensitive Santa (a partnership with Washington Prime Group Malls) all provide families that have children with autism and other special needs with the opportunity to connect with Santa in a special way this holiday season! The events provide a more controlled and welcoming environment to visit Noerr’s Santa Photo Experience. 

Be sure to visit the Austism Speaks site to find more information about these events happening in your area. Just another reason to love Santa a little bit more! 

In addition to the NOERR events (hosted at the Walt Whitman and Smithtown Malls on Long Island, NY), please be sure to look into the "Sensitive Santa" event at the Broadway Mall in  Hicksville, NY from 10-11am on December 11, 2016. Following the Santa Event, there is an opportunity for children to partake in a holiday craft hosted by the Hicksville Macaroni Kid. 

As described below, guests who have sent an RSVP or registered on or before December 4th will be provided time set aside with Santa in an environment to support the child's sensory needs. 

If interested contact Ariel Nelson at Anelson@broadwaymall.com .

Source: Autism Speaks, Macaroni Kid, NOERR program

Apple Showcases Accessibility Features

Apple's redesigned accessibility webpage launched a few weeks ago and is showcasing how essential assistive technology is for people with disabilities. Unlike the previous version of Apple's site, which displayed Apple's disability-friendly technology through straightforward descriptions and static photos, the new site shows Apple's AT in action through short 30-second videos. Below you can find the links to view these short trailers.

On December 20th, I will be attending an Apple Tools for Special Needs conference held in Long Island, NY where I will have a firsthand look at the new and improved accessibility technology available. If you're in the area and are interested in attending, click the link to register.  

 It's technology that is changing the lives of people with disabilities around the globe, enhancing the way they interact with the world on a daily basis. -Katie Dupere, Mashable.com 

Click above to see the Alanna Flax-Clark using the Workout App. 

Click to watch a trailer of Sady Paulson using the Switch Control.  

See Mountain Guide, Win Whittaker, using the Live Listen accessibility feature. 

Click above to watch the VoiceOver features used by Mario Garcia. 

Click above to explore all accessibility features available through Apple. 

To learn more about the accessibility features from Apple, read the Mashable article New Apple accessibility videos showcase real people using life-changing assistive tech by Katie Dupere. 

Source: Apple; Mashable

Webinar Wednesday: How to Use Speech Recognition for Writing

Speech Recognition—it's now accessible in a variety of devices and apps including Co:Writer. But, how do we leverage it with students? In this webinar, hosted by Don Johnston, the creater of Co:Writer, you'll learn how to consider, try, assess, and implement speech recognition. You'll also learn how to assess effectiveness.

Presenter: Daniel Cochrane (@DCochraneATP), AT specialist/coordinator for   Community Unit School District 200 in Wheaton and Warrenville, IL.

Presenter: Kelly Key (@KKey_AT), AT Coordinator, Barrington Community       School District 220 in Barrington, IL.

What: How to Use Speech Recognition for Writing

When: December 6, 2016 

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (CST)

Source: Don Johnston

Embracing Dyslexia

The powerful documentary film, Embracing Dyslexia by Luis Macias, gives viewers an insider's perspective what life is like living with dyslexia in moving testimonials from parents of children with dyslexia and dyslexic adults. Throughout the film they reveal the life-altering impact the word dyslexia had on their lives, including the hurdles each has faced, as well as the success they experienced throughout their journey. Hear from educators, researchers and dyslexia experts as they explain the importance of early detection through screenings and various resources and strategies available once a diagnosis is made. The message that echoes throughout the hour long film is one of hope and that by recognizing and fostering the natural gifts and abilities of a child with dyslexia, they can shift the mindset from feeling stupid and experiencing failure on a daily basis to believing in themselves and knowing that they can be successful. 

If you are interested in hosting a screening, click here for a free printable flyer. 

For more information or to view the film outside of this blog, visit the Embracing Dyslexia website. 

Source: Embracing Dyslexia 

Motivational Monday

A Moment of Gratitude

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported my blog either by visiting, subscribing or sharing the resources I post. It is amazing to see something that was a simple idea only a few short months ago take on a life of its own. I truly feel blessed and thankful to have this platform to share so many valuable resources with all of you, and look forward to what lies ahead...

The Power of Touch for People with Autism

To print, or zoom in to enlarge the text, click on the link here.

Source: Lenovo

Motivational Monday

Friday "Appy" Hour: Reading With Dyslexia Simplified With Pocket

The widely popular app Pocket, known best for its article-saving read-it-later features, recently released a feature that would make it significantly easier for those with dyslexia to use. Pocket's latest version includes text-to-speech functions and enables all users support for the font Dyslexie [sample below], which is designed to create subtle changes in character structure to prevent confusion between similar looking letters.

