AT Resources
Assistive Technology (AT) is defined as "any piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of students with disabilities" and Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) is defined as "any combination of aided or unaided communication modes, including gestures, pictures, sign language, or speech generating devices used as supplements or alternatives to oral speech". You can find various types of AT/ AAC items/devices designed to address the unique needs of each individual in each category below. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to get trainings on them.
AAC
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC provides students who are nonverbal or have difficulty speaking in a way to communicate their needs. AAC is available in various forms, ranging from low tech options (PECS/pictures/paper symbols/core boards/static communication) to high tech options, such as dynamic display. This page shares AAC strategies, activities, programs, software, devices, and resources
openaccess-ca.org is a joint initiative between Placer County Office of Education, Placer SELPA, UC Davis, The California Department of Education, and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. It is a great resource to learn about how to incorporate various strategies and principles related to universal design for learning, assistive technology, and AAC. You can find pre-made core boards, educational websites, checklists, implementation strategies, etc. It is a great place to start your deep dive into learning about the role of UDL, AT, and AAC.
ProloQuo2Go: is a symbol-supported app designed to help teachers, families, and therapists empower students with an alternative way to communicate. Its layouts and symbols are adaptable to meet the needs of individuals.
TD Snap: is a symbol-supported app that helps people with speech and language disabilities communicate. Offering multiple access methods and clear speech output, this easy-to-use AAC solution grows alongside the communicator.
ProloQuo4Text: a text‑based communication app that gives a voice to literate children, teens and adults . Free voices in over 15 languages are included to enable natural-sounding communication.
PRC-Saltillo: a worldwide developer of speech-generating devices (SGDs), market-leading apps and several innovative AAC language systems that enable individuals with complex communication disorders the ability to express themselves.
GoTalk: GoTalks are battery powered augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices used by people who can not communicate well by speaking.
LoganTech: is a provider of assistive technology for the blind, visually impaired and also non-verbal individuals through augmentative communication devices. Check out their AAC systems!
PECS: Pyramid is the sole source for the internationally recognized, evidenced-based Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)®and the Pyramid Approach to Education®
Tactile Symbols: Tactile symbols refer to a range of materials that can be used to support communication, beginning with concrete objects that are part of a familiar routine activity (such as a spoon or a diaper) to a more abstract system, such as the one described here.
FlipBook: A low-tech option is a great tool as a back-up to the dedicated solution, use for modeling or during water activities.
Accessible Literacy Learning (Tobii Dynavox):The ALL Reading Program is an evidence-based approach designed to teach basic reading skills to nonverbal students who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Students can learn using the access method that works best for them: touch, eye gaze or scanning (Google).
Shared Reading:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuW95O5JLjU&t=1s
Comprehensive Literacy Instructions in AAC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ZqS43H6Fc;t=1s
Penn State AAC Literacy:https://aacliteracy.psu.edu/
Reading Books with AAC: features 1-6 intervention stages https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEwmAiThFhiwk999tvK9zGBWcC0Ml7qNY
Tarheel Gameplay: has a collection of free, easy-to-play, and accessible games. Each game is speech enabled and may be accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens and 1 to 3 switches. Follow this link:https://tarheelreader.org/accessing-tar-heel-reader/switch-access/ to learn about how to use switches with their games.
AAC Language Lab : AAC Language Lab offers 2 month free trials of their AAC activities. That's two months of free downloadable resources and lessons for AAC so don't forget the check them out!
PrAACtical AAC!! If you have not checked out the "Praactical AAC" site yet, it is strongly recommended that you do it now! They recently posted "Learn at Home Edition" with lots of templates and daily AAC activities!
Math: Counting with AAC Users: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWJlppMo0E
Math: Teaching Shapes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjXFu3UJ5Ck&t=3s
Science: Balloon Rockets with AAC Users:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq6jchD8dGI&t=1s
https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/praactical-aac-goals/
https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/praactical-goals-that-matter/
https://www.communicationcommunity.com/how-to-write-aac-goals-with-goal-bank/
Aided Language Simulation Explained
Basics of Modeling Language Using AAC
AAC Teletherapy: Modeling During Zoom Calls
Language opportunities for using AAC at home: Successful communication happens when people with communication difficulties can use their AAC system in all environments. Find strategies for using AAC at home in this blog post.
