Dyslexia and the Brain

Does the brain of a child with dyslexia work differently than other kids’ brains? 

In this video from Understood.org, hear from leading dyslexia expert, Guinevere Eden, on what parts of the brain are used for reading. See first hand how the brain function of a child with dyslexia can actually change when they learn how to read fluently.

Source: Understood.org

28 Ways Peers Can Support Students with Disabilities

Peer supports are one of the most effective ways to help students with disabilities reach their potential and ensure that their academic and social needs are met. Whether you’re implementing a formal peer buddy program or more informal student-to-student partnerships, peer supports don’t have to require a huge time investment—but before you begin, the young people participating will need some preparation and guidance. 

Today's post, from Brookes Publishing: The Inclusion Lab blog, provides 10 tips on helping students to provide the most effective, appropriate supports to their peers with disabilities.

Read the full article 10 Practical Principles for Peer Support: Getting Students Ready to Help

Article Source: Brookes Publishing

Image Source: https://sites.ed.gov/progress/category/data-systems-to-support-instruction/

Motivational Monday

9 Reasons to Use Visuals

Source: North Star Paths

5 Types of Adaptations for your Inclusive Classroom

The Brookes Inclusion Lab is an interactive blog which provides tools and resources to promote and enhance UDL and inclusiveness within the classroom learning environments. Today’s post, 5 Types of Adaptations for your Inclusive Classroom, brings you five approaches for adapting instruction in your inclusive classroom, so students with and without disabilities can participate and learn academic content. Adapted from Rachel Janney & Martha Snell’s practical guide to Modifying Schoolwork, these strategies can be used in any combination to best meet the needs of your individual learners. After testing these strategies out, please share below in the comments which adaptations have worked best in your classroom!

 Grab a peek at the five adaptations below, and

click here to read the full article. 

*Alter the instructional arrangement

*Alter the physical or social environment

*Alter your methods and materials

*Alter the process or task

*Alter the level of personal assistance

Source: Brookes Publishing - The Inclusion Lab

Understood.org's April Assistive Technology Twitter Chats

Interested in learning more about how assistive technology tools can support the struggling learners in your classroom or your own child? Looking to gain a better understanding of what the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach is?  Join the Understood.org community on Wednesday, April 19th and Thursday, April 20th at 12:00pm EST, for two #AskUnderstood Assistive Technology Twitter expert chats. This platform provides an opportunity to have your questions about assistive technology answered by Jamie Martin, assistive technology consultant and trainer. Simply post your questions using #AskUnderstood . Not sure what to ask, then follow along using the same #AskUnderstood  hashtag to see the responses to questions posed by others. Either way they are not to miss!  For more information and to sign up for reminders, follow these links: Wednesday, April 19th at 12:00pm ET: Twitter Chat: Assistive Technology and UDL in the Classroom Thursday, April 20th at 12:00pm ET: Assistive Technology for Writing

Motivational Monday....Autism Awareness Month