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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Webinar Wednesday: AT Chatter - Early Learning Webinar

AT Chatter: Early Learning webinar

Date: February 5, 2018
Time: 11:30-12:30
Presenter: Rose Racicot, MS, OTR/L, AT Specialist


Registration Information:



Or contact via E-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
This is an opportunity for Washington state AT providers and educational team members to come together in an informal on-line gathering to discuss current AT Topics. We will have a facilitator who will start the webinar, provide questions and facilitate the participant discussion. Questions will be sent out to registered participants prior to the scheduled Talk. This AT Chatter will focus on AT for Early Learning.

Presenter:
This event will be facilitated by Rose Racicot, MS, OTR/L is an OT and Assistive Technology Program Specialist in Kent School District with 30 years of experience. She has conducted research and been published on “The Effect of Multimedia Software on Written Productivity”. She presents workshops on literacy support software, UDL, iPad and other AT topics at state and national conferences as well as guest lecturing at local OT and OTA schools. She is passionate about helping educators implement Universal Design for Learning principles to create inclusive classrooms for all students to succeed.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Motivational Monday



Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Webinar Wednesday: Wearables as Supports for Executive Functioning and Independence

In this session, you will learn about a number wearables and smartwatches in order to help you select the device(s) that best meets your access needs while staying on budget. Following an overview of the built-in accessibility features of these devices, you will then learn about a number of apps that can assist in improving executive functioning capabilities and promoting independence for a variety of learners. These include apps for managing time and information, staying on task, and successfully completing daily living goals.

Luis PerezLuis Pérez is a technical assistance specialist for the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. In this role, he promotes the creation, delivery and use of high quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support equitable learning opportunities for all students. He holds a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. While at USF, he was project manager for Tech Ease for All, a collection of free assistive technology and web accessibility resources for educators from the Florida Center for Instructional Technology. He was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) in 2009, and the Inclusive Learning Network of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) named him its 2016 Outstanding Inclusive Educator.
Event Date: 
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 - 5:00pm to 6:00pm EST
Location Details/Address: 
To connect to the webinar....
Go to https://ctd1.adobeconnect.com/ctd2
To connect to the audio via telephone: 
Dial: 1-866-668-0721
Conference Code: 2934 42 2503

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Study Tips for College Students with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia

Assistive Technology, Test-Taking Strategies and Other Resources
More than 4 million Americans reported having learning disabilities in the 2010 census, and yet only
24 percent of young adults with the diagnosis inform their college or university about their special needs. Understanding learning disabilities and eliminating the stigma surrounding them is necessary for students to achieve success in and out of the classroom.

This guide defines and explores three of the most common learning disabilities among college students: dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Additionally, it provides actionable strategies, expert tips and resources for sharing disabilities with instructors, learning in the classroom as well as preparing for and taking exams.

Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
Dyslexia affects approximately 20 percent of the population, and 80-90 percent of people with learning disabilities. It’s believed to be caused by differences in brain connectivity.
“To break it down, dyslexia affects reading and the interpretation of words; dysgraphia impacts one’s writing abilities,” explains Danielle Augustin, a special education attorney.
For any person to read words, the brain must perform several complex steps that essentially answer the following questions:
  • What sound goes with the letter?
  • What is the correct order for those sounds?
  • How do you put the individual words into sentences?
Although many believe dyslexia means seeing and writing words backward, the symptom of letter/word reversal is a myth. People with dyslexia have difficulty matching sounds to letters and blending sounds into words, leading to problems with spelling, writing and speaking.
While people with dyslexia may also have dysgraphia, they are two distinct disabilities. Dysgraphia is defined as difficulty forming letters by hand and organizing and expressing thoughts in writing.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia both can lead to struggles in the classroom. College students with dyslexia may take longer to finish tests, have messy handwriting, read slowly and have trouble with note-taking. Those with dysgraphia may take longer to write and their work might be filled with grammar and spelling errors. These issues can take a big toll on a student’s self-esteem.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia are unrelated to intelligence, however. In fact, many people with learning disabilities are creative, fast thinkers with strong reasoning skills. While there is no cure for either, there are strategies to help students who struggle with dyslexia or dysgraphia to succeed.