Using Proloquo2Go to talk about the coronavirus:shares strategies to talk about Coronavirus using AAC
PaTTAN-(Power: AAC): AAC Teaching Modules
AAC Evaluation Genie is an informal diagnostic tool that is intended to assist speech-language pathologists and others with identifying skill areas that relate specifically to the language representation methods commonly found on augmentative communication systems.
ACCESS
Students with physical limitations and fine and gross motor coordination difficulties often require alternative ways to access computers, tablets, Chromebooks, daily living items, and toys. Use of switches, adapted computer controls such as joysticks, alternative mouse control, and environmental control units allow students to interact and participate in academic and educational activities with greater independence. For student with complex needs (motor, dyslexia, etc.), use of eye gaze, head pointing, text to speech, speech to text, and other alternative options can be investigated as a mode of access.
Inclusive TLC: is a major educational supplier of assistive technology products.
Ablenet: develops, manufactures, and markets a vast portfolio of technology products and curriculum solutions that are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Inclusive Technology: is an award winning and leading supplier of software and hardware for people with special needs.
Freedom Scientific: is a major manufacturer of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments or learning disabilities.
Window OS: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/
Mac OS: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/mac/
Apple iOS: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/
Chrome: https://bit.ly/2ZjWffh
Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is an organization based in Texas that provides affordable, accessible computers for the community of the blind and visually impaired in the US. They provide customers guidance after purchase and their computers ($100~$300) are equipped with accessibility software and programs such as JAWS 2021 screen reader, MS Office Home and Student, etc.
The Braille Books Program: Established by the American Action Fund for Blind Children in 1997. They have been providing a free Braille book from a popular children's reading series every month. They have more than 330 titles from popular children's reading series, which have been distributed to thousands of blind children. Last year alone, they have provided more than 45,000 Braille books to children and schools across the county.
Be My Eyes: An apple app that connects blind and low-vision users with volunteers through a live video call. Volunteers assist users with tasks that require sight, such as reading labels, identifying objects, or providing navigation assistance.
Seeing AI: Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you. Designed with and for the blind and low vision community, this ongoing research project harnesses the power of AI to open up the visual world by describing nearby people, text, and objects.
BlindSquare: A new solution that combines the latest technology to help the blind with their daily lives. It has been developed in collaboration with blind people and carefully field tested. You need either an iPhone or an iPad to get started. It also supports some additional accessories to enhance the experience.
Lazarillo-Accessible GPS: Lazarillo is a specialized GPS app that brings mobility tools for people who are blind. Using audio messages, Lazarillo will tell you about nearby places, the street you are walking on, street intersections in your way and more! Like a radio, Lazarillo will announce the things around you while you are moving.
TapTapSee: Simply tap anywhere on the screen to take a picture. TapTapSee can photograph any two or three-dimensional object at any angle and speak the identification back to the user (Note: Spoken identification requires VoiceOver to be turned on).
SmartVision2: A smartphone dedicated to blind and Low Vision people with an optimized accessibility thanks to Android 6.0.
DeafBlind Central : is a program and resource center housed at Michigan State University's College of Education. Funded by Michigan Department of Education and operated collaboratively with the Michigan DeafBlind Projects, its main goal is to provide support services to individuals with combined vision and hearing loss, their families, and professionals working with them. The program provides training, technical assistance, and resources including webinars, workshops, etc. Check out their"Story Time Virtual Readings" (videos) as they have ASL interpreting, corresponding vocabulary videos, and experience boxes!
Ava: Ava is a real-time captioning app that transcribes speech into text. It's useful for following conversations in group settings or during one-on-one interactions.
Live Transcribe; Live Transcribe (Mighty Fine LLC) provides real-time transcription of speech, converting spoken words into text.
RogerVoice: Discover the market's fastest and hugely reliable call transcription application. RogerVoice is the first software for the deaf and hard of hearing that can live subtitle all of your calls at home and abroad in over 80 languages.
Sound Amplifier: Sound Amplifier turns your phone into a hearing aid. Make your volume 100x louder and eliminate background noise while protecting your ears. Just connect your existing headphones.
