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Looking for an easy way to convert a PDF file to a Word document? Often practitioners need to switch from the graphical format of a PDF to the ease of a text based document such as a Word file to maximize assistive technology applications. An online tool, http://zamzar.com, offers just that resource and actually provides numerous file conversion capabilities. Try it!
PBWiki.com offers a free an useful online collaboration tool. Users simply create a login and password to develop a online portal for sharing information, uploading files, and collaborating with others. A wiki (such as PBWiki) differs from a blog format in that users can add/edit content posted by others --- increasing the spirit of collaborative writing. Take a look at how easy this tool can be at http://www.pbwiki.com...providing a free online webspace to share and discuss!
There is a gold mine hidden in Caroline Musselwhite and Julie Maro’s web site, www.aacintervention.com! The May “Tip of the Month” talks you through 10 reasons why learning to use iTunes can simplify your life. Each reason is supported by an explanation of why you need to know it, and how to accomplish it. In most cases, there are references to on-line tutorials that can cover the topic in greater depth. Check this out and dig deeper into her site for lots of other practical information! We gotta love Caroline and Julie for the creative ideas that go into their web site!
Are you part of an AT decision-making team? Wondering how far you've come (and how far you have left to go) in learning about AT? Click on http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/DecisionMaking/assessment.php for an AT Knowledge Profiler. According to the site, this is:
a place to go to profile your knowledge about assistive technology. You can revisit the Profiler several times and compare your knowledge to others in the field. If you want to check your personal growth, re-take the self assessment survey to compare old and new profiles.
Ablenet Inc. has created lessons that incorporate the use of their products in fun and meaningful ways. Thinking about science lessons or math and how they might be adapted to meet the needs of your students? This is the site to explore whether you have invested in the Ablenet products or not...you will get some great ideas!
http://www.ablenetinc.com/wiz.asp
We often overlook AT when we are addressing problem behaviors; we turn quickly to plans that involve outsiders in managing students' behaviors...but we know that students need to learn (and practice) those self-management techniques to be successful in life. If an AT or IT software program can help with that, perhaps it should be considered!
This month's Intervention in School and Clinic (vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 12-19) includes an article about KidTools, a free electronic performance software system for K-8 students to use independently to manage "problem" behaviors. The authors review the software as well as test it on real students. They conclude that the point cards, monitoring cards, contracts, and make-a-plan applications lead to positive behavior change and that some students improved their hand-raising behavior, self-regulation, and on-task behavior and others increased their focus and attention to task while reducing negative interactions with peers.
The KidTools programs are available in CD format and in free downloadable versions from the website http://kidtools.missouri.edu.
The Inspired Learning Community(tm) offers educators a dynamic forum to
find and share ideas about visual learning, Inspiration(r), InspireData(tm) and Kidspiration(r). Visit
http://www.inspiredlearningcommunity.com to become an active participant and to learn more!
The Moving Forward with Technology Webinar series from Don Johnston will return this fall. This free series offers information about implementing technology in education. Planned session topics include:
Using Multimedia Materials to Engage and Challenge Learners
Registration: September 19th at 11:00 am ET & September 27th at 3:00 pm ET
NIMAS: Implementation Issues and Solutions
Registration: October 10th at 11:00 am & October 30th at 3:00 pm EST
Differentiating Instruction with Technology
Registration: November 29th at 11:00 am & December 4th at 3:00 pm EST
Technology Decision Makers Hold the Keys to Successful Implementation
January 4th at 11:00 am & January 14th at 3:00 pm EST
Tracy Gray, Director, Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd); and Cheryl Volkman, Founder, AbleNet Inc.
The Role of Technology in Response to Intervention (RTI)
February 11th at 11:00 am & February 28th at 3:00 pm EST
Nancy Safer, Co-Principal Investigator, National Center for Response to Intervention; and Tracy Gray, Director, Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd).
