Sorry, No Blog this week...

In Michigan we have been hit with some strange weather over the last week, and it is not done yet.  We had 2 snow days last week and were off yesterday.  The weatherman is reporting potential record lows over the next 2 days, possibly as cold as -45 degrees.  Because of all of this I have not been in my office much and did not have an opportunity to write a Blog Post for this week.  I will work on getting one prepared for next week though.  
If you live in or near Michigan or are also going to get hit with this cold weather, stay safe and stay inside.

Understanding the basics of Assistive Technology

The Center on Technology and Disability has created a quick visual overview of what are AT Devices, AT Services, Categories of AT, Levels of AT Devices, and AT in the Classroom.

This guide is called Understanding the basics of Assistive Technology  (https://www.ctdinstitute.org/sites/default/files/section/file_attachments/UnderstandingATBasics.pdf).  

We Are Teachers

I stumbled across this great site the other day when looking through teachers posts on Twitter.
We Are Teachers (https://www.weareteachers.com/)

The site contains a ton of great information but I was drawn to the Classroom Ideas and Free Printables sections.  There is a great Brain Break Calendar and some cute Growth Mindset Posters in the Printables section.  When I signed up for the newsletter I got some free printables called Wellness Way, attached below.

Wellness Way Arrows 
(https://drive.google.com/open?id=16WBv88QWT3oCNkoLIs37TIQqjLRRUo_E)
Mood 
(https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lZnXsMtsgECWvALhv5nIn8g2BbJazJ7h)
Move 
(https://drive.google.com/open?id=15Ve1TmvFdKej44REb4Vnhff5_UXWWRFY)
Recharge 
(https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QweoHQMMdBTavhBLe8FA4Q_qenMpwAfG)

Take some time and check out the site for some great information and ideas!

Podcasts: Education,Technology, AT and Disability Podcasts

Mike Marotta is a nationally recognized Assistive Technology Professional who has been in the field of AT for almost 30 years.  On Twitter Mike describes himself as:

• Inclusive Tech Evangelist 
• AT
• UDL
• @Raspberry_Pi Certified Edu
• Director @atacnj
• Founder @EdcampAccessNJ
• Co-mod #atchat 
• 2017 ISTE @InclusiveLN Outstanding Edu

I have listened to Mike at multiple conferences and had individual conversations with him.  He is an all around great guy and really knows his stuff!

Mike has compiled a list of podcasts that he listens to and has shared it.  If you are interested in learning more through podcast please take a listen to some of them wonderful options in the link below.

Podcasts: Education,Technology, AT and Disability Podcasts (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e5yF-gpmu7ZzrdteR2WKsztsDI7J9MmCm-szZYaJ6RM/edit?usp=sharing)

Don't Wait to Communicate: Why Your Child Needs AAC

I just finished watching/listening to a great webinar about AAC, Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Dana Nieder has gained her knowledge of AAC through being a parent of a child using AAC and because of her experience she is now an SLP Grad student.

The link below takes you to the CTD page with the webinar, transcript from the webinar and link to the PowerPoint Presentation Dana Nieder uses. The webinar is just over an hour long, but well worth the time to hear some of the great things she has to say and wonderful points she makes bout using AAC.

Please check out the webinar at:

https://www.ctdinstitute.org/library/2015-06-10/dont-wait-communicate-why-your-child-needs-aac