TYPING SKILLS: the following programs/games are designed to enhance typing skills.
MOUSE SKILLS: the following programs are designed to improve mouse skills
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been integrated into education, to enhance learning experiences, personalize education, and streamline administrative tasks. Here are some ways in which AI is making an impact in education:
Personalized Learning: AI algorithms can analyze students' learning patterns, preferences, and strengths to create personalized learning plans. This helps cater to individual needs, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
Adaptive Learning Platforms: AI-powered adaptive learning platforms use data analytics to assess students' performance in real-time. These systems adjust the difficulty level of content and suggest relevant resources based on individual progress.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems: AI can act as a virtual tutor, providing instant feedback, answering questions, and adapting instructional strategies based on the student's responses. This personalized guidance enhances the learning experience.
Automated Grading and Assessment: AI can automate the grading process, saving teachers time and allowing for quicker feedback to students. It can also provide detailed analytics on student performance, helping educators identify areas that need attention.
Virtual Classrooms and Simulations: AI facilitates virtual classrooms and simulations, creating immersive learning experiences. This can include virtual labs, simulations of historical events, or interactive language learning exercises.
Language Processing and Translation: AI-powered language processing tools can assist language learners by providing real-time translation, pronunciation feedback, and language comprehension support.
Administrative Efficiency: AI streamlines administrative tasks, such as scheduling, enrollment, and resource allocation. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and interacting with students.
Learning Analytics: AI analyzes large datasets to provide insights into student behavior, engagement, and performance. Educators can use this information to refine teaching strategies and improve educational outcomes.
The integration of AI in education has the potential to revolutionize the learning experience, making it more adaptive, personalized, and efficient. However, it is crucial to address ethical and privacy considerations and continually evaluate the impact of these technologies on students and educators.
- Magic School AI: https://www.magicschool.ai
- Eduaide: https://www.eduaide.ai
- Almanack: https://www.almanack.ai
- Brisk: https://www.briskteaching.com
- Diffit: https://web.diffit.me
- Sorcerer: https://antimatter.systems/sorcerer
- CK-12 Flexi: https://www.ck12.org/pages/student-tutor/
- Kharmingo: https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-labs
- NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/?pli=1
- QuestionWell: https://www.questionwell.org
- Conker:https://www.conker.ai
- MusicFX - aitestkitchen.withgoogle.com/tools/music-fx
- SplashPro - pro.splashmusic.com
- ElevenLabs - elevenlabs.io
- HeyGen - labs.heygen.com/guest/video-translate
- AI Duet in Slides- YouTube video
- Google Search AI Images - Resource link
- DALL-E - openai.com/dall-e-3 - labs.openai.com
- Bing Image Creator - bing.com/create
- Canva Magic Studio -Demo video
- Adobe Firefly - Resource Link
- Scribble Diffusion - scribblediffusion.com
- Padlet - "I Can't Draw" features-Demo video
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
Executive Function for school refers to all self-management skills students need to succeed in a classroom (Frost, ATIA 2020). It involves the ability to make plans and to execute the plans. Being able to focus, plan, organize, recall, self-regulate, and self-monitor are all a part of executive functions skills. A few examples of Assistive Technology tools and strategies supporting executive functioning are: calendar, visual schedule, digital highlighter, note taking apps, etc.
Momentum: has New inspirational photo and quote each day, set a daily goal, keep track of tasks with Todo list, check weather and forecast, etc.
Extensit: quickly enables/disables Google Chrome extensions (Chrome Store).
Clockify Time Tracker: tracks time from anywhere on the web and improve productivity (Chrome Store).
AdBlock: is a popular browser extension that allows users to block online ads from appearing on their web pages. It is available as a free download for various web browsers.
Visor: is a Chrome extension for screen dimmer. It may help with fluency, eye-strain, concentration and comprehension whilst reading.
Stay focused: is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that helps you stay focused on work by restricting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites. Once your allotted time has been used up, the sites you have blocked will be inaccessible for the rest of the day (Chrome Store).
Priority Matrix: uses the 4-quadrants method to help you focus on top priorities and projects. When you use Priority Matrix, you become more accountable to yourself, and ensure that you are spending time where it matters most (Apple Store).
myHomework Student Planner: is an app designed to help keep track of assignments at middle/high schools and college. It is also great for high school students with a block class schedule.