What About Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia makes it difficult to understand and manipulate numbers and learn math facts. It can occur developmentally or result from traumatic brain injury or neurological disease.
“In addition to difficulty understanding these basic concepts, dyscalculia often includes trouble with both logical information sequencing and time sequencing, and                                    messiness when writing math problems on a paper,” says Suzanne Cresswell, an                                  occupational therapist.
In college, students with dyscalculia may struggle with quantitative concepts such as                                estimation or comparison. It can be difficult to retrieve multiplication and division facts,                                  making higher-level math a challenge. Even simple computational operations and                                    procedures can become impossible when using the wrong application or making                                    sequencing errors.
Symptoms of dysgraphia vary. It’s common for students to have dysgraphia and dyslexia                      concurrently. In fact, 43-65 percent of the population with a math disability also has a                                    reading disability. The good news is, just like with dyslexia and dysgraphia, there is help for                          college students with dyscalculia.
Working with Your Professors
All students must receive equal access to facilities, programs and activities on campus, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students are used to their parents working with the school to get accommodations for their learning disabilities in elementary through high school; but in college, it’s up to the students to advocate for themselves.
“It’s important to keep in mind that, as a student with unique learning needs, you are an ambassador for the countless unique learners that follow you,” Cresswell says. “When you communicate with your teacher or professor how you learn best, you will help them understand other unique learners better.”
Augustin encourages students to have open communication with their instructors. “Let them know the areas you struggle with so that you can both come up with the best solution to accommodate your needs,” she advises. “Accommodations you are entitled to may include priority registration, private testing, notes from note-taker or scribe, extended time on tests, course substitutions and textbooks in an alternate format.”
“For example, you might say, ‘I have difficulty reading,’” Cresswell says. “‘I need to sit close to you, so I can really listen and look at you while I take notes.’”
Here’s a list of expert tips to help you prepare for the lecture hall:
  • Have a plan to keep track of assignments and due dates. Keep in mind all quizzes, 
         exams, tests, papers, etc.
  • Pre-read the assignments listed on the syllabus so you can identify words difficult to 
         pronounce.
  • Plan to work with a tutor 1:1 or get involved in a campus study group.
  • Sit in front of the room or lecture hall — close to the instructor — and away from 
         distractions.
  • When you get an assignment, break it into small pieces. Develop an outline of what 
         needs to be accomplished to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
  • Utilize assistive technology such as laptops and reading, recording and note-taking 
         pens.
  • After each lecture, confirm with the professor the expectations for any upcoming 
         assignments and ensure you fully understand.

  • Meet regularly with the professor or teacher’s assistant for office hours.
Brain Drills and Study Tips
Suzanne Cresswell shares the following brain drill warm-ups:



Find an article in an old print magazine. Start by taking a pen or pencil and making a 
snake-like line from left to right under the first word, diagonally up in the space between the 
first and second word, then draw the line over the second word, diagonally down between the 
second and third word, under the third word and so on until the end of the line. Pick up your 
pen at the end of the line and repeat on the second line going under, over, under, over, and 
then pick up the pen to work on the third line. Continue for 10 lines. Challenge yourself to not 
allow your snake-like line to touch any letters. Go slowly and carefully. Tune your eyes into 
the spaces. The spaces between words convey as much meaning as the letters and words 
themselves.


For students with dysgraphiaThink of a sentence and write it down. Look at your work. Circle the letters that lack legibility. 
Write that “problem” letter again until the shape and legibility improve. Repeat with each circled 
letter. Rewrite the sentence again once you’ve practiced each “problem” letter individually. 
This time, circle five letters you formed perfectly. Trace over those perfectly formed letters. 
Close your eyes and try to print the five “favorite letters” by feel. Really feel the tips of the 
fingers move the pen on the paper. Progress this activity by using a different writing utensil 
(try chalk on a chalkboard) and different writing posture (tape the paper to a window and do 
the activity while standing on one foot).

