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!
The New Assistive Tech is a catalyst for breaking down walls between special education and general education, and with the desire to support educators in realizing they possess and can build upon the technical knowledge which can be used to support students with disabilities. Bugaj shifts the focus also onto school districts who often struggle to develop consistent practices for meeting the assistive needs of special education students. Strategies and information presented in this book will help public school educators select, acquire and implement technology to help all students, with particular emphasis on those with special needs. Book highlights include:
Details how an educational team can request assistance to determine technology needs.
Explains how to conduct and document assessments to help an educational team make informed decisions about technology needs.
Describes a proactive approach to professional development for individuals and for those who train others on the use of technology.
Assists individuals or teams in creating an action plan for developing a culture of inclusion.
Interweaves stories, songs and other exciting features to make learning fun!
About the Author Chris Bugaj is a founding member of the Assistive Technology
Team for Loudoun County Public Schools in Ashburn, Virginia, and co‐author of The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools (ISTE). He hosts the award-winning podcast A.T.TIPSCAST; has presented over 200 sessions at local, national and international events; and has designed and instructed online courses on assistive technology.
Cost The book can be pre-ordered through the ISTE website.
ISTE members pay $26.22 and non-ISTE members pay $34.95
The new year is upon us and for many in the education field, we are often seeking ways to enhance our professional practice. If you’re one of those looking for inspiration or ideas in an education-themed book then look no further! ISTE members were polled to share their favorite edu-reads. The list created contains books that cover a wide array of topics, and there really is something for everyone. Be sure to read the full article written and compiled by Jennifer Snelling to get a complete description and explanation behind each of the titles suggested below:
*Update: Congratulations to our randomly selected winner: Laura D.! Be sure to check out each day's giveaways!*
For day 3 it only seemed right to put together, not 1, not 2, but THREE products to giveaway to you, with totals valuing over $300!!!
Today's giveaway comes courtesy of CoughDrop and Brookes Publishing. Be sure to enter to win a full AAC license by CoughDrop [valued at $200} and TWO hardcopy titles from Brookes Publishing:
The first item of today's giveaway is a download of the augmentative communication license by CoughDrop.
At CoughDrop they believe that every voice should be heard. Disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome make it harder for individuals to communicate on their own. Many people use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools in order to help make their voices heard. CoughDrop works to help bring out the voices of those with complex communication needs through powerful open-source technology that actually makes things easier and supports everyone in helping the individual succeed. The following video provides an overview of the powerful tool created by CoughDrop.
The final two items of today's giveaway are brought to you by
The mission at Brookes Publlishing is simple: All people—regardless of ability or background—deserve to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. Partnering with top experts, the publishing company delivers relevant, high-quality, research-backed content in optimal form. Brookes Publishing provides the latest printed and e-books, and book series on critical topics spanning from Early Childhood to K-12 to Higher Education to Community Supports. The first book is included in today's giveaway is...
Synopsis: How can educators and therapists support effective communication for students with severe and multiple disabilities? Today's best research and strategies are in the NEW third edition of this trusted textbook and teaching guide. Current and future education professionals will get up-to-date information and practical guidance on the entire process of supporting communication for students of all ages, from assessing their communication skills to involving peers and adults in intervention. An important textbook and professional reference, this comprehensive volume will help educators, paraprofessionals, SLPs, and other school staff skillfully support every student's right to communicate. The second book included in today's giveaway is...
Synopsis: As AAC use continues to flourish and new technology revolutionizes the field, tomorrow's service providers need current, authoritative information on AAC for children and adults with communication disorders. That's why David Beukelman and Pat Mirenda have revised and updated the bestselling Augmentative and Alternative Communication—the trusted, widely adopted graduate-level text on communication disorders and AAC. The foundational textbook for SLPs, OTs, PTs, teachers, and other professionals in clinical and educational settings, this fourth edition is a definitive introduction to AAC processes, interventions, and technologies that help people best meet their daily communication needs. Future professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on
advancing literacy skills (new chapter by Janice Light and David McNaughton)
conducting effective, culturally appropriate assessment to determine AAC needs
choosing AAC interventions appropriate for age and ability
selecting AAC vocabulary tailored to individual needs
using new consumer technologies as easy, affordable, and non-stigmatizing communication devices
understanding types of symbols and how individuals use them
promoting social competence
supporting language learning and development
providing effective support to beginning communicators
planning an inclusive education for students with complex communication needs
Readers will get a thorough overview of communication and AAC issues for people with specific developmental disabilities (including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and autism) and acquired disabilities (such as aphasia, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative cognitive and linguistic disorders). And with helpful photos, figures, and photocopiable forms, readers will be ready to collect and use important information on assessment, individual communication needs, classroom supports, and more. An essential core text for tomorrow's professionals—and a key reference for inservice practitioners—this new fourth edition expertly prepares readers to support the communicative competence of children and adults with a wide range of complex needs.
