The Assistive Technology Blog

Here's a neat resource from Humanware on using AT to support learning disabilities. Worth perusing at http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/HW-LD-BROCHUREx.pdf
According to Humanware, "In response to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA), HumanWare developed an Assistive Technologies Resource Guide to aid special educators and administrators in "Matching Assistive Technologies with Learning Goals." Released in May 2009, the response to this resource guide has been very positive and we were encouraged to create a similar guide focused on technology for students with print and learning disabilities"

Posted by Fran Smith at 5:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As you are making decisions about what AT tools to consider for a student and reasonable outcomes for that student's use of AT, NATE reminds us that "IDEA 2004 requires that special education, related services and supplemental aids and services be based on peer reviewed research to the extent practicable." NATE's website provides support in finding, reading and understanding AT research http://www.natenetwork.org/research

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Very cool site to contribute your knowledge and thoughts about the latest and greatest assistive technology. The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia (GATE) was created and is moderated by AbilityNet, but the content is from individuals who are not necessarily associated with them. You must register in order to contribute to the wiki. It's out of the UK and it's a cool place to go to find out what is happening in AT. See what you think...

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

12th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference will be from November 9-14 in Westminster, CO. The conference focuses on the implementation and benefits of AT in the university, college and business settings and attracts the leading practitioners and decision makers in the field of campus accessibility and accessible media in higher education.

This year's conference features over 60 presentations and hands-on sessions taught by national experts and over 35 hours of hands-on workshops. Attendees will hear distinguished speaker Dr. T.V. Raman, Google Research Scientist, deliver the Conference's keynote address. For more information: http://www.colorado.edu/ATconference/.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 7:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Collaboration between teachers and speech therapists in using the Picture Exchange System (PECS) is a winning combination for students. Click on the links below to learn more about PECS.

http://www.pecs-usa.com/

http://www.difflearn.com/category/picture_communication

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Interested in seeing just how the principles of universal design for learning work in action? Wondering what it means when we say:

Principle I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation
Principle II. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Principle III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Consider taking a closer look by touring the CAST UDL Editions. This collaborative project between the folks at CAST and Google has produced some rich online texts with multiple ways to support the reader. For example, as I read the online text, "How Coyote Stole Fire" I'm offered multiple opportunities to link to embedded resources, glossaries, translations, lists of characters and a range of background resources.
To offer strategy support, the Stop & Think functionality provides visual cues and clues to support my understanding. Functionality offered through a speech-to-text toolbar also provides me with some user control to speak the text, highlight as needed, search for additional materials, or drill down to a specific location through google maps. Very engaging and very UDL!

Posted by Fran Smith at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last Wednesday, a group of over 100 educators from around the country gathered at the National Education Association (NEA) headquarters to discuss the importance of universal design for learning. This symposium entitled, "Creating Great School Public Schools for All Students through Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Practices" afforded those in attendance a chance to discuss and share perspectives on the importance of UDL in education. All participants listened to several success stories, evolving research, and best practices in UDL and articulated vision plans for the future. Listen to NEA President-Elect Lily Eskelsen as she opens the conference,

Posted by Fran Smith at 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The National Assistive Technology in Education Network has created a document that lists acronyms and initials frequent in the field of assistive technology. Visit http://www.natenetwork.org/resources

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For those of you who like to listen to podcasts, I have found an interesting one for you. SeroTalk is a podcast and interactive blog about being part of an accessible digital lifestyle for those who are blind or with low vision, produced by Setotek. Topics include the accessibility features of the new Snow Leopard Operating System for the MAC; A builder who is blind talks about how is has built homes from the ground up; And the pros and cons of Windows 7 to be released Oct. 22. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever have some good sound files loaded on an iPod and realize that they've been wiped from the computer? No worries: Brian Friedlander shares a new item that takes iPod files and transfers them to computers as a back up (http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2009/09/clickfrees-transformer-for-ipod-saves.html).

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Visit http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/HowTo/animoto/animoto.htm to see how teachers are using Animoto (a very cool, high-energy video maker) to engage student attention and interest.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The folks at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) have been busy making sure the breadth of research is shared with all. Today I had the pleasure of watching how they have weaved this base of resources into their UDL guidelines document. Rich with connections to a host of articles, any user can visit a specific guideline and read through the material. In the future, a direct link to specific examples that expand on what each guideline provides. This is a great example of UDL in action!

Posted by Fran Smith at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Download the free resource Assistive Technology Teams: Many Ways to Do It Well by D. DeCoste, P. Reed, Marsye Kaplan from http://www.natenetwork.org/manuals-forms. It was created "to support AT teams...by sharing gathered information on team development and to provide specific ideas and strategies to improve the function of AT teams."

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Linda Burkhart's website, Simplified Technology provides a wealth of great tips, resources and websites to help simplify technology use in your classroom.
Click on the link to get started: http://lburkhart.com

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 2:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Exciting times are evolving in the world of UDL. Today I heard that a CAST Book Builder version 3 will soon be launched offering more resources for those of us in postsecondary settings! And, UDL will soon have a larger presence on You Tube. Stay tuned!

