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

Merry Christmas!

I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Executive Function Skills at Work (and School)

The Center on Technology and Disability (https://www.ctdinstitute.org/)(CTD) has a wonderful library of family and student supports that include both low and high tech options.  They have paired with the PACER Center (https://www.pacer.org/), Champions for Children with Disabilities, to create a quick guide of Executive Functioning tools and strategies to help at work (and at school).
According to the description on the website:
"This step-by-step guide provides an overview of tools and strategies for executive function skills used in the work place such as time management, motivation, following directions, organizing work space and information, remembering appointments and tasks, and focus and attention."
Click on the link on the right of the screen (see image below) for the PDF download to see what this guide has to offer.

4 “Crazy” Ways to Inspire Your Uninspired Student Readers

For students that read below grade level, especially if they are significantly below grade level, reading is a chore. Many of these students have become uninspired to read, with good cause. We have to work to help heal their relationship with books and reading by providing alternative opportunities.

The Bookshare Blog often has great posts and the one titled 4 “Crazy” Ways to Inspire Your Uninspired Student Readers from November 5, 2018 is no different. Please take the time to read the short post and watch the 4 short embedded videos. I think they will inspire you as well.

4 “Crazy” Ways to Inspire Your Uninspired Student Readers
(http://bookshareblog.wpengine.com/2018/11/4-crazy-ways-to-inspire-your-uninspired-student-readers-video/)

And remember, 

Read in whichever way is best for you!