AT Program News

PARCC and SBAC Accessibility: the Promise vs. the Products

The fall edition of AT Program News is now out: "A.T. and the Common Core Controversy." Read "A Brief Orientation to the Hullabaloo"  to get the big picture in 800 words. Also, grasp the birdseye view on PARCC and SBAC accessibility as well as the nitty gritty on the controversy from the experts working for change. Find, too, essential links for both consortia on accessibility and accommodations. Learn how to contribute to the conversation about these assessments and how to provide feedback on your school's testing experiences.

• The Common Core State Standards:
  A Brief Orientation to the Hullabaloo
• Posted at TestingTalk.Org 
• The "New Generation" of Assessments
• PARCC and SBAC Accessibility:
  the Promise vs. the Products
• Tweet PARCC October 23rd and SBAC anytime!
• Generation Tech: articles by Gordon Mackay Morrison (8th grader!) and Maureen Knowlton (his teacher!)
• The Common Core at ATIA 2015
• Essential Links (PARCC & SBAC)
• Up Next: AT Policy Advocacy

EdCampAccess International is FREE this January in Orlando (post ATIA)

Heads up! If you are attending the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Orlando this January there will also be a FREE unconference event Saturday, January 31st (same hotel). EdCampAccess is a great opportunity to share what you've learned about helping struggling learners with assistive technology. Tickets are free but you must register. Learn more and register at this ATIA web page (opens in a new window).

Our Favorite Apps!

Georgia’s Tools for Life cuts through the chaos with a database of tested apps

By Carolyn Phillips and Martha Rust

With over 275 apps released every day, researching and locating new and reliable apps is an overwhelming task! In an effort to help you choose (and improve accessibility), Tools for Life has created a searchable database of our favorite apps for living, working, and playing-- the TFL AppFinder!

At the Tools for Life AppFinder Web page, you can search apps by category, price range, and device type. Another helpful feature allows you to search by disability, including sub-categories of a specific disability. What’s unique about our app finder is that all apps in the database have been tested or are currently being used by members of our Tools for Life team and our peers in the assistive technology (AT) community across the country.

Apps are continually being added to this database. We encourage you to view each app's ratings as well as rate the apps yourself. We are always interested in adding new apps and encourage you to add your own favorite apps to the TFL AppFinder.

In the TFL AppFinder’s “Helpful Links” section  you can connect to how-to videos, app reviews, and possible funding resources for mobile devices. On our start page you may connect to a list of additional Web sites (Other Favorite Apps Databases) with app recommendations for particular disabilities.

Please visit the Tools for Life AppFinder and let us know how we can assist you with your app-finding needs!

Carolyn Phillips is the Tools for Life program director. Martha Rust is TLF’s AT specialist.

 

Video Modeling Strategies using iPod Touch and Tablets from Tony Gentry

Need help with wayfinding, social cueing, task sequencing, and/or behavioral prompting? Virginia Commonwealth University's Assistive Technology for Cognition Laboratory has been studying the use of smartphones and other PDAs for this assistance. VCU's Autism Center for Excellence Web site includes an eleven minute introduction to video modeling using iPod Touch and tablets by Lab Director Tony Gentry. Check it out his video here (opens in a new window).

Employer's Guide to Assistive Technology: Yours to Localize!

Mada, the assistive technology (AT) center in Qatar, and Enable Ireland have created a downloadable guide to AT for employment, and are making it available free to any AT center for localizing.  The guide is available in both English and Arabic versions, and is licensed  under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial.

From the Creative Commons Web site (links open in a new window):

Attribution-NonCommercial 

CC BY-NC

This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon your work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge you and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.

"The aim," notes Mada's CEO David Banes, "is to provide a core resource that can be 'flavoured' as communities require." 

Banes has been at the forefront of the effort to create an AT Leadership Network to share resources, knowledge, and best practices among AT centers around the world. With this guide Mada and Enable Ireland set the example: create your resources so that others may localize and adopt them, and help AT gain global traction. 

“Enable Ireland is delighted to have partnered with Mada to publish this Employer’s Guide to AT," remarks Siobhan Long, manager of Enable Ireland's National AT Training Service. "For employers, ready access to appropriate information on the benefits of AT in the workplace can make a real impact on their ability to support employees--whether new recruits, employees who acquire a disability or, significantly, those at risk of acquiring a work related injury such as Repetitive Strain Injury. AT really is a tool for all, and we hope that this guide may go some way towards increasing its profile and effectiveness in employment.”

The Employer's Guide to AT provides information on commercial, open-source, and built-in assistive technology options, and covers solutions for sensory and physical impairments, print-disabilities, and issues of ergonomics. It explains what assistive technology is, provides a business case for AT, and discusses implementation. It was first published in November of 2011.

