Friday "Appy" Hour: If I Need Help

All too often we hear stories in the media of children or adults with cognitive disabilities or other needs who wander, run away from or otherwise leave a caregiving facility or environment. The concerns when this happens always center around whether the individuals are able to communicate with those offering help. For this week's Friday "Appy" Hour, I felt it was important to share a system that can provide comfort to those who have a loved one who has Autism, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or other issues with disorientation. The If I Need Help system mitigates the risks to your loved one or students by bypassing communication barriers.


The If I Need Help system accomplishes this through several steps:

• A free online membership
• A profile for your loved one on our special needs registry 
• A confidential Emergency question and answer section that can be printed or emailed in an emergency
• A QR-code enabled ID tag that can be worn or fastened to your loved one’s clothing 

When you or your loved one is discovered lost or needing help, any finder can notice the QR code tag, scan it, and instantly have access to the information you have chosen to include in the profile, including contact information, one’s name and condition, and anything else pertinent to an emergency.

To learn more visit the If I Need Help website

https://www.ifineedhelp.org/

Webinar Wednesday: Navigating Today’s Dyslexia Laws

Navigating Today’s Dyslexia Laws: Building the Best Program Dyslexia laws and legislation are changing rapidly in the U.S. For many, it can be difficult to navigate this road in understanding terminology, requirements, and educational expectations. The goal of this edWebinar is to: Inform educators and schools about websites where they can find reliable information Discover more about innovative assistive technology tools being used Suggest what to do next in order to integrate an action plan to build and grow a dyslexia program This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through high school teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. There will be time to have your questions answered at the end of the presentation. Register Now! About the Presenter Amy Gulley has been a Level 4 Master Instructor, Practicum Supervisor, IDA Certified Dyslexia Specialist, and Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) with the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) since 2015.  About the Host Terrie Noland has more than 25 years of experience as both a motivational leader and developer of content for educators and administrators. Her greatest strengths lie in the ability to motivate, inspire, and create enthusiasm in others to be passionate educators that support the diverse needs of students.

5 Myths and Facts About Dyslexia

Source: Australian Dyslexia Association

Motivational Monday

Dyslexia Fact Sheet

Dyslexia Awareness Quiz

October is International Dyslexia Awareness Month. The folks at Learning Ally are committed to advocating for struggling students to get the support and services they need to thrive in school. The following quiz helps to deepen your understanding of dyslexia. Please share with your family and friends to spread awareness about learning differences. 

                                                     Take the quiz here 

Motivational Monday

AAC Awareness Month App Sales

AAC Awareness Month is here and with that comes much anticipated graphic with all of the apps that will be on sale in October 2019. Pay close attention to dates (they vary) & mark your calendars! 

Source: Lauren S. Enders

National Right to Read Foundation Checklist

    The National Right to Read Foundation (NRRF) is a non-profit organization which strives to provide parents and teachers with the information and resources they need to help students learn to read. Weeding through the vast amount of information, curricula, and methods can be a daunting task. NRFF aims to simplify the process by reviewing products, creating checklists and training materials, and providing information to help make grassroots changes in your community.

    With the start of National Dyslexia Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to use the NRRF's checklist to evaluate your child’s reading program. Click on the image to use the interactive version. 

Source: National Right to Read Foundation

Walk In The Shoes of a Dyslexic Simulation - Chagrin Falls, OH

Experience what it feels like to struggle with reading and writing, and learn how to help.

About this Event

How does it feel to be an individual with dyslexia? Through a series of simulations, participants will experience the challenges individuals with dyslexia confront when performing language-related tasks. This hands-on workshop is designed to improve understanding and encourage the use of effective teaching techniques and accommodations.

This is a worthwhile public event for families and professionals who interact with dyslexics. Space is limited for reserved seating. RSVP your spot today!

Date And Time
Mon, October 14, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Location
Chagrin Falls Intermediate Elementary School
77 East Washington Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Register Here

The Dyslexia Dilemma: The Role of Colleges of Education

In a time where dyslexia has become widely studied and one of the most commonly recognized learning difference, the educational systems need to be diligent and ensuring those on the front line working with the students can adequately support them. The education and awareness of how to support students with dyslexia must begin at the pre-service or collegiate level. Pre-service teachers must be competent to teach reading to all students, especially those who are at-risk or experiencing reading failure. 

The following article, The Dyslexia Dilemma: The Role of Colleges of Education by David P. Hurford, Ph.D. and Lauren P. Renner, Ed.S., was featured on the International Dyslexia Association's website and focuses on the necessity for changes to begin to ensure that the science of reading becomes part of the curricula in colleges of education. 