What Dyslexie looks like on Pocket. buzzfeed.com

Although the update may appear minimal, it is anything but to those who suffer from dyslexia. The update could mean a vast change in reading comfort and speed, ensuring all of Pocket's users the best experience possible when interacting with printed materials.

Read more about the how Pocket can support struggling readers click here.

To watch a demo of the features of pocket watch the video below:

Source: Buzzfeed, YouTube

Using Assistive Technology for Math and Science

Edutopia's 5-Minute Film Festival: The Power of Assistive Technology highlights the benefits of the utilization of Assistive Technology in the educational setting. Often times much of the focus falls on supports for reading and writing. However, the need for support does not end with reading and math, and students often require additional support in Math and Science. The video featured below focuses on successful strategies for applying AT for both Math and Science. Click to access the original video. 

Source: YouTube

Webinar Wednesday: UDL and Cultural Variability

How does Universal Design for Learning (UDL) help educators address the challenges of cultural diversity in the classroom? How can learners’ cultural differences be leveraged to inspire more innovation, creativity, and expert learning?

Join Loui Lord Nelson (@LouiLordNelson), UDL author and consultant, and Joni Degner (@DegnerJoni), UDL specialist and educator, on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 2:00-3:00 pm EST, for a discussion about using the UDL framework to improve teaching and learning in culturally rich classrooms. The webinar, is hosted by CAST Professional Learning and is free. 

Can't attend live....hear the recorded versions at a later date if you registered. 

Click below to register...

Source: CAST Professional Learning

Webinar Wednesday: Assistive Tech for Writing Worksheets

Join the Learning Ally community on Thursday, November 17, 2016 for a free webinar geared towards parents and educators who work with dyslexic students. When the term dyslexia is used, often times people think this involves difficulty when reading. However, often times students with dyslexia not only struggle with reading, but also experience difficulty with transferring their ideas into written form. Whether it's a comorbid disability like dysgraphia or just a challenge to get thoughts onto paper, there are many assistive technology options that can help.

One of those options is SnapType, which was developed by Amberlynn Gifford, an Occupational Therapy Graduate Student. She noticed students were struggling to complete worksheets. 

By signing up you can participate and ask questions during the webinar live, or watch the recording at a time convenient for you, as the application is demonstrated. Click the link below to register!

Register Now!

Source: Learning Ally

**I am not endorsed or affiliated with Learning Ally or SnapType. I just enjoy sharing great resources when I come across them.**

Accessibility Features in iOS10

With so many improvements and updates to the latest iOS, this infographic from Call Scotland highlights three, out of the many, improved accessibility features which will provide support to struggling learners. To access a printable version of this infographic click here. 

Source: Call Scotland

Motivational Monday

Honoring All Who Served

The Impact of Assistive Technology

The article featured here on Where It's AT, written by Karen Janowski (@karenjan) , touches upon the important role assistive technology plays within the educational setting. Although assistive technology must be considered for all students based on the unique needs of the student, often times, IEP teams focus on the assistive technology needs of students with severe physical, intellectual, communication, and sensory impairments. With many advances in technology over recent years, the assistive technology has become far reaching and becoming more commonplace within the general education and special education classroom settings.


Through this article you can see the profound positive impact that assistive technology can have on all learners. Read the article below or click here to access the original article.

Does assistive technology make a difference? 

Don't take my word for it.

Ask the fifth-grade student who typically took four months to read one book and was finally able to read four books in one month because of her use of technology (VoiceDream Reader with Bookshare membership). She recommended books to her friends. How do you think she felt being able to do that for the first time ever?


Ask the high school student with written expression challenges who received support through the Insert Comments feature in Google Docs. He stated, "I'm getting help when I'm writing instead of after I'm done."


Ask the high school autistic student who up until that time was dependent on others for being his voice since he wasn't provided with the technology he needed. For the first time, he could use his device and finally tell someone, "Leave me alone!"

Ask the elementary age student who had a meltdown any time he was asked to write. He used recording technology and was able to independently record his thoughts instead of needing to dictate to an adult (which promoted dependence).


Ask the student who is now able to use vocabulary which reflects his superior language skills when composing text instead of using words that he was able to spell independently. (Word prediction or spellcheck built-in Google Docs)

Ask the student who is now recording his thoughts for the first time instead of having to be dependent on someone else who scribes for him.


Ask the 18-year-old student who struggled with significant reading issues (reading at a second grade level) but felt successful when he read grade level text by adjust the visual presentation and reading rate to what worked for him. (Very large font size and focused reading screen with only two words on a line).


Ask the ninth grade student who saw the font size in the print copy of To Kill a Mockingbird and dreaded trying to read through the text on his own and then was introduced to a reading app. He listened to the book while he followed the text and described it as the best book he ever read.


Ask the senior in high school who attends a very prestigious school for students with learning disabilities who was introduced to assistive technology the summer before his senior year and asked, "Why didn't anyone show me these things earlier?"