Finding the Technology that Supports Your Reading, Math, and Writing Instruction
March 18th at 11:00 am. 2007 & March 24th at 3:00 pm EST
Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, Knowledge Development Task Leader, Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd); and Boo Murray, Senior Research Scientist and Instructional Designer, CAST.
The Assistive Technology Planner: A Guide for Implementing AT
April 14th at 11:00 am & April 29th at 3:00 pm EST
Presenter:Margaret Bausch, Associate Professor, University of Kentucky.
Evaluating Your Technology Implementation Program
May 2nd at 11:00 am & May 12th at 3:00 pm EST
For more information visit: https://donjohnston.webex.com/mw0304l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=donjohnston&service=6
Dana Blankenhorn, on the ZNet Healthcare site ( http://healthcare.zdnet.com/?p=178) has posted about a cool new AT innovation: the TellMate ( http://www.gaishantech.com/products.htm). Here's what he has to say:
On the surface it’s an iPod knock-off, with an FM radio and talking clock. But it also has a scanner and digital recorder. All the buttons are voice-activated, telling you what they do when you press them. It comes with 20 RFID labels which you can program (and re-program) to describe, say, the medicine bottle in a cabinet. It’s currently available in England from Blink. At 250 pounds, about $500, it’s pricey, but it’s also early days yet. If volumes increase the price goes down. E-Access Bulletin talked to a Gaishan spokesman who said 10 Americans and 50 Asians are also testing the device, and say they want a wider variety of inputs and output. The next version, due this winter, will include an SD Flash slot so it could be used by many people in an institutional setting.
Here's what the company has to say:
TellMate system is a portable handheld system about the size of mobile phone. Electronic labels will be the source of information that the Visually Impaired needs. Together with the handheld device, the VI will receive appropriate and relevant information, as and when they need, in audio form, which is much faster, instead of Braille. This will allow the VI to make full use of their auditory sense to compliment their impaired vision, and does not assume the VI can understand the Braille. The audio signal comes in whatever languages or dialects that the VI can understand.
With TellMate, one electronic label is able to provide more detail information. Instead of just knowing from a Braille label that a certain bottle contains eye drop for daily use, the electronics version can have information as much as equivalent to a full A4 page (if necessary) – describing dosage requirement, expiry date, side effect and cautions etc.. User will be able to pick up or select items that are required on their own. V I students will no longer need to totally depend on sighted to read to them, as TellMate allows them to “read” on their own, at own pace and time. Even more innovative is the ability to provide mobility guide (at least in the indoor situation) – something of a first in the world. Not tested and tried before, but TellMate has that capability to guide a V I, again using instructions in audio form, to move on their own, from one place to another.Besides, there are as many benefits for the caregivers of V I too. Teachers, relatives and friends will no longer always having to attend to them on a one-on-one basis. Caregivers’ time can be spent in other more productive ways and spent quality time with the V I.
One of my colleagues just referred me to a great site for SLPs and teachers to share their thoughts, tools and ideas for teaching communication skills to students. Speaking of Speech is designed as an interactive forum for professionals to talk about new materials to purchase or not! Creative new forms and activities that work with students can be posted. Or where to go for new resources and professional development opportunities.
Check it out!
http://www.speakingofspeech.com
Thanks to Vicki for a question about recommend adaptive devices for digital cameras: shutter switches, tripods for wheelchair trays or arms.