Other Resources

Top 12 Study Tips
  • Tip 1: Remove all distractions including internet, television and cell phone from your study area.
  • Tip 2: Play classical or instrumental music in the background to relax.
  • Tip 3: Set small goals and reward yourself when you complete them.
  • Tip 4: Keep an agenda/planner and check it off as you finish to visualize your progress.
  • Tip 5: Use a phonetic dictionary to sound out words.
  • Tip 6: Study outside of your room. Try a coffee shop or library.
  • Tip 7: Use a peer’s notes or the instructor’s notes (through accommodations) to ensure you have accurate information.
  • Tip 8: If you have dyslexia and are borrowing notes, rewrite them in your own handwriting as a memorization strategy.
  • Tip 9: Turn your written notes into pictures or diagrams to make them easier to remember.
  • Tip 10: Try reading your notes aloud in addition to other strategies.
  • Tip 11: Check on campus for a study skills group for support.
  • Tip 12: Practice “brain drills” or warm-ups before a study session.
Strategies for Test Taking
Taking tests can be anxiety-inducing for any student but it’s especially stressful for students with a learning disability. Most students can benefit from testing in a separate or smaller environment and seeking extra test time. Here are some specific test-taking pointers from our experts to build confidence during exam time:
Be mindful of the exam format
The test format matters more to the student with reading difficulties than other, more typical learners. Just like performance athletes practice sport-specific training, the college learner needs to study in a test-specific environment. Determine in advance the type of test you will be taking and whether it will be on paper or the computer.
Stay calm
Students with dysgraphia know that being unable to trust that your fingers will listen to your brain is frustrating. Deal with the uncomfortable feelings by taking calm, deep breaths and doing shoulder circles during the test time. Read the test questions in advance and, while you do, warm up your fingers with a fidget spinner or squeeze a stress ball.
Plan your time
If you have an hour, read all the test questions first and make notes to make it easier for you to read the hard words when you go over it again. Work through the test, moving on to the next question if you feel stuck. Spend the last 20 minutes working on the questions you skipped and reviewing the entire exam.
Proofread
Reviewing completed answers is very important for students with dysgraphia and should begin when a third of the test time is remaining. Watch for spacing between your words and legible letter shape. If any time remains after proofing, continue to work on difficult problems until time runs out.

Study Help: Technology Edition

  • Text-to-speech tools
    Convert text to a synthesized voice with programs such as Natural ReaderIvona and WordTalk.
  • Reading/scanning pens
    E-pens such as Wizcom ReadingPen 2, help by reading the text aloud that students scan from books and other written material.
  • Recording pens
    These pens digitally record students’ written notes while pens such as Livescribe Smartpen and SoundNote simultaneously record audio while you type.
  • Proofreading software
    Find and correct spelling and grammar errors with programs such as GrammarlyGinger and the comprehensive Ghotit, which also reads text aloud.
  • Text Expander
    By expanding keyboard shortcuts into text and images, this program helps students with writing difficulties.
  • MindNode
    Students transform ideas into visual representations by creating and sharing mindmaps.
  • WritePad
    Use a stylus or your finger to take notes on your iPad in your handwriting using your own shorthand.
  • My Study Life
    Stay organized with classes, exams and daily tasks by using this free software.
  • MathTalk
    Students can perform math functions without a mouse or keyboard.
  • National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
    Visual-spatial exercises, like those at this website, strengthen writing skills for those with dyscalculia.
  • ModMath
    This virtual graph paper ensures numbers and equations are legible before printing or emailing.

  • This video from the National Center for Learning Disabilities explains dysgraphia.
  • A guide to understanding dysgraphia and how to succeed despite the learning disability.
  • This nonprofit organization shares information about math learning disabilities and provides tools for schools, teachers and students.
  • Brian Butterworth, a professor with dyscalculia, provides tips, tools and resources for those with the learning disability.
  • A handout of self-advocacy advice for students with learning disabilities from Disability Rights North Carolina.
  • The Washington Student Achievement Council developed this guide of definitions, resources, scholarships and tips for students with common learning disabilities.
Author’s note: This blog post is shared with the author’s permission. To view the original article, click here

Monday, January 22, 2018

Motivational Monday


Wednesday, January 17, 2018

ATIA 2018 - Town Hall Leadership Discussion




ATIA 2017 was nothing short of incredible, and I cannot begin to adequately express my excitement as we approach ATIA 2018. This year I was incredibly honored to have been nominated and selected to sit as a panelist for the Town Hall Leadership Discussion. If you are planning to attend ATIA this year, please be sure to bookmark the session on the ATIA app and join myself, alongside my co-panelists (listed below), at the Town Hall Discussion, on Friday, February 2nd from 8:00-9:00am in BOCA II. 



The Town Hall is a highly interactive discussion between panelists and participants. Various state and group representatives will open a discussion about innovations, current trends and issues of importance regarding Assistive Technology. This session will be co-hosted by Florida's MTSS, Technology & Learning Connections Team. I hope to see you there! 


Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Accommodating Students with Dyslexia: 12 Strategies for Success

Students with dyslexia or symptoms of dyslexia often struggle in school. It is not that they have limited abilities.  On the contrary, many have IQs in the above average or genius range. As a result, instead of a dumbed down curriculum, these students need to be challenged and they need to receive accommodations, modifications and multi-sensory teaching techniques to unleash their learning potential.  