Ask the middle school student who doesn't want to be seen as different but realizes the use of technology makes learning possible. Why is he in an environment where he is "different"? Why don't we make technology available to everyone, embedded, proactive, universal, adjusting to variability within our classrooms? This is Universal Design for Learning.


Ask the brilliant high school student with dysgraphia resulting in illegible handwriting which interfered with his ability to demonstrate his learning in AP calculus. He was introduced to technology which bypassed his challenges and excelled (Efofex).


Ask the student who was given packets and packets of worksheets and information that was paper-based and was provided a device (iPad with specific apps) which stored all his materials. He no longer struggled with managing his materials and kept them organized in folders on his device. No more zeroes for failing to hand in completed assignments.


Does (Assistive) Technology make a difference in the lives of students? It's a resounding, "Yes!" So why don't all students who need it have access to it? I will try to answer that question in another post.

It is time to ensure all students have access to the technology they need.

Source: Ed Tech Solutions: Teaching Every Student

Why Audiobooks Work Infographic

Often times conversations arise regarding the effectiveness of audiobooks. The following infographic provided by Learning Ally and We Are Teachers debunks many of the pervasive myths associated with audiobooks and highlights the benefits of implementing them within your home or classroom. 

To access a printable version of this infographic click here! 

Source: Learning Ally and We are Teachers

Understanding Assistive Technology

Today's post highlights a Simply Said video, which provides a clear and concise definition to understand Assistive Technology. Simply Said is an ongoing video series designed by the PACER Center to explain complex topics in easy-to-understand language. In addition to the video posted below, the PACER Center's website offers other videos in the series that cover topics from Assistive Technology to AT Loan Libraries and Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM). Visit the PACER Center's website to browse their available resources or sign up for one of their free webinars (featured in an upcoming post).

Source: Pacer Center

Free Expert Chats from Understood.org

Understood.org hosts articles, webinars, and live chats to provide support for educators and parents of students/children with learning and attentional issues. Statistically speaking, one in five children struggle with issues related to reading, math, writing, focus and organization. Understood’s mission is to empower educators and parents to develop a greater understanding regarding these issues and support them with strategies that can allow their children to go from simply coping to truly thriving in school and in life.

Each month Understood.org posts a calendar of live expert "chats", accessible on Facebook and/or Twitter, which focus on a variety of topics. To view the calendar, click on the link. The image below is a sneak peek at what's to come this week!

Live Expert Chat Link

Motivational Monday

Angelman Syndrome Foundation Webinar Series

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation sponsored a series of 42 webinars last year designed for teachers, therapists and parents of children with Angelman Syndrome. Angelman is a complex neurogenetic disorder found in 1 in 15,000 live births. Characteristics of this disorder include, but are not limited to significant developmental delays,  little or no speech and motor impairments. The video highlighted below is the story of Ever and her journey to a diagnosis. It provides other families and educational teams more information about the symptoms and characteristics of Angelman.

These free recorded webinars might be useful to anyone involved with students who score in the 1st percentile across domains and are emergent in their communication and literacy skills. The topics include: how to get started with AAC, integrating core vocabulary into the school day, shared reading, shared writing, independent writing, and more. The series presenters include Erin Sheldon (ES), Maureen Nevers (MN), Caroline Musselwhite (CM), Mary-Louise Bertram (MB). Follow and click on the links below to view the list of webinars and to access the series on the Angelman Syndrome Foundation's YouTube Channel. 


A list of webinars by topic is here: 

               

Link to Lists of Webinars

The YouTube channel for the series is here

Link to YouTube channel for the series

Source: 

Assistive Tech 101: Basics for Students with Dyslexia

The research is definitive regarding technology and instruction for students with dyslexia. As stated by the Region10ESC website, when students have access to effective technology, their overall performance improves. Technology has many benefits for students with reading difficulties, but the opportunity to access rich content ranks at the top. Technology tools allow students with dyslexia to be equal participants in school-based learning experiences. The goal is to support students in skills not yet mastered by providing access to instructional/assistive technology in conjunction with learning strategies and targeted reading instruction.Effective instruction can help students overcome the difficulties described above, and current research indicates that a wide range of options in technology can be an important part of that effective instruction and an important part of student support. Much of the technology intended for instruction can be used in an assistive manner to support all students, especially those with dyslexia. 

I chose to highlight a Noodle article, written by the dyslexia expert Jamie Martin, where he discusses the available technologies to help increase independence for students with dyslexia. Specific technologies are mentioned that have positively affected many students, however, the list of possible technologies is far reaching. The article helps provide parents and educational teams a starting point on where to begin when considering assistive technology. 

Assistive Tech 101: Basics for Students with Dyslexia Article

Sources: Noodle, Region10ESC