Motivational Monday

 

GAAD: Apple Software Updates Designed for People with Disabilities

    Global Accessibility Awareness Day, GAAD, is a day dedicated to focusing on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people with disabilities and impairments. It is celebrated annually and highlights that accessibility is a fundamental right.  

    In line with GAAD, Apple released a preview of several software updates specifically designed for people with disabilities such as SignTime which allows Apple customers and users to remotely access on-demand Sign Language interpreters or an update to the Apple Watch which will allow users to navigate Assistive Touch. Other updates include eye-tracking support for the iPad, exploring images with VoiceOver, new bi-directional hearing aids which enable those who are deaf or hard of hearing to have hands-free phone and FaceTime conversations, the ability to import audiograms to customize the settings within Headphone Accommodations, new background sounds to help minimize distractions, sound actions for Switch Control, more customizable Display and Text Size settings for colorblindness or visual impairments and New Memoji customizations to widen their representation of individuals with varying needs.

To read more about these updates, click the link below to access the full article.

Apple Software Preview Article Link 

Source: Apple, GAAD  

Motivational Monday

 

Could Your Child Have an Executive Function Deficit?

The following information was shared on the ADDitude website regarding 

executive function disorder. 

Source: ADDitude Magazine: Executive Dysfunction, Explained! 

The seven executive functions (self-awareness, inhibition, non-verbal working memory, verbal working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation, and planning and problem solving) develop consecutively over time. Self-awareness starts to develop around age 2; by age 30, planning and problem solving are fully developed in a neurotypical brain. Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD), however, generally lag 30 to 40 percent behind their peers in developing one executive function, and then the next.

Executive Function Disorder is often difficult to ignore during the transitions to 6th or 9th grade, when school structure and schedules change dramatically, and academic expectations increase. Parents and teachers often don’t get why kids can’t work independently on an assignment, and assume they'll "pick up" the necessary skills. It's important to start helping kids with ADHD / EFD early, and acknowledge the problems those disorders cause so that kids don't feel stupid or lazy.

If your child has trouble getting started, can only remember two or three things at a time, struggles with problem solving, or feels overwhelmed at school, he or she might have an executive function deficit. Complete this test for a clearer picture.

This screening test is designed to determine whether your child shows symptoms similar to those of an executive function disorder. Only a trained healthcare professional can make a diagnosis through clinical evaluation. This screener is for personal use only.

Source: ADDitude  magazine

30 Great Accommodations for Children with ADHD

 

Motivational Monday

 

AT Town Hall

Are you an AT specialist, teacher, parent or AT user who has questions regarding assistive technology, accessibility or UDL? Are you looking to expand your PLN with others in the field? Or maybe you are interested in learning more about assistive technology and discussing current related topics? If you have answered yes to any of these questions consider join the AT Town Hall every Monday @ 12PM (EST) for a free-flowing discussion exploring effective implementation of AT. The AT Town Hall, facilitated by the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC), always welcoming to new people who want to learn and contribute to a discussion on everything AT. Click the link below to watch some previously recorded AT Town Halls or see below to register for the weekly meetings. 

AT Town Hall Facilitator:
Mike Marotta, Director, The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center, NJ

AT Town Hall Panel Members may include:
Chris Bugaj, Assistive Technology Specialist, Loudoun County (VA) Public Schools
Jennifer Edge-Savage, AT Consultant, Saltillo, Professor
Karen Janowski, AT Consultant, EdTech Solutions
Luis Perez, Technical Assistance Specialist, CAST
Kelli Suding, AT Specialist, PATINS
Elisa Wern, OT/AT Specialist

April 2021

Register for April 12, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern

Register for April 19, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern

Register for April 26, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern

May 2021

Register for May 3, 2021 12:00 – 1:00PM Eastern (Special Event with QIAT Leadership Team)

Register for May 10, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern

Register for May 17, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern

Register for May 24, 2021 12:00PM – 1:00PM Eastern