Banes will be helping to lead a pre-conference forum at ATIA Orlando this January, "AT Leadership Forum for AT Centers Around the World". The forum is hosted by the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict) and is intended for executives running assistive technology centers serving persons with disabilities, special educators and rehabilitation professionals. 

The Employer's Guide to AT will be posted on the Mada Web site shortly. In the meantime you can download the Employer's Guide to AT (English docx) version here.

 

12 Low-Tech Links and Downloads for School and Beyond

1. ConnectABILITY's Visuals Engine 

Here's a high-tech way to make a low-tech tool! Create communication boards using boardmaker symbols for free at this site. Template layouts for 1 to 16 images are provided, along with instructions for getting started and tips for different uses (including a link to a recorded workshop on visual communication). Thanks to Carrie L. Leonhart, M.S., CCC-SLP of PIAT (Pennsylvania's AT Act program) for sending this in!

2. Tots 'N Tech Help Desk

Search low-tech AT andadaptations for use with infants and toddlers! Tots N' Tech is an inter-university collaboration between Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), Temple University (home to PIAT), and Arizona State.

3. Handihelp.net

includes detailed plans for this uniquely accessible garden box along with dozens of other low-tech, low-cost projects useful for persons with quadraplegia (daily living, mobility, recreation, in particular). Rich Fabend is a retired special educator with quadreplegia who created the site to share his ingenuity (and story).

4. Buffalo's AT Training Online Project

provides pages of low-tech products for the classroom.

5. Workshop Solutions

"homebuilt assistive devices" are shared by site founders Scott and Tom Jeary. Projects range from recreational equipment to toileting and may be browsed by environment: outdoor/sports/games, playroom, school, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

6. Tools for Independence 
A monthly low-tech AT newsletter for seniors put out by the Independent Living Partnership in California. Styled like a newspaper advertizing flyer of inexpensive helpful products.  (Thanks to Scott Weissman of ND's IPAT for sending this in!)

7. AbleData's DIY projects

This mother of AT databases includes Do It Yourself projects with descriptions and contact info for their designers/inventors. DIYs are integrated into any keyword search at the site (so if you look up Camera Mount for Wheelchair you'll see DIY as well as comercial products) They may also be browsed  (all 43 pages at the link above).

8. Oaklahoma's Homemade AT

18 projects are detailed with photos and instructions ranging from battery interrupters and soldering instructions to a pediatric bucket seat.

9. 50 Fun Ideas for Simple Switch or Low-Tech Activities [for special education]
A Word doc download by Molly Shannon, OTR/L, ATP. Thanks to the North Carolina AT Program.

10. Utah AT Program's Pinterest page
Storee Powell writes that the Utah program is finding, categorizing, sharing, and disseminating low-tech ideas online via Pinterest. Their main audience is special educators.  "Pinterest allows professionals and families to share their low-tech ideas with us also- and it helps us help others better. And it is FREE!"

11. Low-Tech Tips with Velcro

A PDF from the Louisiana Dept. of Education AT Initiative.

12. Low-Tech Tools from the Boston Public Schools

Motor/Writing/Reading supports... ideas and products.

 

iPad Funding Help

iPad funding resources for families with kids who have special needs

 

"5 Steps to Getting An iPad Covered by Insurance; A mom's story of success"
Step-by-step guide for approaching your insurance company for an iPad as AAC.

 

iTaalk.org's funding page 

Grant sources, raffles, giveaways, and scrappy suggestions for self-funding are available at this comprehensive page of iPad funding resources.

 

iHelp for Special Needs

Founded by parents, iHelps raises funds for children with special needs to receive iPads and apps for communication, life skills, and social skills.

 

Danny's Wish 

is accepting applications for iPads for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Their goal is to raise $50,000 for 100 iPads for children most in need.

 

ACT Today! 

Autism Care and Treatment provides grants between $100 and $5,000 to families with children on the autism spectrum (and they have funded many iPads). Families with more than one child on the autism spectrum are considered first. Grants are made quarterly.

 

Alternative Financing Programs for Assistive Technology
Every state has one. Financial loans are available to individuals and families needing or wanting assistive technology devices and/or services, including iPads (and apps and training). Many families and individuals with disabilities on limited incomes access loans for devices through these programs, and do so with better rates and terms than traditional bank loans. Find your state's Alternative Financing Program (AFP) for assistive technology at this RESNA Catalyst Project Web page.

Pass It On Center Happenings

The Pass It On Center is the provider of technical assistance to AT reuse programs nationally. PIOC provides site visits to established and emerging programs, offers webinars, teleconferences, and workshops for training purposes, and organizes reuse summits to foster regional collaboration and planning. The PIOC Web site is a deep resource of toolkits, archived webinars, and a "knowledge base" that includes everything from how to sanitize equipment to advice with choosing board members. Below are some recent and upcoming PIOC happenings.