First Then Visual Schedule HD: The visual supports you can create and use with First Then Visual Schedule (FTVS) HD have proven to be especially beneficial for typically developing children, people with developmental disabilities like Autism and Down Syndrome, etc.
Remember the Milk: is an application service provider for Web-based task- and time-management. It allows users to manage tasks from a computer or smartphone, both online and offline (Wikipedia).
CanPlan:A Free app that promotes independence and builds confidence by helping people with cognitive challenges complete work-related tasks successfully (Apple App Store).
Time Timer: is an app for ADHD, Autism, Learning disabilities, Senior care, Physical, or Occupational therapy, and Dyslexia. Turn to Time Timer to ease transitions, establish routines and encourage more independence for kids and adults (Apple Store).
Choiceworks: is an essential learning tool for helping children complete daily routines (morning, day, night), understand, control their feelings and improve their waiting skills (taking turns and not interrupting). Created with the support of leading hospitals and child development specialists, this app is designed for caregivers to provide clear and consistent support to foster a child’s independence, positive behavior, and emotional regulation at home and in the community (Apple Store).
Breathing Zone: Integrates with Apples Health app to record your completed breathing sessions Mindful Minute (Apple Store).
AntiStress : When you need relaxation, diversion or just a moment of distraction enjoy this collection of toys: hear the sound of a bamboo chime, play with wooden boxes, swipe gently your finger in the water, tap buttons, draw with chalks and so on (Apple Store).
Pause: Based on the ancient principles of Tai Chi and mindfulness practice, PAUSE brings the act of focused attention to your mobile device (Apple Store).
Chillax is the ultimate one-button relaxation app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch - simply open the app and press the play button to start relaxing.
At Ease: features guided breathing meditations and guided journaling with topics to write on and think about during the day.
Time Timer:is an app for ADHD, Autism, Learning disabilities, Senior care, Physical, or Occupational therapy, and Dyslexia. Turn to Time Timer to ease transitions, establish routines and encourage more independence for kids and adults (Apple Store).
Google Keep is a note-taking service included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. Available on Apple, Chrome, and Android devices.
One Tab: converts tabs into a list. When you need to access the tabs again, you can either restore them individually or all at once.
Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers: Graphic organizers are an illustration of your thoughts on paper. They can help you brainstorm, organize, and visualize your ideas (Holt).
Peg Dawson's Executive Function Assessment (ESQ-R): https://www.smartbutscatteredkids.com/esq/
“Get Ready, Do, Done” Model: Support Executive Functioning for Autistic Students: Katie Matthews introduces students to “Get Ready, Do, Done” a useful model that supports executive functioning challenges. She then takes a deeper dive into the model, sharing how it can be maximized for academic assignments (Stairway to Stem).
MATH
Assistive Technology solutions for students with poor graphomotor and visual motor skills, difficulties with number/abstract concepts/terms, difficulties with basic computation and sequencing can include calculators, hands-on/digital manipulatives, individualized curriculums/programs, tutorial apps/programs, etc.
MathLearningCenter: offers lots of resources including curriculums, apps, and home supports (free apps/programs).
Adapted Mind: interactive math activities for K - 8
Math Playground: Excellent site for Math activities for K -8
IXL Math: Fun interactive math activities
SumDogMath: 100 Numeracy topics at ten levels. Teachers can upload their class list
Zearn Mat: A complete math program that provides Common Core aligned math lessons, personalized to individual learners. Lessons focus on three critical components: deep understanding, fluency, and problem-solving.
Flocabulary is a Brooklyn-based company that creates educational hip hop songs, videos and additional materials for students in grades K-12. Check out their math activities with rap music!!
GregTangMath: is an online math program comprising games, animated books and downloadable materials.
MathFactLab: MathFactLab is a strategy-based math fact fluency program created by a fifth-grade math teacher. Their multiple-model approach helps students to enhance their number sense as they develop math fact fluency in the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. MathFactLab kids engage with multiple models - such as number lines, area models, bar diagrams and ten frames - in order to see the patterns and relationships within the basic math facts.