I'm not sure if these have exactly what you're looking for but, usually offer some great ideas on AT. Try:
http://www.enablemart.com/
http://www.orcca.com/
http://www.abledata.com/
The National Center on Technology Innovation Technology Innovators Conference will be held November 15-16, 2007, in Washington, DC. This is an opportunity (close by!) to here some of the leading thinkers on ways to enhance technology in education. For more information visit, http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/events-main-page/annual-technology-conference2007/
Most of us have supported symbol users with the use of Boardmaker® products for years now and if you have cruised websites for free symbol downloads and new products you might have come across Widget software, www.widget.com. There are plenty of products to purchase here such as Writing with Symbols, a word and symbol processor, and Communicate: In Print 2, a symbol creating program using new Widget Rebus Symbols. You will love the free downloads on this site and links to other resources. Free downloads include beautifully illustrated stories using words and symbols for easy reading. While you are browsing the site, check out Communicate: Webwide, a web browser that allows the user to view web pages with symbols. If you are working with older students try out eLive, a symbol based monthly magazine that includes games, trivia and news! Where else can you find text and symbol supported versions of health related educational materials such as Diabetes Symbol Resources? If you are supporting symbol users, visit this site for free downloads and creative teaching ideas!
RFB&D's Learning Through Listening® (LTL) program offers tips on using audiobooks in the classroom( http://www.learningthroughlistening.org/Teaching_with_Audiobooks/Using_RFB_D_s_Audiobooks_in_the_Classroom/Tips_for_a_Successful_LTL_Program/119/):
Have your program administrator's contact information handy. If you run into a problem with equipment or books, you can contact him or her and solve it quickly.
Be aware of your RFB&D membership level and the number of books you can order. Keep a record of the titles you have ordered, or if you have an online account at www.rfbd.org, you can check your order limits under "My Account."
Place your book orders as soon as you know what you will need for the school year. You may call the LTL member services toll-free number or use RFB&D's Online Catalog and Ordering Center to place your order or check the most current information regarding book availability. RFB&D's peak season is August through mid-October and December through January.
As soon as you receive your equipment, choose a place to store it. To avoid any problems, you should store your equipment securely in a locking cabinet or closet and away from dust and debris.
Clearly designate for your students the times during the day when it is appropriate for them to use their RFB&D players. Consider creating a schedule that defines the specific subjects and days when they can use the players.
When you receive your equipment, familiarize yourself with it. You can set the example of proper equipment usage and handling for your students. RFB&D has developed quick reference training guides for each player and software package it offers and for the RFB&D Audiobook Training Tool (ATT) that provides training for the hardware playback equipment. You can order the training guides and the ATT through RFB&D's Member Services Department or through RFB&D's Online Catalog and Ordering Center.
Enlist parental or guardian support.
Send home a letter introducing RFB&D and its programs and services to parents. Download a form letter from the website.
Invite parents to participate with students during equipment training sessions.
Introduce RFB&D to parents through your school's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
Discuss the positive benefits of RFB&D on their child's learning during the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.
Provide information on RFB&D during "Back to School" night.
Invite parents to browse www.rfbd.org for more information about RFB&D and for purchasing an individual membership for their child to use at home.
Organize your RFB&D AudioPlus books for easy access.
Label and code books with coordinating color stickers, matching labels, sticky notes or subject-specific stickers.
Store both the text and audiobooks in large zip-lock bags.
Teach students to track their RFB&D usage on individual charts. Keep the charts to monitor progress and usage.
Establish a routine for equipment usage in your classroom. Decide if your class is best suited for a listening station or for individual usage at the student's desk/computers.
If you choose a listening station:
Designate an area to be used and have the necessary equipment and books handy.
Have the quick reference guides available for the students to refer to.
If you choose individual desk usage:
Establish an organized system for checking equipment and books in and out. Some suggestions are sign out sheets, index cards or storage bins.
Incorporate RFB&D into your student job assignments. An example of an RFB&D job might be "Equipment Manager" or "RFB&D Reporter."
Create student contracts. The contracts will help to ensure proper usage and storage of the equipment.
Ablenet has partnered with Weekly Reader to offer adaptations for the special education students to receive the same content of their grade peers. This subscription based product is available for the elementary, secondary and current health series. Included in the subscription is 10 copies of the weekly reader and downloadable Ablenet strategies for students with moderate and severe disabilities.