California site visit:

This past summer, PIOC Director Carolyn Phillips was invited to visit the Ed Roberts Center (for independent living) in Berkeley, CA. The new Center is a model of thoughtful accessible design.


Ed Roberts Center interior
 

Phillips was in Berkeley as part of a PIOC team to advise on the design of a new AT Reuse Center to be constructed on the site of the former CIL.

Carolyn Phillips with Yomi on the site of the former CIL

Upcoming Webinars:

Five years ago, the Department of Education funded 12 projects that showed promise as models of how to expand AT Reuse. In November and December, PIOC's Joy Kniskern and Trish Redmon will review what the grantees proposed, what they have accomplished, and some lessons learned with regards to sustainability and outcomes during the following webinars:

November 29, 2011   
Sustainability: Lessons Learned from the 12 Demonstration Projects 
2:00pm to 3:30pm EST

December 13, 2011   
Outcomes: Lessons Learned from the 12 Demonstration Projects   
2:00pm to 3:30pm EST

Access them at the PIOC Webinars page

Reuse Workshops at ATIA Orlando:

The Assistive Technology Industry Association is holding its annual ATIA Orlando conference from January 25-28th, 2012. The PIOC is teaming with reuse programs from around the country to provide a reuse strand of workshops including:

Thursday, Jan 26th
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The Trend of Reused AT for Sensory Disabilities.
Martha E. Rust, Sara Sack, Liz Persaud

1:15 pm to 2:15 pm
Meeting Community Needs Through AT Reuse Programs
Joy Kniskern, Barclay Shepard, Sonja Schaible, Liz Persaud

2:35 pm to 3:35 pm
"i" Am Ready: "Apps" for Emergency Preparedness
Liz Persaud, Amy Goldman

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Filling the Gap! AT Reuse Helps School and Community Transition
Liz Persaud, Carolyn Phillips, Joy Kniskern, Lindsey Bean-Kampwerth

Friday, Jan. 27th
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
AT Reuse is Making Environmental and Community Access Possible
Carolyn Phillips, Liz Persaud, Lindsey Bean-Kampwerth

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Including AT, AT Reuse, and Emergency Preparedness in Pre-service Training
Amy Goldman, Sara Sack, Liz Persaud

Saturday, Jan. 28th
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Optimizing AT Resources in Schools: School Swap and More
Liz Persaud, Carolyn Phillips, Sharon Alderman

Learn more at this ATIA Orlando Web page

Digital Books: So Many (Free) Ways to Read--MassMATCH News Quarterly

Check out the article I just wrote for the MassMATCH News Quarterly on free digital book sources: "An orientation to this dizzying world for everyone." This is a round up of resources for individuals with print disabilities as well as mainstream consumers. Along the way you'll learn a few things about play back devices and file types and all that confusing stuff. Read Digital Books: So Many (Free) Ways to Read at the MassMATCH Web site.

Beyond the Apps Store!

10 Web pages with apps for special education and adults with disabilities

As the volume of apps for mobile devices explodes, Web sites are cropping up to help us learn, review, and share about them. Below is a selection to help you get started:

1. Apps for Children with Special Needs (a4cwsn.com)
Videos of apps in action to help parents, educators, caregivers and professionals make more informed purchases. The creator is a parent who has also launched an effort to give away 50 iPads in 50 states.  

2. IEAR.org; I Education Apps Review
Founded by an education technology specialist, this site has created a community of over 500 educators, administrators, and app developers, including 30 volunteer "educator" app reviewers.  Apps are categorized by grade level and tagged by subject. There is also a special education category with 10 reviews so far. A great place to explore (and help grow?)

3. Teach with your iPad
This is a Wiki with a special education page. There are a lot of educators out there creating Wikis to share education technology advice and this is one of them.

4. Mobile Learning for Special Needs
Founded by a special educator, this Wiki includes 140 iPad/iPhone apps organized by category in addition to articles, video case studies and captioned video tutorials on devices.

5. Moms With Apps: special needs page
An online catalog of apps created by family-friendly developers.

6. iPodsibilities
"One teacher's thoughts on using iPods and iPads in the classroom."  Apps, reviews, lesson plans and more--including for special education.

Beyond Special Education…

7. iPhone/iPad Apps for AAC

8. iPhone/iPad Apps for Magnification and Vision Support

9. iPhone/iPad Apps for Literacy Support
These link to large spread sheets explaining, comparing, and reviewing apps! The AAC page sorts apps with symbols/pictures only, apps with symbols and text-to-speech, and text-based-only apps. The Vision page sorts apps by magnification and other vision support. The Literacy Support sheet is more of a listing only. They are provided by the Spectronics Web site--a supplier of inclusive learning technologies in Australia and New Zealand.