Equatio for Google: is a Chrome extension that allows you to create mathematical expressions or equations using dictation or typing from your keyboard or touchscreen. Free for educators.
Microsoft Inclusive Classroom (using OneNote): In this interactive guide, you will see how inclusive math features from Microsoft provide a toolbox of free capabilities to empower students of all abilities and learning styles, improve comprehension of written problems and their solutions, and enable students to work independently at their own pace.
GeoGebra Classic: plots functions with sliders and solve equations, creates interactive geometric constructions, graphs functions, surfaces and many more 3D objects, analyzes data and do statistics connected with graphing, solves math problems with our powerful computer algebra system, visualizes parameters and distributions quickly, searches for free learning activities directly from the app, and saves and share your results with others.
Desmos Graphing Calculator Chrome store) Explore math with Desmos! Plot functions, create tables, add sliders, animate your graphs, and more -- all for free.
Microsoft Math Solver: Scan math photo, use handwriting or calculator. Microsoft Math instantly recognizes the problem and helps you to solve it with detailed step-by-step explanation, interactive graphs, similar problems from the web and online video lectures (Apple Store).
Math Doodles: The mathematical puzzles allow users to play, explore, and experiment with mathematical concepts, while developing and strengthening their strategy and problem solving skills. Math Doodles challenges are designed to allow for multiple solutions and strategies. There isn't only one correct answer.
BrainingCamp: has cool online math manipulatives such as number line, clock, tiles, etc.
Didax: free virtual math manipulatives for at-home learning.
A Maths Dictionary for Kids : An animated, interactive online math dictionary for students over 600 common mathematical terms and math words in simple language
WebMath : UDL K- Higher Ed math
Mathigon: is an award-winning platform for learning mathematics, and completely free to use. It's apps and website contain games, puzzles, activities, virtual manipulatives, and interactive textbooks, allowing students to explore, be creative, learn problem-solving and critical thinking.
Math Apps: Math Learning Center Apps are free apps are based on the visual models featured in Bridges in Mathematics. Apps are available in multiple versions: a web app for all modern browsers, and downloadable versions for specific operating systems and devices (such as Apple iOS for iPad).
EquatIQ: Chrome Extension Overview
ModMath: ModMath for iPad: Addition and Subtraction by The Center for Assistive Technology
OneNote Math Features: an overview of the math features on Microsoft OneNote by The Center for Assistive Technology
READING
Reading difficulties may result from decoding difficulties, dyslexia, poor comprehension, physical barriers, vision impairment, and distractions. To compensate for some of these learning differences, assistive technology like text to speech, screen readers, OCR scanners, digital reading rulers, digital highlighter, distraction removers, differentiated curriculums, dictionaries, etc. are often used.
Learning Alley: Audio Books for Dyslexia and struggling readers
Bookshare: Over 800,000 books with text to speech for schools and personal pleasure.
Epic! is the leading digital library for kids 12& under, free 30-day trial for parents and free for educators.
Overdrive: is a free service offered by your library or school that lets you borrow digital content (like ebooks and audiobooks) anytime, anywhere. Every OverDrive collection is slightly different because each library or school picks the digital content they want for their users (Google).
United for Literacy: provides digital picture books with audio narration options in a variety of languages. These books are available on the Unite for Literacy bookshelf, a website which makes the digital book available on any device -computer, tablet or smartphone.
ReadingIQ: is a comprehensive and digital library resource available to teachers for FREE. Free teacher accounts are for individual teachers and educators of public schools, private schools, and Head Start programs in the U.S. and Canada, and are to be used for classroom and in-school purposes only.
Vooks: helps parents and teachers extend the learning beyond each storybook. Each Lesson Plan provides themes, summaries, talking points, discussion topics, activity ideas and even vocabulary cards.
ReadTheory: is an online reading comprehension assessment tool for students. It allows students to read narrative, informative, or informational literary passages and answer corresponding comprehension questions, while tracking student performance and reporting progress to teachers.
Microsoft Immersive Reader: included in OneNote Learning Tools, is a full screen reading experience to increase readability of content in OneNote documents. Also, available on Apple devices.
