Does your child need to complete summer reading assignments? Often, students with text disabilities struggle with these tasks, but there are supports available. Check out your local library for audio books or Audible.com. Subscription-based services, such as Bookshare, are also available for qualifying students. If your child has an iPad or other device, there are apps available that can teach basic reading skills. Check out this list for some ideas. Happy summer (READING)!
What Zone are You In?
The Zones of Regulation is ” a systematic, cognitive behavioral approach used to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete colored zones. The Zones framework provides strategies to teach students to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts. ” Knowing about the Zones can help us understand where students are in their state of being “ready to learn”.
Making an IEP Binder
Check out this great resource for how to create and organize an IEP binder:
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/ieps/how-to-organize-your-childs-iep-binder
Creating 3D keyguards!
If you have students using an iPad as their communication device, it can be difficult to find a keyguard that fits! That problem can be addressed if you have access to a 3D printer and the right resource! Check out the Volkswitch website for some great “how to” videos and the code you need to create your own keyguards (and some other cool AT)!
playableART Ball
We are always looking for great fidgets and this is our latest: the
playableART Ball. This wooden ball features twenty multi-color interconnected spheres that can be turned, twisted, and scrunched into an endless array of configurations. Students we work with LOVE these! There are also other options available, so check them out at Beyond 123!
Back Up Communication Book
Do you work with students who use communication devices? Having a back up of their pages for times when the device is unavailable keeps communication going! You can make one by created screenshots of the pages in a student’s communication device, laminating them and binding them! We added foam page fluffers to make navigating between pages easier!
Bluebee Pals
Bluebee Pals is an interactive plush learning tool with FREE companion (life skills /educational app) that connects to all iOS and Android Devices and pairs with all apps with a narrative. The technology allows Bluebee’s “mouth and head” to move while reading stories, teaching through educational games, communicating through speech/aac apps, learning a language and singing songs.
Bluebee Pals Learning App is a robust life skill and cognitive development tool for children ages 3 to 7. When connected to a Bluebee Pal, children can immerse themselves in activities in five life skills’ rooms and play 9 educational mini-games. In addition to our app, Bluebee Pals pair with all apps with a narrative providing endless entertainment and education for all mainstream and special needs children.
Clicker Docs for Chromebook
Clicker Docs helps students of all abilities to achieve writing success. It is particularly useful for learners with dyslexia and struggling spellers. This app includes text-to-speech, word banks, and word prediction, along with other helpful tools! Get your free trial HERE!
AAC Apps from Assistiveware on Sale for Autism Acceptance Month
From Assistiveware:
April is Autism Acceptance Month and we are looking forward to celebrating. We will amplify autistic voices by sharing resources and blogs written by the autistic community. As always, we welcome your input so please send us any suggestions you have. We are also very excited to announce a 4 day discount. Proloquo2Go, Proloquo4Text, Pictello, Keeble and Gateway will all be 50% off.
Get more information HERE.
PenFriend2 Voice Labeling System
The PenFriend 2 Voice Labeling System is a low cost, audio labeler for the blind and visually impaired lets you label anything and everything with discreet audio labels using your own voice. You can record and re-record information on prescription bottles, nutrition labels, music CDs, and other household objects using this pocket-sized, easy-to-use labeling system. There is no computer required and the recordings are available instantly. There is also a Spanish version of the PenFriend 2!