10. AAC TechConnect Apps Assistant
The Apps Assistant is under development to help sort through the sea of AAC apps through a series of basic questions. Check out the apps list and sign up for beta testing.

Happy searching!

Free Everyday Math Apps Today and Tomorrow

For those with kids using the Everyday Math curriculum, and for anyone else interested, McGraw-Hill is offering its Everyday Mathematics apps for free through June 29th. Apps include Baseball Multiplication 1-6 Facts, Baseball Multiplication 1-12 Facts, and Top-It, Name that Number, Beat the Computer, and others.

My "typical" almost 3rd grader managed Baseball Multiplication this a.m. pretty well. He is easily frustrated by technology and this one worked out okay. I checked out Divisibility Dash myself, since division is on our agenda, but I find this app hard to understand and with little incentive to play.

When will McGraw Hill make apps that teach the relationships drilled by these Fact Triangles we (parents and kids) are endlessly saddled with? Inquiring bloggers want to know!

 

Great Adaptive Recreation Resource: The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD)

Check out the Lifetime Sports pages of this Web site out of the University of Illinois at Chicago! Here is a wealth of information on playing and adapting nearly a dozen sports, from bocce and golf to sled hockey and Tai Chi. Learn how games are played, watch videos of players playing with adaptations, and find equipment suppliers in your area. NCPAD Lifetime Sports

Also, if you are looking for accessible and adaptive recreation and/or fitness programs in your state or region this summer, NCPAD houses a state-by-state and town-by-town program directory. Find everything from adaptive sailing in Vermont, to deer hunting in Arkansas, and golf in California. The directory is also a summer camps resource. NCPAD Programs Directory

NCPAD is a program of the Dept. of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois--Chicago and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tips for Easier Gardening--Gardens for Every Body

Gardens for Every Body is a great Web resource on accessible gardening for seniors and persons with disabilities. Below is an excerpt from their Tips for Easier Gardening:

If you have limited strength, mobility, or trouble getting around the garden, try some of the following tips for easier gardening.

• Put hanging baskets on pulleys so that they can be easily lowered for maintenance.
• When possible use lightweight pots for the patio or balcony. If using clay try having them set on a platform with wheels so that you can easily move them around when needed.
• If you have a large garden and are always forgetting things, try getting a few inexpensive tools and putting them in a plastic-type container (safe from the elements) near the bottom of the garden. This will save steps and allow you to prune and weed as you go.
• Try using a mailbox to hold small hand tools. There are great decorative mailboxes on the market that will add charm to the garden.
• Place stools, garden chairs or benches in the garden so that you can rest often.
• You can buy a garden cart to carry long handled tools but a plastic garbage pail on wheels works just as well and is somewhat cheaper. The wheels are adjustable on the back so they will stay in one place when you park it. The tools are where you need them and they don't fall.

Read the rest of this article at this Gardens for Every Body Web page (by Karen Funkenbusch, MA and Willard Downs, PhD)

Alternative Workstations for Wheelchair Users

A half-day RESNA 2011 workshop with Andy Winnegar 

Wheelchair workstation design has generally presumed users work seated in a wheelchair, yet for some individuals this is not possible. After all, wheelchairs come in a variety of configurations including standing and tilting, and wheelchair users who work standing, lying on their backs, sides and stomachs also need accessible user-friendly workstations. Indeed there are an estimated 1.4 million wheelchair users in the United States and all have a need to access computers and other devices. 

This workshop is about what exists and what needs to be invented for those who use wheelchairs. Participants will help brainstorm new ideas starting with what exists today.  The workshop will conclude with elaborating on concepts that are the most promising for the future design process. 

Come if you want:

   1. An understanding of the range of technologies available for alternative workstation design;
   2. To learn about technical and functional aspects of workstation ergonomics.
   3. To identify 6 current devices intended for particular operational functions.
   4. To identify 3 new technologies not yet developed that may hold promise.

RESNA 2011 will be held in Toronto, Canada at the Sheraton Centre Toronto from June 5 through June 8, 2011. Learn more at this RESNA conference Web page.

Andrew Winnegar is a consultant with the DBTAC Southwest ADA Center a program of ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) at TIRR Memorial Hermann. He recently presented with RESNA TA on a model accommodation policy for small business at the RSA Employment Conference. He was honored as the 2007 RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineer and Assistive Technology Society of North America) Conference, Don Ross Invited Lecturer - Early Deployment of Reasonable Accommodations for State Government Workers.

8 Great Online Employment Resources (for Persons with Disabilities)

1. Our Ability
A Web portal for mentoring launched March 24th. View and listen to success stories. Post a job or resume. Read about and interact with successful people with disabilities in the education and business world.  The site is the brain-child of John Robinson, general manager for WCNY, AXXESS Media Productions (author of
Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination).

