The Family Center on Technology and Disability
Assistive Technology Works
Panther Connect
Many of us take controlling our computers for granted. We use a keyboard and mouse, and maybe a trackpad to open files, send mail, draw pictures, or browse the web. We don't even really think about it - except when we come across something we can't handle - multiple keystrokes, accurate enough control of a mouse, navigating menus - and then we're stuck. Since people have very different abilities and ...
Published: 2012 by Panther Technology , Reviewed: May 15, 2013
Mobile Devices for Learning
Many, many schools view mobile devices (iPhone, iTouch, iPad) as distractions for students and have policies that dictate that these devices must be turned off, left in lockers or left at home. But what if...instead of discouraging use, they were instead encouraged...as learning tools? That is the premise of this Edutopia publication available in PDF format. The controversy is outlined briefly as a generational difference, and research is cited showing ...
Published: 2012 by Edutopia , Reviewed: October 11, 2012
Accessibility Guide for Educators
This site, developed by Microsoft, has information useful for educators who want to learn about technology and making classroom technology accessible. There are two classroom accessibility guides that you can download for free. One has information for Windows XP users and the other information for Vista and Windows 7 users. The guides are also available in Spanish. The guide for Vista and Windows 7 has three chapters and a resource ...
Published: 2012 by Microsoft , Reviewed: December 03, 2012
Learning Independence with Google Search
Posted on the Google blog at the end of March 2012, by Glen Shires, this video highlights Google search features that can eliminate the need for typing in the search box (Voice Search) and will filter search results using reading levels (Search by Reading Level). Made to help users find relevant results that are easier for them to understand and incorporate into their studies, the video demonstrates Voice Search and ...
Published: 2012 by Greg Shires , Reviewed: May 09, 2012
Edudemic
"What's the best way to improve education using social media?" That's the big question that Edudemic hopes to answer. Edudemic is a site dedicated to providing insights and advice on technology and teaching. Articles are updated daily. On the day of this review, the site's home page included such features as: 25 Ways to Use Twitter in the Classroom, The Teacher's Guide to Polling in the Classroom, The Powerful Role ...
Published: 2012 by Edudemic , Reviewed: April 04, 2012
RIF Kids - Reading Planet
This site is for school-aged readers and their parents. Although membership is not required, readers who choose to join have access to additional activities to do alone or with family. The site provides book ideas, writing idea starters, and educational games. Many of the activities can be used in a classroom or at home. Several of the activities are available in both English and Spanish. There are new writing activities ...
Published: 2012 by Reading is Fundamental , Reviewed: May 31, 2012
SNApps4Kids
SNapps4Kids.com (Special Needs Apps for Kids) posts reviews of assistive technology applications for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices. The application reviews come from parents and teachers. SNapps4Kids also includes a member community forum, though this feature seems less active than the review sections of the site. Site visitors can search for apps using the "Find An App" or "App Search" options in the Applications menu. Visitors can also ...
Published: 2012 by SNApps4Kids , Reviewed: February 14, 2012
OT's with Apps
This blog, created by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP, has a lot of great information about apps for the practicing Occupational Therapist. A recent entry to the blog identified apps that might be useful for individuals with mental health problems, a population often neglected in the AT support area. 'Breathe to Relax' is an example of a free app in that category. It seems that the site is ...
Published: 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP , Reviewed: April 04, 2012
The Assistve Technology Daily
January 1st, 2012 marked the public launch of Assistive Technology Daily, a blog dedicated to sharing assistive technology solutions. There are new posts daily with descriptions of technology, photos and embedded video, and permalinks to share single posts. The blog is searchable by keyword or category, month and year. It has an incredible list of resources including Special Education Technology, workplace, specific disability information, home modification, and much, much more. ...
Published: 2012 by North Carolina Assistive Technology Program , Reviewed: January 30, 2013
Switch in Time
This website, Switch In Time, provides accessible software that can be used with alternative computer access devices. Products include: Switch Lanes: (Windows and Macintosh): A pin smashing arcade game for one to five players. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Super Switch Hitter: (Windows and Macintosh): A switch-accessible baseball game for one to six players. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Switch Jam: (Windows and Macintosh): Includes ten tunes that ...