Read and Write for Google: an extension that provides comprehensive reading and writing supports for Google Docs and the web as well as PDFs, e-Pubs, and KES files stored in Google Drive. Comes with picture dictionary and other study tools
Speechify: an intelligent text-to-speech audio-reader that turns your reading material into interactive audiobooks
Snap and Read: reads both accessible and inaccessible text aloud, it levels vocabulary, and it translates. It's the Next-Generation reading tool for Google Chrome, iPad and more, that can cover the most diverse reading needs (Don Johnston)
Google Translate: uses your camera for instant text translation (Apple Store)
Read me: is a text-to-speech extension that uses advanced deep learning techniques to synthesize natural human speech in more than 40 languages. It can read aloud the content of any web pages, PDF, & e-books with natural sounding voices.
Beeline Reader: BeeLine's simple reading technology was recently honored by the United Nations, and our apps have been featured on NPR and in The Atlantic (Chrome Store).
Mercury Reader:removes ads and distractions, leaving only text and images for a clean and consistent reading view on every site.
HelperBird is a Chrome extension with accessibility features such as text to speech, OCR, dictation, immersive reader.
Storylineonline Free children’s books read aloud with audio/video enhancement
Experience Books and Boxes: Designed for students with severe complex multiple disabilities.
KidLit TV: KidLit TV is a winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and has been selected as an American Association of School Librarians Best Digital Tool for Teaching and Learning. KLTV is available in over 700,000 schools worldwide via our website and video distribution partners.
Tar Heel Reader: has a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens, the IntelliKeys with custom overlays, and 1 to 3 switches. Anyone can make and publish books on their website.
Multi-sensory Reading Strategies:YouTube resources
Rewordify.com is powerful, free, online software that improves reading, learning, and teaching. This site can:
- Intelligently simplify difficult English, for faster comprehension
- Effectively teach words, for building a better vocabulary
- Help teachers save time and produce engaging lessons
- Help improve learning outcomes
Snap and Read: https://bit.ly/3osR3Cd
Voice Dream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOaqS6_PcO
Read and Write for Chrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY7vxfOMjbs
SPECIAL NEEDS
This section addresses the unique needs of students across all classifications of disabilities (LD, ED, Autism, Resource, Inclusion, 504 plan, etc.) with focus on functional skills, behaviors, and other areas that have not been covered in other AT/AAC sections. For easy navigation, the resources are sorted and divided into different categories.
do2Learn: Do2learn provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills. In addition, we offer premier products including View2do, and books for purchase.
Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum: Respectful Ways provides character education through a combination of pre-produced online lessons and classroom aids and activities for three age groups: Pre K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-12th grade. There are 18 to 20 modules for each age group, for a total of 58 unique courses, comprising a full year of curriculum, including a series of trauma-sensitive module (free access up to 3 modules due to Coronavirus)
Emotional ABCs Classroom: is a single year, skills-based curriculum that teaches foundational emotional skills. The program presents the same content for all grade levels and has the flexibility to be scaffolded for different age groups.
Making Learning Fun: Simple recipes with picture symbols
Welcome to Accessible Chef: A variety of recipes with picture symbols
Picture Recipes: Step by step recipes with picture symbols
The Autism Community in Action: has resources and strategies for life skills.
How to Start Life Skills Centers: offers pre-made templates for life skills that can be purchased through Teacher pay Teacher stores
Life Skill Lessons : PowerPoint slides with pictures teaching about life skills (hygiene, etc.).
KidsHealth: has doctor-reviewed advice on hundreds of physical, emotional, and behavioral topics, slideshows, recipes, videos, health tools, and lesson plans.
A visual support refers to using a picture or other visual item to communicate with a child who has difficulty understanding or using language. Visual supports can be photographs, drawings, objects, written words, or lists https://bit.ly/2XJdQeS.
For a child with autism, visual supports can help to decrease anxiety and increase independence across all settings. This toolkit provides you with all that you will need to help structure your child’s day at home, no matter his/her age. Follow and download the kit here:https://bit.ly/3fPZGyZ.
Fit from Sanford Health is developed to empower children and parents to make healthy lifestyle choices that help prevent childhood obesity.
NCHPAD is the nation’s premier center in promoting the health and wellness of people with disability. Subscribe for the latest guides on accessibility, fitness, nutrition, adapted sports, mindfulness, and more.