2. Accessible Technology for All
AccessibleTech.org is a project of the ADA National Network geared for the business community. The site provides resources on accessible technology and AT. National Hotline: 800-949-4232

3. Workrave
Free ergonomics software download to prevent Repetive Strain injury while working on your computer. (Windows and Linux only). Find more free ergonomics software

4. Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)'s Web page for exploring various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings.
 
5. Employer's Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodations  Another great JAN resource: covers Americans with Disabilities Act basics and info on reasonable accommodations for applicants, interviewees, current and former employees, and employees on leave.
 
6. Workplace Accommodation Examples
Read case studies about successful workplace accommodations and add your own. This Wiki  was created as a means to share unique accommodation ideas. Located at CATEA's Work RERC site (at Georgia Tech).

7. Punch-In.org
A new self-directed Employment Assistant that is geared for young adults with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce.

8. Solving the Employment Puzzle for Youth with Disabilities
Customizable, free parent training curriculum that focuses on providing specific
information on various employment systems for persons with disabilities. From the Pacer Center. Power Point version.

UDL 2.0--Hands On!

Pssst!! I'm writing from ATIA Orlando where my preconference seminar is with Beth Poss, MA CCC-SLP and Chris Bugaj, MA CCC-SLP. They're teaching us about FREE web tools for an engaging classroom that is Universally Designed for Learning (UDL). We are halfway through and it's so much fun, I thought I'd share.

So far we've learned how a previously unmotivated student with learning disabilities was transformed by a project on Shakespeare using Glogster. How to engage visual learners with their 2nd grade spelling words (Spell with Flickr), how to turn writing assignments into colorful word clouds, revealing frequency of word use (and perhaps over reliance on certain vocabulary),  and a free web-based text-to-speech tool that provides downloadable mp3 files… among other tools. And we're only half-way through this workshop!

Want to know more? Here's the google docs slideshow presentation, complete with links that we are currently perusing: UDL 2.0--Hands On!

Enjoy... uh oh, we're starting up again.

More Transition Workshops at ATIA Orlando

 

ATIA, the Assistive Technology Industry Association, is holding its annual Orlando conference January 26th-29th, 2011. The conference features more than 100 exhibitors of the latest products and services as well as valuable educational programs strands.

 

Here are some transition-related highlights:

 

Thursday, January 27th:

ADT-02
1276  Learning to Living: AT Transition Strategies for Secondary Low-Incidence Students

Speakers: Beverley Greene, Assistive Technology Specialist, Norfolk City Public Schools, Jennifer Vevoda, Occupational Therapist/L, Norfolk City Public Schools, Kristen Schulte, Speech Pathologist, Norfolk City Public
Schools, Anita Lorea, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/L, Norfolk City Public Schools 

AAC-14
1386   You CAN Take it with You: Transition and SGD Users

Speaker : Amy Goldman, Associate Director, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University

ADT-10
1059   Transition Assessments and Curriculum 

Speaker : Mike Schmitz, Product Development, The Conover Company 

Friday, January 28th:

ET-19
1010    Everyday Technology: Enabling Kids With Autism (Preparing Middle Schoolers for Occupation Success)

Speaker : Inga Smith, Parent & PhD Candidate (Exceptional Student Education)

 

ADT-19
1077   Transition Programming for Students with Significant Disabilities
Speaker : Karen Leugers, Educator, Mercer County ESC

 

ADT-17
1096    Punch-In! A New Employment Resource for Young Adults with Disabilities
Speaker : Janet Peters, Project Coordinator, DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center

Saturday, January 29th:

ADT-25
1255   Transitioning Youths with Speech Disorders: Reasonable Accommodation Situations and Solutions

Speaker : Teresa Goddard, JAN Consultant, Job Accommodation Network

 

POL-17
1129   Supporting AT Throughout the Seasons
Speakers: Amanda Peters, Assistive Technology Product Manager, AT Collaborations, Gayl Bowser, Consultant, AT Collaborations

To receive a $30.00 discount on the cost of registration for Orlando use discount code: APCH when you register.

Learn more about ATIA 2011 Orlando

12 Online Resources for Assistive Technology for Education

1. UDL Tech Toolkit. This is a very, very deep resource of FREE "universal design for learning" tools! Categories include: apps, audio books, free text-to-speech, graphic organizers, multimedia and digital storytelling, study skills tools, literacy tools, writing tools, collaborative tools, research tools, math tools, and tools to compensate for handwriting issues. This Wikispace is organized by Karen Janowski (an assistive and educational technology consultant in MA) and Joyce Valenza (a librarian extraordinaire in PA). Janowski also has a highly recommended blog: Teaching Every Student.
   