What makes it difficult to accommodate students with dyslexia is that each student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Yes, two students with dyslexia don’t have the same pattern of cognitive processing deficits. In fact, there are a number of profiles that can lead to this diagnosis. In addition, there are a number of specific cognitive skills that can cause symptoms of dyslexia. Consequently, a successful remediation often requires a tailored, individualized approach.  To tap into the quickest results, I have learned that one has to look at the specific cognitive difficulties underlying the academic struggles and also develop the core skills required for reading. Then, these areas can either be strengthened or compensatory strategies can help blaze detours that lead to learning.

The following is a table that Dr. Erica Warren created to help make the pathway to success a little bit easier.
Past or Present Difficulty
Accommodation
Remedial Strategies
Letter reversals (b and d), symbol reversals (< and >) and words reversals (was and saw)
- Teachers should not take off points when students exhibit reversals.
- Color code common reversals to help students perceive the difference.  For example, make the letter b, blue and the letter d, red.
- Provide strategies: For example, turn the greater and lesser signs into a Pacman and explain that the Pacman eats the larger number:3443
- Do fun activities that exercise abilities from the Reversing Reversals Series.
Trouble with reading aloud and sounding out words
- Provide audiobooks through organizations like Bookshare, Learning Ally, Raz-kids, and Audible
- Offer instruction in an Orton-Gillingham Based reading program
- Make reading aloud optional for struggling readers.  
- Provide audiobooks through organizations like Bookshare, Learning Ally, Raz-kids, and Audible and encourage students to either read along or visualize the story.  Encouraging learners to read along while listening can improve tracking, whole word recognition and more - learn more HERE.  
- Students with learning disabilities that impact reading can qualify for a free membership at www.bookshare.org
- Offer instruction in a Orton-Gillingham Based reading program
Challenges with math word problems
- Use large graph paper to help students line up problems.
Trouble understanding jokes, punchlines, sarcasm and inferences
Think aloud and explain the meaning behind abstract concepts, inferences and other “hidden” meanings.

Check for understanding to make sure concrete learners fully understand any abstract concepts.
- Practice interpreting jokes,
- Practice finding inferences in billboards and magazine advertisements.
- Click here for other strategies.
- Use the Good Sensory Learning Higher Order Language Bundle to exercise and strengthen these skills.
Difficulty following a series of written or aural directions
- Have a student explain their understanding of an assignment and correct any misconceptions.
- Simplify directions and highlight keywords.
- Provide oral directions, check for understanding, and repeat directions - if needed.
- Offer a larger font with less content on each page.
- Provide text to speech technology.
- Play fun games and activities that strengthen these skills.
- Consider some basic remedial assistance with the core skills required for language processing.
Trouble mispronouncing words
- Be patient and guide the student to the correct pronunciation.
- Try not to laugh at funny mispronunciations as many kids get embarrassed and feel like they are being laughed at or made to feel stupid.
- Practice difficult words by coming up with your own tongue twisters.
Difficulty rhyming words
- Spend additional time on this concept and show the idea visually by taking simple words such as cat and changing the beginning consonant.
- Play hands on rhyming games or online ones.
Trouble mispronouncing words
- Work with a speech and language professional and help the student learn how to produce the proper letter and word formations.
- Help students learn how to form the sounds with their tongue and mouth.
Trouble telling directions
- Place markers on a student’s desk or body to help them with directionality.  For example, they might have a ring on their right hand or a rabbit on the right side of their desk and a lamb on the left.
- Do fun activities that exercise directionality abilities from the Reversing Reversals Series.
Trouble recalling names or words
- Offer a word list that can help students recall important words.  
- Teach the student to use a thesaurus.
- Teach memory strategies.  Click here to learn more.  
Difficulty with spelling
- Do not take points off for spelling errors.
- Allow student to use a computer with a spell check.
- Use a smartphone, tablet, Echo or other device that can provide the spelling of a words upon request.
- Learn about Spelling strategies
Trouble learning how to read
- Provide audiobooks through organizations like Bookshare, Learning Ally, Raz-kids, and Audible
- Offer instruction in a Orton-Gillingham Based reading program
- Provide extra time when reading.
- Shorten reading assignments.
- Simplify directions and highlight keywords.
- Provide oral directions, check for understanding, and repeat directions - if needed.
- Offer a larger font with less content on each page.
- Provide text to speech technology.
- Offer instruction in a Orton-Gillingham Based reading program
To view Dr. Erica Warren's blog, be sure to visit: 

Permission was granted by Dr. Erica Warren to post and share her article directly on Where It's AT.