Want to learn some about some of the BEST CHROME EXTENSIONS for teachers? Teachers are using their computers, now more than ever. Educators are always...
The purpose of assistive technology is to remove or reduce the effects of functional limitations. When discussing AT tools to meet the needs of individuals, often times conversations and determinations center on the most expensive, most complex, or most recent technologies. As stated in Visual Supports for People with Autism, "The use of high-tech devices and software to support individuals with disabilities is certainly not a silver bullet, and it is important to understand the specific needs and strengths of each individual before making any decisions. A good rule of thumb is “just because something is new, doesn’t mean it is the best choice.” While some individuals may benefit from the use of handheld computers or other mobile devices, others may benefit from more traditional, low-tech visual supports or a combination of the two." A critical component of the AT process is the matching an individual’s strengths, needs, and preferences with the most appropriate software or hardware, referred to as Feature Matching. As shared in a latter post, a comprehensive feature matching assessment such as the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools) (Zabala, 2005) should explore both the needs of the individual along with how and where the tools will be used. The determination between high tech and low tech options depends on the individual and their abilities. It is essential to remember one size does not fit all. Ultimately, the determination for the technology should be based upon and meet the needs of the individual, never that the individual's needs meet the requirement for the technologies. The chart below provides some examples of high to low to no tech adaptive solutions available to individuals in need of AT. If you are seeking a more comprehensive list of high to low tech tools, visit the Assistive Technology Continuum of Low to High Tech Tools list created by the Boston Public Schools' Access Technology Center (ATC). Additionally, Glenda's Assistive Technology blog offers tools sorted by specific disabilities. Sources: Visual Supports for People with Autism; Joy Zabala; Glenda's Assistive Technology Blog; Assistive Technology Continuum of Low to High Tech
Special educators need a pretty large toolbox of strategies and resources to support our learners. So often, our students can have significantly diverse needs and levels. On any given day, special education teachers might need to take student reading data, modify a math assessment, teach science wit
Having a plan for how to train your paras will help everyone in your classroom. Do you have a plan for how to do it? Learn from these tips!
Swing into technology with these special education apps that are perfect for your learners.
Different types of AT can support students with disabilities: 20+ ideas and examples of low, mid and high-tech assistive technology in special ed that work!
Technology gadgets and tech tools are necessary in today's classroom. We have rounded up 20 of our favorites on the blog.
Four technology skills to teach kids. Technology is more than games and watching videos, so our students need to learn these important skills. ®MDC
This is an how to blog to explain how to use communication on the go bundles. The boards are easy to use and helpful.
Apps for special education are always changing, but these 10 are perfect for the 2021-2022 school year. Do you have them installed?
With the world advancing at a faster rate and scientist and engineers trying to keep up the demand and advances of technology in trying to best accommodate children and adults with disabilities, helping students with special needs in schools has always been a hard and challenging thing to do especially due to the pandemic requiring […]
These simple adaptations can improve the learning experience of many children.
Special education teachers have a lot on their plates. Take a look at my 10 websites for special education for tips, tricks, and resources.
The Reading Pen 2 by Wizcom is an assistive technology device that helps people with reading handicaps, learning disablilites, or people who...
Peggy Ployar, from SPED, shares with us what she has learned about using tech with special needs students - and it might not be what you are expecting!
Expert in Marian NMT models and training
If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night sweating over one of your AAC clients who doesn’t have a back-up communication tool, then this post is for you. Jeanne Tuthill is back…
Implementing technology can do wonders for increasing both student engagement and comprehension! Check out three tech tools for a special education class.
It’s AAC month! AAC is an important aspect of my job as a special education teacher. What is AAC? AAC stands for Assistive and Augmentative Communication. It can be anything that helps a person communicate. Why is AAC so important? Imagine if you suddenly lost your ability to talk or even use parts of your […]
Reading is essential in today’s world, from reading instructions on a test or a job application, to reading legal documents and safety information. Dyslexia can make reading even the simplest document incredibly frustrating for students. Without proper interventions, these students may struggle to read their whole lives, making it more likely they will end up in poverty or the criminal justice system. My son was diagnosed with dyslexia in fourth grade. I homeschool him, and I understand
Happy …JULY?! Is that right? Is the summer really flying by that quickly?! ? As it normally does, our summer vacation is racing toward the finish line, but I’m finding myself more energized and rejuvenated for the new school year than I was at this time last summer. Thank GOODNESS! I really think the combination ... Read More about 5 AI Tools To Try
Resources, tips, and materials to help you, help children with autism
Using Kahoot! with Google Classroom and Google Meet makes it possible to play engaging games anywhere with your class. Kahoot! is a fun
Looking for the teacher technology that will really make an impact in your classroom? In this fun conversation with Jennifer Gonzalez, we talk about the tools and ideas inside her Teacher's Guide to Tech and how they can help in your ELA Classroom.
Using technology in the classroom offers many benefits. These free apps for special education offer engagement and reinforce skills taught!
With so many schools shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators around the world are scrambling to turn their warm, cheerful classrooms into
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We return to Michigan today to hear more from school-based SLP, Rachael Langley. In this post, Rachael shares some prAACtical thoughts on making PODD books always available for communication. :::::…
Special Ed Data using Google Forms - check out these user-friendly tips and tricks for busy special educators to streamline IEP tracking and student progress monitoring!
Exploring assistive technology options for students who need help with communication skills can seem overwhelming, especially when you think of AT as synonymous with expensive equipment and sophisticated software. But not all AT has to be high-tech—in fact, you can often make your own creative communication supports with little to no expense and materials you […]
Check out my 5 favorite high quality, low tech AAC boards. A free core board is perfect for trials or provide back-up communication.
Spectrum Tech Trade School is an emerging non-profit school for autistic students to achieve a lifetime of supported independence.
Developing measurable goals for an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) is vital for supporting the educational needs of special education students. When it comes to spelling IEP goals, setting clear and achievable objectives can significantly enhance a student’s language skills and overall academic success. In this blog post, we’ve got a comprehensive goal bank for… Read More »Spelling IEP Goals (Measurable Goal Bank for Writing Objectives)
Want to give your students some tech time? Try these six must-have apps for special ed to help teach as they have fun!