2. WatchKnow. Free Educational Videos for K-12 Students to support the UDL classroom. The site aims to index and organize 50,000 educational videos by the end of 2010!  Each video is categorized and accompanied by a description, age level information, and rating. The site is maintained by teachers and librarians and is foundation supported. Brought to us by a co-founder of Wikipedia, Larry Sanger. Videos are not often captioned.
   
3. Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO).This site, from the University of Buffalo, provides information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms; it includes online tutorials, AT planning tools, and links. Funded by OSERS.
4. Need AT for Math? Check out this great video posted at the Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at VCU's Assistive Technology Blog. “Sometimes we just need a little memory jog to remind us of some AT solutions we might consider when students are struggling in math...”
5. LD OnLine-Technology. Many good articles about the use of technology for students with learning disabilities. Included are general information, technology reviews, classroom applications, and information on making the right decisions when integrating technology.
6. A.T.TIPS cast is an audio podcast produced by Christopher Bugaj, co-author of The Practical and Fun Guide to AT in Public Schools. The podcast is also practical and fun and usually less than 10 minutes long.
7. Advocacy Institute is DC-based non-profit and home to "The Advocate Academy"-- a Webinar service designed to meet the training needs of special education advocates. Archives of past webinars include AT related topics such as: "AT, AIM, NIMAS, UDL and More: Making It All Work for Students with Disabilities," and "Prepping for an IEP Meeting: What you need to know about AT consideration and AT implementation" (for sale for $25 each, and sometimes free over the summer).
   
8. Access Text is an electronic database designed to make it easier for colleges to get students with print disabilities specialized textbooks in time for classes. Created by the Association of American Publishers and the University of Georgia.
9. Techmatrix is an online tool for finding assistive and learning technology products for students with special needs. It was created by the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) and the Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd).
10. National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (NIMAS): Online Tutorials provides links to dozens of screencast videos on how to use different types of AIM software products (unfortunately they are not captioned). Each of the tutorials presented focus on a different aspect of accessible instructional materials and services for use in classrooms and at home and offer detailed practical instruction in the use of AIM and related products. Developed by the AIM Consortium and the Michigan Department of Education, the purpose of the tutorials is to provide a suite of tools for learning about and using assistive technology applications that support the use of AIM (i.e. digital text, audio, and braille).
    
11. No Limits 2 Learning: celebrating human potential through assistive technology is a blog by Lon Thornburg, an AT specialist and trainer in Oregon. Thornburg writes compelling posts about the AT he uses with students with disabilities (K-12) and recommends useful resources.
    
12. Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs is the award winning blog of “resources and ideas for teachers of learners with severe, profound, intensive, significant, complex or multiple special needs” by Kate Ahern, M.Ed. She writes, “I tend to think outside the box and I love the creative side of teaching, such as creating curriculum units or finding ways to make breakthroughs with students who are harder to reach.”

Toolbox: Assistive Technology for Behavioral Safety and Self-Protection

Individuals with cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities often need help preventing behaviors which challenge their safety living at home. If you or someone you know is caring for someone with this type of disability--such as a child with autism or an adult with Alzheimer's--the Massachusetts AT Act Program (MassMATCH) has created a web page to make you aware of the growing range of assistive technology (AT) products that exists to help.
 
Some of the AT solutions are sophisticated, like GPS or cellular tracking systems, but many are simple and inexpensive, like door knob guards or refrigerator latches. Not every solution can work for every individual or situation, but common problems such as kitchen safety, getting up unassisted and wandering are addressed by a variety of options.

The page organizes behavioral safety device-types by category (bathroom, bed, car, chair and wheelchair, doors and exits, electrical, kitchen, self-protection, telephone access, and wandering) and provides referral resources for further ideas, advice, support, and funding.  Below are a few device examples: 

• Easy-to-install, screw-on, anti-scalding devices turn off the water if the water gets too hot.

• Bed pads and floor mats with wireless remote alarms let caregivers know when a user gets out of bed.

 

• Car seat belt alarms that sound off when the two pieces of the seat belt are  disengaged.  

• Fall prevention alarms which sound off before a person falls or gets up from a chair or wheelchair.

• Door and window alarms, such as units which send signals to a portable receiver when doors are opened.

• Appliance plug lock. Plug any appliance into this keyed lock and it becomes
  unusable.

• Wandering devices, like this tracking bracelet which ties to the national E-9-1-1 emergency system, helping pinpoint the location of a missing person in virtually any environment.

Learn more at this MassMATCH web page for behavioral safety.

Reminder: MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education make no endorsement, representation, or warranty expressed or implied for any product, device, or information set forth on this website. Neither MassMATCH nor the U.S. Department of Education has examined, reviewed, or tested any product or device contained on the MassMATCH or AT Program News website.