A couple years ago it was hard to find age appropriate content for students with moderate to significant disabilities. It is nice to see many more products being produced for this often neglected but challenging to teach population. Check out the website and download a sample weekly reader at: http://www.ablenetinc.com/weeklyreader/
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D®), the nation's educational audiobook library for students of all ages who cannot read standard print effectively because of a learning disability, visual impairment or other physical disability, incollaboration with the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), announced the launch of its new educator support website at www.learningthroughlistening.org.
The Learning Through Listening website provides free resources to assist all educators seeking to integrate listening skills into their classrooms. The site provides easy-to-use, research-based information developed by educators, targeted at the K-12 classroom. A special customized Curriculum Builder allows users access to lesson plans and other downloadable materials that are grouped and searchable by subject and grade level.
Looking for a cool tool that creates correct citations? Once the information is entered, The citation machine, http://citationmachine.net, provides the correct generated citation...a wonderful resource for the busy or challenged writer!
Assistive Technology content will be provided again through dedicated strands at both the upcoming VDOE Technology Leadership Conference in December and the VSTE Conference in February, 2008.T
The upcoming VDOE Technology Leadership Conference, December 5-7, 2007 will be held at the Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, VA. For additional details, visit http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/ OET/conf.shtml. Conference proposals are requested by September 14, 2007 and should be submitted to http://www.vste.org/etlc/index.htm.
The annual Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) state conference will be held February 24-26, 2008 at the Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, VA. Concurrent session proposals are due by October 15, 2007. To submit an AT proposal, visit http://vste.org/conference/presenters/index.html
The Moving Forward with Technology webinar series will continue for 2007-2008 beginning in September. The preliminary schedule includes:
9/19 (11AM) Using multimedia materials to engage and challenge learners
10/10 (11AM) NIMAS: Implementing issues and solutions
11/29 (11AM) Differentiating instruction with technology
To learn more and scheduled a session, visit: https://donjohnston.webex.com/mw0304l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=donjohnston&service=6
CapTel Phone is a phone and phone service that will display the written, word-for-word captions of everything a caller says without going through a relay service. This is a useful AT for someone who is hard-of-hearing or cannot speak. The service also captions voice mail messages. To learn more, visit http://www.captionedtelephone.com
Click on http://atmac.livejournal.com/7873.html to read information about VoiceOver and Mac OS X accessibility for blind and vision impaired people, especially comparing accessibility for OS X and Windows.
The blog itself, "ATMac: Assistive Technology for Mac Users," is a pretty nice read. I'm not a big Mac fan (no pun intended), but it's a great source of answers to some good questions from those of us who follow Jobs instead of Gates.
The Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd) and the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) have made available two databases that present evidence for the use of products and technologies that support the instruction of reading and mathematics for students with special needs. Click on http://www.techmatrix.org to reach both of them.
A few of the categories used to rate products: Adjustable Difficulty, Customizable by User Profile, Font Control, Response Time, Prompt Time, Input Mouse/Touchscreen, Switch, Text to Speech Reads the Problem, Corrective, Approximate Grade Level.
Click on http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities to see 137 math activities for a single student or pair of students, ranging from elementary to postsecondary math. Once there, click on the Instructor tab to see directions and standards connections. For example, the game "Arithmetic Four" has this description:
This activity allows two users to play a game of estimation where each player tries to connect four game pieces in a row before his or her opponent does. The players can choose to answer problems involving whole number and integer addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They can also choose the difficulty level and the number of players. This activity would work well in groups of 2 for about 25-30 minutes if you use the exploration questions and 15-20 minutes otherwise.
The CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Lesson Builder provides educators with models and tools to create and adapt lessons that increase access and participation in the general education curriculum for all students, regardless of area of support need. Click on http://lessonbuilder.cast.org to see customized UDL lessons aligned to standards and tailored to include principles and practical applications of Universal Design for Learning. As you review the lessons, be sure to click on to read or hear teacher think alouds that explain applications of UDL. Then, set up a free account and use the templates on the website to construct your own UDL lessons!
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