Talking Calculator 50 Ways to Integrate Technology - Ways to Anchor Technology in Your Classroom Tomorrow Using Free Websites as Learning & Teaching Tools 1. Have students use Spelling City to learn their spelling words, vocabulary words, or site words through games, practice, and quizzes. Spelling City is a free resource for teachers. www.spellingcity.com 2. www.brainpop.com 3. www.dovewhisper.com 4. www.flashcardexchange.com 5. people.uncw.edu/ertzbergerj/ppt_games.html 6. www.clustrmap.com 7. www.ustream.tv 8. www.fanfiction.net 9. www.ccmixter.org 10. www.toolsforeducators.com 11. www.animoto.com/education Share your ideas for integration on Animoto. 12. www.makebeliefscomix.com 13. www.wordle.net 14. www.surveymonkey.com 15. www.readwritethink.org/materials/timeline 16. www.kerpoof.com 17. classtools.net 18. www.buildyourwildself.com 19. www.freerice.com 20. www.fluxtime.com Using Free Websites for Management 21. www.myavatareditor.com 22. www.dropbox.com 23. www.evernote.com 24. www.superteachertools.com 25. www.sharinglinks.com 26. www.bighugelabs.com 27. rubistar.4teachers.org 28. fur.ly 29. www.jingproject.com
Draw Free for iPad Assistive Technology - Kurzweil 3000 What is Kurzweil Text-To-Speech Software? “Kurzweil 3000TM is the comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are English Language Learners” (Kurzweil Educational Systems website). Students registered with the Disability Services Office who have submitted documentation of a learning disability, dyslexia, etc. may find this software program useful. Kurzweil can be a great option for students who need extra help with reading, word processing, and material comprehension. Our office will work to provide students with as much information and assistance as possible for continued use of Kurzweil on and off campus. How Do I Start Using Kurzweil? To begin, contact Megan Marshall, Disability Services Assistant, to discuss eligibility. Yes, Kurzweil software runs on both the Windows and Mac operating systems.
Speak it! Text to Speech “50 Best iPad Apps for Reading Disabilities” “50 Best iPad Apps for Reading Disabilities” Guest Blog by Rosa Ray Whether you’re the parent of a child with a reading disability or an educator that works with learning disabled students on a daily basis, you’re undoubtedly always looking for new tools to help these bright young kids meet their potential and work through their disability. Helpful Tools These tools are useful for both educators and students with reading disabilities alike, aiding in everything from looking up a correct spelling to reading text out loud. Speak It! Fundamentals These apps help teach the fundamentals of reading, writing, and spelling to any young learner, but can be especially helpful for those who are struggling. Alphabet Zoo: Alphabet Zoo is a great tool for helping young readers to recognize letter sounds. Reading These excellent iPad apps can be a big help to reading disabled students who need a little extra support when trying to read. Writing Spelling
Equal Access: Universal Design of Libraries | DO-IT A checklist for making libraries welcoming, accessible, and usable Libraries play an important role in ensuring that everyone has access to information in printed and electronic forms. In making these resources accessible and useful to everyone, principles of universal design (UD) can be employed. Legal Issues Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008 prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Universal Design Universal design (UD) means that rather than designing your facility and services for the average user, you design them for people with a broad range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics—such as age, reading ability, learning style, language, culture, and others. Guidelines and Examples The following questions can guide you in making your library accessible to everyone. Planning, Policies, and Evaluation Physical Environments and Products
Sibling's Voice - VOR It was a matinee showing of the Broadway play “The King and I” and the excited audience members took their seats. One mother that was attending, however, decided to bring her autistic son with her and hoped that he wouldn’t be a distraction to the other members of the audience. When the play started, however, things. didn’t go as expected. The mother’s son started making a fuss and members of the audience became frustrated. How the crowd reacted, however, shocked Kelvin Loh, one of the actors in the Broadway play. “I am angry and sad. That being said – this post won’t go the way you think it will. You think I will admonish that mother for bringing a child who yelped during a quiet moment in the show. No. Instead, I ask you- when did we as theater people, performers and audience members become so concerned with our own experience that we lose compassion for others? The theater to me has always been a way to examine/dissect the human experience and present it back to ourselves. Kelvin Loh
UDL in the ESSA Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 This past December, Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaces No Child Left Behind. And for the first time, the nation’s general K-12 education law defines and endorses Universal Design for Learning. As CAST’s friends at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) point out— UDL is referenced numerous times throughout the ESSA bill, and states are encouraged to design assessments using UDL principles, to award grants to local education agencies who use UDL, and to adopt technology that aligns with UDL. NDSS and the 45+ fellow members of the National UDL Task Force, which was formed in 2006, have played a critical role in raising awareness on Capitol Hill of UDL’s potential to support better teaching and learning with high expectations for all students, including those with disabilities. What follows are references to UDL in the ESSA and other federal policy documents. UDL in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015
One Place for Special Needs About Us Dawn Villarreal has two special needs children. When she learned of her children’s disabilities she found it difficult to find answers. Villarreal made it her mission to help families find the resources and services they need. Villarreal became parent leader and moderator of the statewide disability group Autism Community Connection in 2002. Frustrated that there was not a better system in place, Villarreal created her own called One Place for Special Needs. In December, 2007, the City of Naperville (IL) Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Disabilities honored Dawn with their RAMP-Art Award, given to residents that improve the lives of community members with disabilities. Thanks to Our Sponsors
The Learning Styles of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder | The Arc’s Autism Now Center By Bethany McCabe, MS, OTR/L Both children on the autism spectrum and their neurotypical peers learn best when they are exposed to various learning styles and teaching methods. Studies have shown that uncovering and supporting children’s favored learning styles can improve performance in all areas. To understand how a child learns best, it helps to understand what type of learning environment a child responds to organically. First, there is visual style learning. In this category, children rely on their sense of sight, and best learn from books, videos, charts, pictures and color coding methods. A second type of learning is Auditory Style. The third type of learning is considered Tactile or Kinesthetic in nature. A wonderful way to better understand how information is absorbed is to look at the “Cone of Learning,” developed by Edgar Dale. While many children learn through multiple means of input, most children on the Autism Spectrum have one preferred primary learning style.
LD and ADHD