Published: 2012 by Jon Adams , Reviewed: February 16, 2005
Free Resources from the Net for Every Learner
This blog gathers resources from around the Web, from educational sites to downloadable programs, and puts them in a format where they can be found by teachers and parents looking to provide enrichment and assistive technology to students with special needs. Users can check it daily to see what‘s new, or go through the categories -- including art, basic concepts, geography, history, languages, life skills, literacy, math, physical education and ...
Published: 2012 by Paul Hamilton , Reviewed: April 22, 2008
How to Teach with Technology
In this article, Edutopia presents a series of technology resources and lesson plan ideas for social studies, language and creative writing, math, and science topics. Among the featured classroom tools for writing are Skype, Photo Story narrative builder, Garage Band to create songs for student autobiographies and audio-guided tours for art, Google Talk to build rough drafts, Voice Thread to respond to recitations, the Sonic Odyssey game (studying Homer’s classic ...
Published: 2011 by Sara Bernard , Reviewed: December 06, 2011
New Technology for Kids with Disabilities
This short article highlights how “new technology” can provide all sorts of opportunities for kids with disabilities. The examples that are given range from robots to computer software programs. The article talks about computer programs such as Speak Q, Word Q and Kurzweil, which can help students with disabilities write and read. Apps such as Proloquo2go, which can help students with autism or other speech-communication problems are presented, as are ...
Published: 2011 by Laura Barnhardt Cech , Reviewed: December 06, 2012
4Teachers.org: Teach with Technology
4teachers.org is an online resource to help teachers locate and use technology in their classrooms. Online resources are focused on innovative web-based tools, program support, and other materials to support the learner and accomplish curricular goals. Tools include but are not limited to: online calendars, quiz makers, practice activities, writing support, and programs for posting projects and rubrics to a hyperlink. Other resources include information about possible grants and lesson ...
Published: 2011 by 4Teachers.org , Reviewed: December 29, 2011
Using NetSmartz with Special Needs Children
The NetSmartz online safety workshop from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children includes resources for working with NetSmartz materials when teaching online safety skills to children with special needs. Visitors to the NetSmartz website can download safety pledges that use picture communication systems, and safety-themed social stories. Some of the streamed NetSmartz videos are closed captioned.
Published: 2011 by NetSmartz Workshop , Reviewed: August 13, 2012
Custom Typing
Custom Typing Training is a web-based program used to teach and practice typing skills to individuals. Individuals and groups can register online, and the program includes training modules, a goalie and a meteor game. The training modules and games can be customized based on needs and skills to be practiced. There is also one-handed training with specialized exercises as well as an assistive technology assessment section that tracks success on ...
Published: 2011 by Custom Solutions , Reviewed: July 20, 2011
DOGO News
DOGO is an online newspaper and web guide designed for children. The articles are short and include photos, maps, and a dictionary for challenging words. The DOGO website is a safe, interactive environment in which children can explore. The menu of archived articles includes current events, sports, social studies, history, and entertainment. The website is brightly colored and appealing to all ages. A child is able to post a comment ...
Published: 2011 by DOGO Media , Reviewed: August 04, 2011
CNN Student News
CNN Student News is a ten-minute, commercial-free, daily news program for middle and high school students produced by CNN. This show and website are available free of charge during the school year. The taped show may be viewed live on TV, streamed through the http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/ website, or downloaded as a podcast. In addition, transcripts of each show are available at the website. Topics vary day to day, often covering important ...
Published: 2011 by CNN , Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Chore Wars
Chore Wars is a unique online checklist and reward system for tracking chores and everyday tasks. For the gamers who loved Dungeons & Dragons and for those gamers (and their kids) who play World of Warcraft the premise and interface for Chore Wars will be familiar. Chore Wars lets account holders create and assign chores and the related rewards for their household or office group. Character records are a bit ...
Published: 2011 by Kevan Davis , Reviewed: July 12, 2011
My Own Worksheet
My Own Worksheet is a free and user friendly worksheet builder and much more. This resource was designed by SoftTouch for teachers to create their own communication boards, overlays, calendars, and other printable materials. One may have to register, but the registration provides access to pre-made templates and a place where all can share ideas. There are five different symbol packages which can be used to create your printable material ...
Published: 2011 by SoftTouch , Reviewed: June 09, 2011