Cosmic Yoga Kids: Superhero Kids Yoga in Space is a new yoga for kids series exploring the special skills that superheroes have and helping kids learn how to use them in their own lives. This app-exclusive series is a brand new type of Cosmic Kids yoga adventure!
TOOLS
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or service provider, you may find the following tools useful to have integrated into your lessons and daily educational activities, as they are easy to access and are designed on principles of Universal Design of Learning (UDL). Some of our students may require additional support to access these tools, so consult with your assistive technology specialist if you have any questions.
LessonPix: is the online tool for personalized schedules, learning tools, communication materials. Anyone can create cards and customized games (Bingo, flashcards, bingo cards, dominoes, lacing cards, puppets).
Open Symbols: is a collection of open-licensed picture symbols that can be used for augmentative communication. The collection pulls from multiple sources and currently includes access to more than 50,000 symbols and icons.
Boardmaker:supports learning and communication in the classroom, therapy room or home with customizable material, including access to over 45,000 Picture Communication Symbols® (PCS). Boardmaker 7 is offered as Standardor Subscriptionoption (Tobii Dynavox).
Share to Classroom: allows you to push webpages to any of your Classroom classes, so they can open instantly on your students' computer (Chrome Store).
InsertLearning: Teachers can insert questions, discussions, and insight directly into any website (Chrome Store)
Google Dictionary: lets you view definitions easily as you browse the web.
Google Forms: A survey administration app that is included in the Google Docs office suite and Google Classroom along with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. You can create a new survey and edit it with others at the same time.
Thinklink: Ideal for classroom and workplace learning with direct voice recording to camera photos! Check out the "Elementary School Special Ed Center"
Nearpod is a student engagement platform that can be used to amazing effect in the classroom. The concept is simple. A teacher can create presentations that can contain Quiz's, Polls, Videos, Images, Drawing-Boards, Web Content and so on. They can also access over 7K k-12 standards-aligned lessons (Google).
BrainPOP A group of educational websites with over 1,000 short animated movies for students in grades K-12 (Wikipedia). Here is everything you need to know about BrainPOP: https://braveintheattempt.com/2017/07/24/whats-new-at-brainpop
Jamboard: A collaborative whiteboard that can be used with Google Classroom on tablets and mobile devices.
Kahoot : A game-based learning platform that makes it easy to create, share and play learning games or trivia quizzes in minutes.
Quizizz An online assessment tool that allows to teachers and students to create and use one another's quizzes.
Plickers A rapid-response classroom-polling app that lets teachers use one mobile device to scan paper cards for student responses.
Flipgrid A website that allows teachers to create "grids" to facilitate video discussions. Each grid is like a message board where teachers can pose questions, called "topics," and their students can post video responses that appear in a tiled grid display.
Buncee: An award-winning creation and communication tool for students, teachers and administrators. All-in-one technology helps create, and share visual representations of content, across grade, age and learning levels.
EdPuzzle: A web-based interactive video and formative assessment tool that lets users crop existing online videos and add content to target specific learning objectives.
Seesaw A platform for students to take pictures, draw, record videos and more to capture learning in a portfolio. Teachers find or create activities to share with students.
UDL
Universal Design of Learning is an educational framework used in the classrooms that aims to cater to the diverse needs of all students in the classrooms. It is based on the principles of "accessibility. inclusivity, and flexibility". The main idea behind UDL is that there is "no one-size-fits-all" approach to the teaching and learning as learners have different strengths, preferences, and needs. Providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression helps maximize learning opportunities for everyone. Great for a class with diverse population, students with non-identified disabilities, and/ English Learners.
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology): An educational research and development organization founded by Dr. David Rose and Dr. Anne Meyer to leverage technology to support diverse learners in educational settings. It has played a critical role in the development of Universal Design of Learning (UDL). Its mission is to make leaning more accessible, engaging and effective for all.
Toy Theater (Educational Games for Kids): Toy Theater is your source for free educational games specially designed for elementary-aged students. It's available on all desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring learning is never out of reach.