DescribedMovies.Org--New from WGBH's Media Access Group

WGBH's Media Access Group, home to the Descriptive Video Service (DVS®) has debuted two new online resources today for fans of described movies.  Both can be reached via a new, easy-to-remember Web site address:  www.describedmovies.org

1. DVS on DVD
This page of our site has been updated to enable description fans to learn about mainstream DVD and Blu-ray discs that are available with audio description, and provides a Amazon click through option which takes you directly to the page of amazon.com to order the disc. The DVD and Blu-ray discs listed on the page are available wherever discs are sold (online and in stores), however clicking through our site to purchase your movies will provide the Media Access Group with a small percentage of the sales revenue, and helps support our efforts.

(The hit comedy It's Complicated from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin is the most recent movie released on DVD and Blu-ray with description.)

2. Full List of DVS Movies
This page lists every movie we've described for television, cable, DVS Home Video and DVS Theatrical (for movie theaters) since DVS debuted as a service in 1990.  We're at nearly 800 films!  The list is sortable by movie title or distributor (the company for which we originally described the film). Ask for described versions of movies from your television, cable or satellite provider, from movies by mail services and from Web sites which offer streaming or downloadable movies.

As always, www.mopix.org takes you to information about movies offered with description in theaters equipped with Motion Picture Access systems.  And try www.captionfish.com ­ you can type in your zip code, set the search filter for DVS and find the equipped theaters, described movies and accessible showtimes near you.

We like hearing from you, so please let us know what you think, and if you have suggestions for making our pages more helpful.

Thank you.

The Media Access Group at WGBH
Boston – Los Angeles
617 300-3700
access@wgbh.org

ClickAndGo Wayfinding Maps

ClickAndGo Wayfinding Maps aims to be the MapQuest for people who are blind or deaf/blind. Developed by In Touch Graphics, the service is providing "mobility-friendly" walking directions for both indoor and outdoor environments. These are auditory and tactile maps (MP3 files and text files for download) available from their accessible website or over a cell or standard phone, and they are free to blind and deaf/blind users.

The maps provide:

• step by step indoor guidance

• landmark to landmark route travel

• directions prepared by mobility specialists

• formats for braille output or a listening device

In Touch Graphics is marketing the service to institutions, organizations, and businesses ("sponsors") to make their facilities more fully accessible. Sample maps on the website include the Massachusetts State House, ATIA 2010 Orlando, and the University of Minnesota. A search box is provided for finding point to point or point of interest directions.

Get a ClickAndGo Map

Learn how to sponsor and get your facility mapped

OATS--A Directory of Free Assistive Technology Software

OATS stands for Open Source Assistive Technology Software. The OATS website is a great resource for finding free AT software to meet a specific need. These are organized by the following categories:

• text input projects
• communication
• using the mouse
• viewing the screen
• accessing the web
• symbols
• alternative access
• E learning and education
• general tools
• other need

The site was launched in 2006 to bring together an international community of users and developers to create free AT software with the features that people want. Wherever possible, the site provides user, developer, and OATS feedback on the software applications. The OATS Project Consortium is based in the UK, hosted by the University of Dundee, and coordinated by The Ace Centre.

Discover Smartphone Accessibility (and other free pre-recorded webinars on assistive technology)

Discover the accessibility capabilities of various smartphones, including out-of- the-box functionality, assistive technology software, and useful apps. Smartphones discussed include Blackberry, iPhone, Android, Nokia, and more...

The Target Discovery Series from the USDA is a free online series of presentations that focus on technology accessibility. These used to be live webinars but now they are pre-recorded and available for archive viewing at anytime. The next topic will be available beginning April 28th, 2010 on Smartphone Accessibility.

Also, now available for viewing:
Discover How Built-in Accessibility Compares Between Windows 7 and Mac OS X

Visit this USDA Target Discover Series Web Page

Are you handy? DIY Assistive Technology « Collection Spotlight from the National Rehabilitation Information Center

From the National Rehabilitation Information Center:

April 16, 2010

Did you know that ABLEDATA maintains a database of noncommercial and do-it-yourself assistive technology solutions? It’s absolutely true! In addition to more than 36,000 commercial AT products, ABLEDATA lists protoypes, DIY solutions, and custom adaptations to existing technology. Search for yourself!

Our information specialists contribute items for this database. We’re always on the lookout. Do you have a prototype, adaptation, or DIY project to add? Maybe you made your own umbrella holder for your wheelchair. Or created a custom seating or sleeping solution for your child with a disability. Maybe you’re a designer with a great product idea or a student with a design project. If you’re the kind of person who thinks “I wish I had an X that does Y” and then builds it yourself, we need to talk!!

via naricspotlight.wordpress.com

Hot Resources: Special Ed iPhone/iPod Touch Apps!