The Dyslexia Dilemma: 

The Role of Colleges of Education

Motivational Monday: Normal Sucks

Jonathan Mooney, writer and activist, was always the "slow kid" in class. Called 'stupid' and 'lazy' most of his life, he believed that because he was different, he was deficient. His inspiring redemption story will make you reignite the flames that burn within you and find your gift. Jonathan's message hinges on the purpose of education as a means to identify individuals’ talent because everybody’s got something right with them — something that they’re good at, something that they can contribute — and to nurture and grow that individual’s talents, interests and passions. This short video shares Jonathan's powerful message about how he proved others wrong. 

The Road to Decode for Dyslexia Awareness Month

Teach My Kid to Read (TMKTR) is a verified nonprofit organization committed to providing parents, educators, and anyone interested in literacy education with the tools to help all children, including those with dyslexia, learn to read. Through advocacy and programming, TMKTR helps build awareness in the community about best instructional practices, dyslexia, and the science of reading. 

For Dyslexia Awareness Month in October 2019, TMKTR is partnering with libraries to promote evidence-based strategies that help all children learn to read. The October program, The Road to Decode, highlights essential books called decodable readers.


Why Promote Strategies for Dyslexia? 
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population. Many parents, and even some educators, don’t understand how we learn to read or how dyslexia affects that process. So, many children with dyslexia fall into the cracks and never learn to read fluently. With early identification, appropriate interventions, and instruction, a child with dyslexia can successfully learn to read. If we can increase awareness of this common reading issue and spread the word about effective reading strategies and essential resources, such as decodable books, more children in New York State will learn to read, creating a pathway to future academic and professional success. 

What Are Decodable Books? 
 Decodable books use words that are easier for new readers to sound out and recognize. Decodable books enable a child to use correct print-to-sound or phonics pathways, resulting in greatly improved reading skills. The intent of decodable books is that children will read independently, using their knowledge of phonics to decode unfamiliar words. Why guess when you can read! Decodable books enable readers to develop effective reading strategies and to become more fluent readers. They help all children learn to read, but are especially valuable in helping children with dyslexia. About The Road to Decode For the month of October, Teach My Kid to Read will provide library partners with information about decodable readers, a suggested book list highlighting decodable books from several publishers, a poster, videos, access to an online course, and other educational materials. Additionally, they will provide workshops or additional programming upon request. 

How Can You Help? 
Design, printing and shipping costs are expensive! Due to demand for the program throughout New York and other states, TMKTR is asking for your help so they can support more libraries throughout New York, and the other states that want to raise awareness of dyslexia and help more kids learn to read! To purchase your own Road to Decode t-shirt visit https://www.bonfire.com/teach-my-kid-to-read/. Learn more about us at www.teachmykidtoread.org

Follow Teach My Kid to Read and their Road to Decode program on Facebook and Twitter. 

Motivational Monday

Motivational Monday

Motivational Monday

Source: http://northstarpaths.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Words-Make-Worlds-1.jpg

Webinar Wednesday: Avoiding Presumptions: The Pitfalls of “Presuming Competence”

Avoiding Presumptions: The Pitfalls of “Presuming Competence”

Live Broadcast Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 3:30 - 4:30 PM Eastern Time Zone

Webinar Type: Live Broadcast
Webinar Code: AT19-WEB10-LB
Webinar Fee: $39

Register Now!

Overview

The ideology of “presuming competence” has become a buzzword and is increasingly incorporated into practice within the field of AAC, despite its pseudoscientific origins and lack of supporting evidence. This webinar will discuss the benefits of recognizing the potential of all communicators, while maintaining an individualized lens for current abilities and future needs. In other words, how do we support each individual’s potential, while offering opportunities and expectations within their ZPD?​

Learning Objectives

1. The learner will identify 3 limitations to presuming competence without consideration for an individual’s current abilities and zone of proximal development.
2. The learner will define stimulability and the zone of proximal development as they relate to AAC system selection and goal development.
3. The learner will identify 2 tools that provide data to aid in goal development within the zone of proximal development.

Speakers

Katie O’Neil, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist in the Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a diagnostic clinician specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and has worked in the field of AAC in various settings. Katie received her MS from Emerson College in Boston, MA. She has spoken nationally and internationally on AAC-related topics and has a particular interest in sensory impairment as it relates to AAC.

Rebecca McCarthy, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who has worked in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in various settings, including her current role as a diagnostic clinician within Boston Children's Hospital Augmentative Communication Program. Rebecca received her Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College in Boston, MA. Rebecca has spoken nationally and internationally on a range of topics related to AAC.