UDL Toolkit (LiveBinder):An online resource that provides educators with a curated collection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) materials and resources. It includes compilation of UDL-related materials including UDL Guidelines, various teaching strategies, lesson plans across different subjects and grade levels, digital tools, videos and webinars, etc.
UDL Exchange: An online platform provided by CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) that serves as a community hub for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) resources. It offers educators, researchers, and other stakeholders a space to share and access a wide range of UDL-related materials, including lesson plans, multimedia resources, teaching strategies, and more.
UDL Studio: A web-based platform developed by CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) to support educators in creating and implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lesson plans and activities.
UDL BookBuilder:The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Book Builder website offers tools that allows both teachers and students to create digital books.
Blooket: Students can use this tool to seek immediate feedback via correct or incorrect answers. Students use the tool to demonstrate their learning, what they know and do not know (pre or post-assessment) through the different types of game modes and question sets.
Mathigon: is an award-winning platform for learning mathematics, and completely free to use. It's apps and website contain games, puzzles, activities, virtual manipulatives, and interactive textbooks, allowing students to explore, be creative, learn problem-solving and critical thinking.
Universal Design of Learning Portfolio (Math): contains sample math lesson activities.
Integrating Technology with UDL: Technology plays an important role in supporting Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By providing a variety of flexible learning options and opportunities for engagement, technology can help all learners to succeed. This site introduces various types of technology for UDL lessons and activities.
Math Apps: Math Learning Center Apps are free apps are based on the visual models featured in Bridges in Mathematics. Apps are available in multiple versions: a web app for all modern browsers, and downloadable versions for specific operating systems and devices (such as Apple iOS for iPad).
WRITING
Writing difficulties may arise from phonological deficits, spelling and grammar errors, dyslexia, decreased gross and fine motor skills, decreased visual perceptual skills, organizational skills, and comprehension skills. To compensate these learning challenges, assistive technology like speech to text, word prediction, spell check, story maps/graphic organizers, adaptive keyboard/mouse, individualized curriculums, etc. can be utilized.
Co:Writer: uses grammar-smart and vocabulary-smart word prediction, translation support, and speech recognition to help unstick ideas and get them to flow in writing.
Read and Write for Google: an extension that provides comprehensive reading and writing supports for Google Docs and the web as well as PDFs, ePubs, and KES files stored in Google Drive. Comes with picture dictionary and other study tools.
Kami Pro: is a leading digital classroom app built to transform any existing document into an interactive learning experience.
SnapType Pro: iPad app for annotation and penmanship
Voice Record Pro:is a professional voice recording app. It allows you to record voice memos and on-site sounds at unlimited length with configurable quality (Apple Store).
Keyboarding without Tears: helps your students learn to type while having fun! Offers web-based curriculum for grades K–5 teaches typing, general computer readiness, online test prep, and features award-winning digital citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Education.
TypingClub: is an educational platform for keyboarding. It is web-based and fully customizable, so your students can practice in class, at home, or wherever an internet connection can be found (typingclub.com).
Keyboard Fun: This app is designed by an Occupational Therapist to help children with physical or learning disabilities identify where keys are on the keyboard, then learn to type and spell.
Typingtraining: offers special features for special needs students, including one handed typing training and assistive technology assessment tools.
Typetastic!: is an easy and flexible online typing tutor which gives the students the tools to learn fluent touch-typing technique through a variety of games and activities.
Clicker Writer: Clicker Writer supports the development of children's reading and writing skills through an app. It supports children build sentences and to choose words and comment on images (Google).
Quill: provides free writing and grammar activities for elementary, middle, and high school students.
GingerGrammar Ginger’s renowned AI-based Grammar and Spell Checker corrects spelling and syntax. Useful in case of dyslexia or simply poor writing skills (Apple). Also, available as free Chrome Extension https://bit.ly/2VwWqA8(link is external)
Google Drawings: Using Google Drawings to create graphic organizers can help students gather their thoughts and customize to their needs. Paper versions of graphic organizers can do a nice job of that. But by making them digital in Google Apps, they instantly become customizable. Multiple people can collaborate on them in real time. They can be shared with a link, embedded in a website or downloaded as an image file. (Ditch that Textbook).
Microsoft Lens: Microsoft Lens: Microsoft Office Lens: How to Share Scanned Document with MS Word
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