Posted by Fran Smith at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements has free online interactive resources that translate research about the education of students with disabilities into practice. A new interactive, web-based module features the faculty at Sycamore Middle School - a urban school with a large percentage of students from diverse backgrounds - as they learn how to develop materials, techniques, and strategies to meet their students learning needs.
See it at http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/chalcycle.htm

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Assistive Technology Trainer's Handbook by P.Reed, M. Kaplan, G. Bowser is "a manual designed for all AT service providers who train others. It contains research-based information about planning, providing and evaluating training." It is available for free at http://www.natenetwork.org/manuals-forms.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What's AudioPal? Well, if you have read about Vokis and have played with recording your voice, you will probably like AudioPal. The site bills the free service as a solution for people who like to communicate and express themselves best verbally...it's really just another way for folks to record their voice instead of relying on print. Click on http://www.audiopal.com for more info.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you seen RJ Cooper's latest invention? You can always count on him to create a nifty little twist on things we use every day. He has created a laptop keyboard cover to allow switch users to access the computer without the interference of the keyboard. Now why didn't I think of that?
Check it out!

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OK, so it seems like a good idea for all of us to sign up for the AccessText mailing list: http://www.accesstext.org/students.php. Right now, the site is encouraging students to join the mailing list to receive future announcements on student resources (scheduled to launch summer 2009). The website indicates that they will address questions such as:

• How do I receive textbooks in alternative (electronic) formats?


• How do I use alternative (electronic) textbooks?


• What technology is needed to access electronic textbooks?


• What is the best electronic textbook format for me?


• Where can I get access to reading technology?

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 2:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Are you in search of low tech to mid tech items you can use in your inclusive classrooms and need help in using them? Click on the link below for the Lottie Kit On-Line Workshop. You will find tools and resources that are appropriate for assessment, evaluation and accommodations in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and organization.

http://www.fdlrs.leon.k12.fl.us/lottie_kit/intro.html

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How many times have you asked yourself this question - "How do I keep up with all that great information?" This is an important question in this fast changing world of social media and growing reliance on the web of information. Following web posts through "reader" web programs is one solution. Our AT blog is one of several assistive technology web sites that may inform your practice. Others that are our favorites include The UDL Wiki, http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/, The National Center for Technology Innovation, http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/, and Teaching Every Student, http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/. Rather than taking the time to explore each of these sites for new information, I simply add these to my Google Reader page and glean the daily highlights. Here's how that works,

As you start this new year, consider setting up your Google Reader for keeping abreast of the latest information in assistive technology, universal design for learning, and learning technologies.

Posted by Fran Smith at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

AccessText (http://www.accesstext.org) is a new electronic database that aims to make sure students can access electronic versions of textbooks when requested by colleges. The network currently includes 92 percent of all college textbook publishers.

For more information, read http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/08/28/access.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OK, I am a huge fan of gardening (see http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2008/10/gardening_is_a_great_leisure_a.html and http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2007/01/gardening_for_individuals_with.html for proof of this), and I was so excited to see this:

"A workshop that teaches gardening techniques to people with disabilities meets Friday, August 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the new Cache Valley Community Garden. Gordon Richins of the Center for Persons with Disabilities and Ron Hornsby from the Utah Conservation Corps Inclusive Crew will be on hand to talk about raised bed gardening, table top planters and working with adapted gardening tools. Both Gordon and Ron are local gardeners with physical disabilities. Specialized, adapted tools will be available to participants. The event is sponsored by the Utah Conservation Corps Inclusion Project, and UCC members will be around from 10 a.m. to noon to answer questions for any participants who want to stay around and get their hands dirty...The Center for Persons with Disabilities' Assistive Technology Lab has contributed time, expertise and adapted gardening tools to the raised beds in the Cache Valley Community Garden."

See http://www.cpdusu.org/blog/2009/08/accessible-gardening-class-to-meet-friday/ for more.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for an article that will perk you up? Look no further. Click on http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=10676 to read about David Vaughan, a tech specialist in Fort Worth who opened "Computers Made Easy."
The storefront shop began as a training center that teaches senior citizens how to navigate the tech world, from PCs to cell phones to digital cameras..but Vaughan quickly realized that his approach also supported people with disabilties. He focuses on adaptive technologies... and Computers Made Easy is now an approved training center for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Veterans Administration. Read more about Vaughan and his business for a positive moment in your day!

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A keyboard that will help students with physical or developmental disabilities stay connected to their computers.

Read more by clicking on the following links:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831080957.htm

http://www.physorg.com/news170927377.html

Posted by Lanett W. Brailey at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I attended my first National Center for Technology Innovation conference in 2007. By far, this was one of my favorite conferences. A place to mingle with like-minded technology educators, planners, innovators, and developers. As a smaller conference, this one allows participants to chat with all the invited guest speakers and guests.

This year the conference focus is on "Educational Futures Powered by Technology". Over 23 invited speakers discussing a range of topics across gaming, autism, universal design for learning, social media, learning technologies, and cognitive science will be presenting. This conference fills up quickly so, if you can go, register now! http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2009/06/05/conf09-2009-technology-innovators-conference/

Posted by Fran Smith at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Click on http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/ipods-aspergers.php to read about a center in Minneapolis that is experimenting with iPods and how they can be used to assist students with Asperger's syndrome in engaging in appropriate social behaviors. "The staff assisted students in the creation of a series of short videos and slide shows on how to react to various social settings. Some of them are a mere thirty seconds in length, such as, 'Let the other person talk AND change the topic,' or, 'how to respect other people's boundaries,' or,' Use your filter!.' " Let us know if you'd like to get started with your own project like this--we'd love to help!

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)