Calling all teachers and librarians....Are you passionate about authentic literature? Do you have students who love to read? Then you're in the right place!
The giveaway, open only to educators and librarians, is Lynda's way to express appreciation for our children's "heroes". Alongside many other well accomplished authors, Lynda has created one pretty spectacular give away for one lucky winner on February 20th! The winner of this giveaway will receive a signed copy of every book below–each mailed to the winner in separate packages by their authors/illustrators. The list contains many popular young adult novels that will appeal to a vast audience. To see the books available in this giveaway, scroll down...You won't be disappointed! Additionally, Penguin books will be donating an unsigned set of their classic novels.
This week I wanted to focus on some of the important information I gained while attending the ATIA 2017. The conference sessions were overflowing with incredible resources and tools that I couldn't wait to immediately implement (some will be shared in future posts). In addition to those sessions, several sessions focused on QIAT (Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology). For those less familiar, QIAT is a free resource available to those in the assistive technology field. As described on the QIAT website:
The QIAT Community is a nationwide grassroots group that includes hundreds of individuals who provide input into the ongoing process of identifying, disseminating and implementing a set of widely-applicable Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services in school settings that can be used as a tool to support:
school districts as they strive to develop and provide quality assistive technology services aligned to federal, state and local mandates
assistive technology service providers as they evaluate and constantly improve their services
consumers of assistive technology services as they seek adequate assistive technology services which meet their needs
universities and professional developers as they conduct research and deliver programs that promote the development of the competencies needed to provide quality assistive technology services
policy makers as they attempt to develop judicious and equitable policies related to assistive technology services.
Top 10 Things to know about QIAT
(Spoiler Alert...I saved my favorite for last!)
1.Within the QIAT website there is an abundance of free resources available to guide the improvement of AT services and to increase the educational participation and results of students. Through the use of the QIAT resources, there can be an improved quality and consistency of services provided
2. QIAT supports the implementation of IDEA and other legal mandates.
6. Within the QIAT website you can locate a Resource Bank. As described on the QIAT website, the"bank" is the place to share resources by contributing to the QIAT Resource Bank and follow links to some other web sites for people interested in assistive technology in general. Here you can find helpful websites and usable documents created by AT professionals. Then bank has the option to search if you are looking for something specific and is organized to streamline the searching process.
7. QIAT Webinar Series: The free webinars were created by the members of the QIAT Leadership team. This series of webinars will provide a foundational background to the work of QIAT and QIAT tools & resources to support integration of AT in schools & other settings.
QIAT Session 4: Including Assistive Technology in the IEP
QIAT Session 5: AT Implementation
QIAT Session 6: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of AT
QIAT Session 7: AT Transition
QIAT Session 8: Professional Development and Training in AT
QIAT Session 9: Administrative Support of AT Services
QIAT Session 10: Using QIAT Resources
8.QIAT Useful Links...The links on the page were suggested by individuals on the QIAT List who have found them to be of value in supporting, in some way, the development and provision of quality assistive technology services in school settings.
Within the book readers will be provided with valuable and credible resources for evaluating, choosing, deploying, and supporting assistive technology services in K-12 and postsecondary educational environments. The book costs $49.99 (discounts applied when purchased in bulk).
10. As I said, I saved my favorite for last....The QIAT listserv! The QIAT listserv provides a platform to partake in important discussions or post questions regarding AT tools and services with other professionals in the field. Often times conversations move into educational technology tools as they often utilized during AT implementation. Whether you post, provide insight and information to others or just observe, it is a valuable tool that allows you to receive up-to-date advances in AT service delivery.