Lego Creates "Braille Bricks"

As stated by The National Federation for the Blind, more than one million people in the United States are legally blind, and yet fewer than 10 percent can read Braille. With rising unemployment rates for blind adults reaching over 70 percent, the Lego Foundation stepped in with a response to support a new generation of blind readers with the creation of "Braille Bricks". By early next year the iconic toy will be being used to help blind children read in American schools.


The following video from CBSnews provides an in depth look at the mission behind the creation of the "Braille Bricks".

To learn more about the "Braille Brick" pilot program, click here to read the Lego Foundation article. 

Source: CBSnews, Lego Foundation
Image: Lego Foundation

Motivational Monday

My Inclusion ABC's

Source: northstarpaths.com

Webinar Wednesday: 5 Ways to Be An A-1-1-Y Hero

Is accessibility ("A11Y") for learners with disabilities among the criteria you, your school, district, or state use when selecting educational materials and technologies? Then be sure to vote for Luis Perez and Cynthia Curry's #A11Y Hero proposal on SXSQ PanelPlicker. By doing so you'll gain the opportunity to learn five guidelines that should be a part of any procurement process and leave with your first action step toward making learning more accessible. You'll be an A11Y hero!

Source: PanelPlicker

Motivational Monday: Back to School

Wishing all of the teachers, students and families a wonderful year ahead! 

‘All I Want To Do Is Be Somebody’: Henry Winkler On Lifelong Struggle With Dyslexia

Henry Winkler is most known for his days acting on Happy Days and more current roles, the critically acclaimed series Hank Zipzer and for the many shows he has produced over the years. However, his diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 31 is one accreditation Winkler is less known for. In this interview with CBS 4 Boston, he discusses his struggles with dyslexia and his successes in life. 

To read the full article from CBS Boston, click here! 

Webinar Wednesday: Aided Language: From Research to Practice

For children and adults with complex needs, Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is a communication strategy, where a communication partner teaches symbol meaning and models language by combining his or her own verbal input with selection of vocabulary on the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system. The resource featured below from AAC Language Lab helps to provide a visual overview of the definition, procedures, tips and resources. 

Additionally, the blog PrAACticalAAC offers a plethora of video, printable and other resources to support those new to Aided Language or those looking to further their knowledge. 

If you're interested in learning more about Aided Language, be sure to register for the webinar presented by AAC experts Kelly Fonner and Sharon Redmon. Information and a live link to register is listed below: 

DATE:

June 11, 2019, 01:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

TITLE:

Aided Language: from Research to Practice

DESCRIPTION:

“Aided language may be defined as the use of communication aides in face-to-face conversations.” (VonTetzchner, 2018). Various AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) vendors & presenters talk about the use of Aided Language Stimulation, Modeling, Aided Input and other methods of introducing a language system to an individual with CCN (Complex Communication Needs). In this webinar we will provide the research background on Aided language, explain aspects and skills related to utilizing it in your practice, and give usable examples of its implementation into real life in school, community and home. Learn how to model because it is not as easy as it sounds..

COST:

FREE

PRESENTER:

KELLY FONNER

 & 

SHARON REDMON

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Marion Huber Learning Through Listening® (LTL®) Awards

For Learning Ally members who are high school seniors with learning disabilities who are graduating from high school in 2019.

DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted, emailed or postmarked no later than September 30, 2019

ABOUT THE AWARD

Each year, the Marion Huber Learning Through Listening awards are presented to Learning Ally high school senior members with learning disabilities, who plan to continue their education after graduation, in recognition of their academic achievement, outstanding leadership, and service to others.

Marion Huber was a long-term and loyal donor to Learning Ally, formerly RFB&D, who was particularly committed to our expanded mission of engaging students with learning disabilities. She observed the power of “learning through listening” to transform lives, and it was for this reason that she made an endowed gift to fund an award for students with dyslexia and other disabilities that prevent effective reading. By creating a permanent endowment, Marion Huber ensured that the work she valued during her lifetime continues today.

Offered since 1991, the awards are given to six students who are chosen by a selection committee. Learning Ally awards the three top winners $6,000 each and three special honors winners $2,000 each. Winners will be notified of their awards in early 2020.

Applicants should be aware that:

All scholarship awardees must be capable and willing to publicly share their personal story and represent Learning Ally as a spokesperson and advocate at various local, virtual and national events. Costs associated with these events will be covered by Learning Ally.

Scholarship Application Requirements

Visit the Learning Ally website via the link below to read about the application requirements, eligibility criteria and online application. 

LTL Application and Criteria Link

*Note: Where It's AT or it's author are not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by Learning Ally.*

Webinar Wednesday: Twice Exceptionality in the Digital Age

Want to learn more about strategies for supporting your twice-exceptional students? Be sure to register for the webinar below hosted by AbleNet.

