Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Webinar Wednesday: CTD Answers Your Questions About AT!
This webinar is a Q & A session with Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) director Jackie Hess. In this session, Jackie answers both AT questions previously submitted as well as those asked during the live presentation. Topics include relevant laws, classroom practice, AT for libraries, recommended apps, and much more. (Click here to download a copy of the PowerPoint).
Monday, February 25, 2019
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
CTD's Assistive Technology Module
New to the field of assistive technology or looking to gain more insight? Then look no further. The incredible folks at CTD have done it again, this time providing the ultimate resource in Assistive Technology. Their training module includes guides, reference charts, vidoes and webinars. Be sure to read below and click on the hyperlinks to explore each module and resource further.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MODULE
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MODULE
FOR PERSONNEL PREPARATION PROGRAMS
THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
There are more than 6.7 million students ages 3–21 who receive special education services. That represents 13 percent of all public school students. That number does not include the additional millions with undiagnosed disabilities and/or those with diagnoses who do not receive formal special education services. It also does not include students in private schools. A small percentage of these students currently have access to assistive technology (AT). A far greater number would benefit from AT if it were made available to them.
In the past, the term “assistive technology” referred to a limited range of specialized, often expensive items that were designed to help students with relatively severe disabilities perform tasks that they could not otherwise do. In recent years, developments in technology have changed all that. Assistive technology now refers to a wide range of devices, software, apps, and services that are widely available at lower cost. Many items that you might not think of as AT, are. They can be as basic as a magnifying glass or as complex as a robot. They range from no-tech, do-it-yourself items to programmable software programs that can be readily customized by a teacher, therapist, or parent.
If an item allows a student with disabilities to perform a task that he or she could not do otherwise, it can be considered assistive technology. That makes it subject to the laws governing public education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Whether you choose to teach in a public or private school, in a general or special education classroom, you will almost certainly have students in your class with a range of abilities and disabilities. Some of those students will have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), some will not. Both groups, however, will benefit greatly from your knowledge of assistive technology devices and services.
The materials in this module, will help you:
- Understand the basic concepts underlying the use of assistive technology
- Become familiar with the words and terms associated with AT
- Understand your role as a teacher in helping to identify and integrate the use of appropriate AT in your classroom
- Learn about the laws governing AT in public schools
- Participate as a knowledgeable professional in the IEP teams to which you will be assigned
- Become a role model, peer mentor, and school leader in the use of AT
- Change the lives of students with physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral disabilities
TABLE OF CONTENTS
In the past, the term “assistive technology” referred to a limited range of specialized, often expensive items that were designed to help students with relatively severe disabilities perform tasks that they could not otherwise do. In recent years, developments in technology have changed all that. Assistive technology now refers to a wide range of devices, software, apps, and services that are widely available at lower cost. Many items that you might not think of as AT, are. They can be as basic as a magnifying glass or as complex as a robot. They range from no-tech, do-it-yourself items to programmable software programs that can be readily customized by a teacher, therapist, or parent.
If an item allows a student with disabilities to perform a task that he or she could not do otherwise, it can be considered assistive technology. That makes it subject to the laws governing public education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Whether you choose to teach in a public or private school, in a general or special education classroom, you will almost certainly have students in your class with a range of abilities and disabilities. Some of those students will have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), some will not. Both groups, however, will benefit greatly from your knowledge of assistive technology devices and services.
The materials in this module, will help you:
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 101
AT makes it possible for children with disabilities to take part in life’s activities. It can strengthen developmental, functional, and learning skills. Get started on your AT journey by learning the basics.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF
VIDEOS FROM THE TEACHER PERSPECTIVE
CTD has created a series of videos that we believe will help strengthen your understanding of assistive technology. Each video focuses on AT use in the classroom and reflects the perspectives of teachers.
WATCH THE VIDEOS
AT & THE IEP TIPS FOR TEACHERS
As a teacher, your input is invaluable to the IEP process. These tips will help ensure that your observations about the performance, strengths, & challenges of the student are documented to help them succeed.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF
KEYRING OF ILLUSTRATED AT DEVICES
These keyrings can be used for training & peer support to begin exploring a wide range of AT tools. Examples range from low- to high-tech and span ages and types of support.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF
CTD WEBINARS FOR EDUCATORS
CTD webinars provide an excellent way to hear from AT experts who present at major conferences, who advise state and local education agencies, and who conduct in-service teacher training.
WATCH THE WEBINARS
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY
It is important to understand the “language” of AT to be an informed advocate for a child’s technology needs. Learn about the kinds of AT that are available and how they can be used.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF
Monday, February 11, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
Friday Appy Hour: iPad Apps for Learners with Complex Additional Support Needs
This is the latest poster in Call Scotland's popular 'App Wheel' series created in response to ongoing inquiries regarding useful iPad apps for complex learning difficulties. The 'Wheel of Apps' is not comprehensive, but attempts to identify relevant, useful apps and to categorize them into the areas an iPad can be a useful tool for learning and teaching. Note that some apps address a range of difficulties. The wheel features a mix of apps, some of which will be useful for using with Primary aged learners, some with Secondary aged learners and some with both.
Please note that the links on the electronic version are 'clickable' and will take you to the iTunes UK App Store, where you can find out more about the individual apps and download them onto your iPad. Note that links in the poster are to the UK iTunes site (GB), to go to the US store, simply change "GB" to "US" in the URL.
Please note that the links on the electronic version are 'clickable' and will take you to the iTunes UK App Store, where you can find out more about the individual apps and download them onto your iPad. Note that links in the poster are to the UK iTunes site (GB), to go to the US store, simply change "GB" to "US" in the URL.
Go to https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ for a complete listing of the CALL Posters.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Valentine's Day Activities
With Valentine's Day right out the corner, children in classrooms across the country are creatively making and engaging in projects related to the holiday. Pinterest has compiled a list of many Valentine's Day activities that are suited for students with vision impairments or with multiple disabilities. Click on the link (or image) below to begin searching for creative ideas to implement with your children or students!
Monday, February 4, 2019
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