20 pages of iPhone and iPod Touch applications for special education have been organized and compiled at this scribd.com web page. Apps range from free to a few dollars (as apps generally do). Eric Sailers has compiled the list and he breaks them into the following categories:

• Communication Apps
• Organization Apps
• Reading Apps
• Writing Apps
• Math Apps
• Music Apps
• Song Apps
• Art Apps
• Game Apps
• Assistive Technology Apps

Learn more about iPhone and iPod apps at this Scribd web page!

In addition Bridgette Nicholson is an AT consultant in the Chicago area who is compiling a google docs spreadsheet of iPhone and iPod Touch apps for special ed.

Know of an app that belongs on this list? Share your app here.

Chicago Lighthouse AT Help Desk

The Chicago Lighthouse has a free assistive technology (AT) support line for computer access. Ray Campbell operates the desk and has served people in 48 states, six Canadian provinces, China, South Africa and New Zealand. He will assist with hardware or software problems as long as the caller is blind or has low vision or is calling on behalf of someone who is blind/low vision.

Contact Ray:
Toll Free: 1-888-825-0080 (voice/Relay)

E-mail: ray.campbell@chicagolighthouse.org

AIM Screen Name: tclhelp

New Site to Provide AT Product Reviews for Low Vision

From www.Access4.Us:

Currently I am the Adaptive products specialist for a non-profit organization serving the blind and visually impaired in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you would like to learn more about our organization, please visit the Badger Association’s webpage.

My job allows me to get my hands on a lot of the new assistive technology both for the blind and low vision. Besides my job, I am a self-admitted gadget junky. I love getting my hands on new technology and running it through its paces.

So, I hope to provide you with meaningful and in depth reviews of some of the assistive technology we all rely on day to day. One segment I will be starting is “A Week With”. In this segment, I will spend an entire week with a specific assistive technology and chronicle my ups and downs with the device.

via access4.us

"Strategies for Rural Outreach" is now available

The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) website has posted Strategies for Rural Outreach, a technical assistance publication that highlights how the Texas, Tennessee, Montana, and Mississippi AT Act Programs are working to provide statewide AT services.

The paper (written by ATPN Editor Eliza Anderson) summarizes rural outreach strategies gleaned from two NATTAP teleconferences and from subsequent phone interviews.

Strategies highlighted include:

-Regional AT Access Centers
-Mobile Access Units
-Monthly Regional Outreach Events
-Distance Technology

The paper also provides steps that states can take to create their own rural outreach strategy, and a rich appendix of resources including sample portable AT access center inventories, a sample letter of agreement for regional center partners, and a list of community and national organization types for programs to consider for partnerships. Click here to download "Strategies for Rural Outreach" from NATTAP (rtf).

 

ATIA 2010 Orlando Discount Codes

Dear AT Act Program, AFP and PAAT members,

 

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is pleased to announce your eligibility for discounted admission to attend ATIA 2010 Orlando (January 27-30, 2010) at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This benefit is exclusively available to friends of ATIA as a result of the partnership between our organizations.

 

To take advantage of this discounted registration program, please use Early Bird Alliance Discount Authorization Code 8CRES or 8ATAB by November 18, 2009. With this code your fee is just $350, a $175 discount from onsite registration.

 

ATIA 2010 Orlando provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, and those who support, work with, employ or educate people with disabilities, access to the latest AT products and services information, and un-paralleled networking opportunities.  Here is just a sample of all the combined benefits available:

·          Network with more than 2,000 professionals and consumers using assistive technologies every day to learn more about best practices and which products and services really work.

·         Choose from more than 200 educational sessions including lectures, demonstrations and hands-on labs allowing you to maximize your professional development and earn continuing education units (CEUs).

·          Meet other AT Act Program representatives and learn from their experiences in the AT Act Program strand. 

·          Explore innovative AT products and services showcased by 100+ top industry vendors. There is an AT Act Programs booth to raise awareness among the public of the services available.  

To capitalize on this great opportunity, simply follow these easy steps:

    

                              First:

       Click here to register online and register for the Alliance Partner Discount program. You will be prompted to enter your coupon code.

 

Use Code 8CRES or 8ATAB through November 18, 2009 to secure the $350 fee.

 

Use Code 8CLRES or 8LATAB after November 18, 2009 to secure the $400 fee

Second:

Click here to download a registration form so you can register by email, fax or mail. Note the Alliance Partner Discount Code #  box.

 

For complete information on ATIA 2010 Orlando, including a list of exhibitors and sessions, visit the ATIA 2010 Orlando web page.

--Caroline Van Howe, director of programs, ATIA