DATE:

June 03, 2019
Time: 02:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

TITLE:

Twice Exceptionality in the Digital Age: Strategies For helping Students Tap Into Strengths Using Innovative Technology

DESCRIPTION:

In this session, participants will be introduced to the wild world of the twice-exceptional student. A brief overview of twice-exceptionality will be provided, followed by a discussion of innovative tools and strategies that can be used to meet these students’ unique blend of brilliance and challenge in learning, communicating, and being in the world. We will include practical strategies for motivating students to become self-directed learners and thinkers!

COST:

FREE

PRESENTER:

JENNIFER COURDUFF & 

SARAH ORTON

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

                 

                  

Motivational Monday

Webinar Wednesday: Apps, Extensions, and Tech Tools for ADHD Brains: A Learning Guide

In this hour-long-webinar-on-demand, learn the most popular and effective technology tools for students with ADHD, with Janet DeSenzo.

Students don’t learn material that fails to engage them. Kids, especially those with unreliable attention and focus, lose interest quickly if the curriculum feels inaccessible and intangible. Many schools today are responding by using technology tools and the Universal Design for Learning approach.

Here, learn about the most popular and effective technology tools for students with ADHD and learning disabilities. Geared for educators, parents, and clinical professionals, this webinar will explain how to maximize students’ learning through the use of apps and tools for Chromebooks, iPads, Windows, and Macs. Teachers will also pick up lesson plans and strategies for incorporating technology into their UDL classrooms, and learn why educators are shifting the focus from accommodating students with ADHD to creating a more accessible, engaging curriculum.

In this webinar, you will learn about:

• Great Chrome apps and extensions for helping differently wired students
• iPads apps designed to maximize your child’s learning, plus the many tools built into the iOS operating system
• Tools offered by Microsoft that can assist with organization and productivity
• How to set up a Universal Design for Learning classroom, and how it supports all types of learners

Play this free webinar and download the slide presentation of "Apps, Extensions, and Tech Tools for ADHD Brains: A Learning Guide," plus get more strategies from ADDitude via email.

Meet the Expert Speaker:

Janet DeSenzo has been working in the field of assistive technology for more than 15 years. She started working with college students at the university level, assisting students with disabilities as the coordinator of Disability Services at a state university in New Jersey. From there, she started her own educational consulting company, JanTech Educational Services, which she still owns and operates. Janet is currently an assistive technology specialist and technology integration specialist in the Vernon Township School District of NJ. There, she helps find technology solutions for students with special needs and assists teachers with integrating technology into their everyday lessons.

Motivational Monday

Free Copy of Assistive Technology in Special Education by Joan Green

Could you use some help learning about the many ways the computers and mobile devices you already have can help children and adults improve communication, literacy, learning, and productivity? Be one of the 1,500 professional to receive a complimentary postage prepaid copy of the book Assistive Technology in Special Education by Joan L. Green. This updated resource guide will make your life easier and save you time and frustration as you read through the chapters that pertain to your situation. This opportunity to obtain  a complimentary copy of the book was made available in recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month during the month of May. If you are not eligible for this offer, the book is now available on Amazon.com and its retail price of $45.00 has been reduced to $28.92- a 36% discount!

Yes! Please send me this gift when this limited print run is available!

Webinar Wednesday: Assistive Technology and the Writing Process

Writing - whether it's sentences, paragraphs, or essays - is a multistep process including brainstorming, organizing, drafting, and editing. All these tasks can pose access barriers for students with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and learning challenges. Watch the recorded webinar hosted by AT Coalition about tools and strategies to support all the steps in the writing process. To download the PDF, visit the link here!

Source: AT Coalition

Student with Dyslexia Discovers What It’s Like to Read: Emery’s Story

Emery is a 6th grade student with dyslexia. She thought she would never learn how to read. Emery would get angry at herself because she could not understand the words she was reading or read like other kids. At the age of 7, Emery was diagnosed with dyslexia. With the support of her family and dyslexia resources like the Bookshare ebook library and Scottish Rites, Emery’s reading and school experience pivoted 180 degrees. Using specialized audiobooks from Bookshare, she was able to learn how to track, decode, and understand that there was more to reading than word-for-word. She finally discovered what it was like to read for everyone. In this touching video, hear the before and after of Emery’s reading experience, as well as the thoughts and insights of her parents, Brandy and Mac.

Please share Emery’s story with others. If you or someone you know has dyslexia, or struggles with reading due to reading barriers like a learning disability, blindness, vision loss, or cerebral palsy, learn how Bookshare ebooks can make reading easier.

Bookshare is an ebook library for people with reading barriers and is FREE for U.S. schools and students with qualifying disabilities. Source: www.bookshare.org