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The CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) organization is devoted to expanding learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I found the CAST website to be a high-quality, valuable resource for educators and gave it a score of 5 on the DISCERN Instrument. The CAST Website defines UDL extensively and provides links to resources detailing how educators can implement UDL for their students. The website also provides a multitude of resources in their Research & Development, Learning Tools, Professional Devepment, and Library sections. I will refer back to the CAST website often to learn more about UDL and access tools for students.

PACER Center is an organization in Minnesota which serves a multitude of purposes, including working with families to advocate for student needs in the school system and on the IEP.

Teens Succeeding with Technology: The TeST program is a collection of four video trainings; each training incorporates innovative, web-based technologies and resources to help high school students with disabilities transition successfully to post-secondary education and careers.

Learning Ally is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote personal achievement when access and reading are barriers to learning by advancing the use of accessible and effective educational solutions. Learning Ally is the world's leading provider of audio textbooks and literature. The website provides information for Parents & Students, Educators, Adult Learners, Volunteers and Donors.

The Baltimore County Public Schools Assistive Technology Webpage provides information regarding implementation of assistive technology devices and services in the Baltimore County Public Schools. The site has information on training, student referrals, approved software, assistive technology resources and Universal Design for Learning.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative website has AT resources for students in Wisconsin, including an AT library and finding used AT equipment.

The Joy Zabala SETT Framework website provides information and materials related to the SETT Framework and links to other web-based resources regarding assistive technology. I applied the DISCERN Instrument to Zabala's website and came up with a score of 4. I feel that the SETT Framework that Joy Zabala has developed is an excellent structure within which to consider assistive technology. It puts the focus on the Student, Environment, and Tasks before considering which Tools may be appropriate. It also relies on shared collaboration between professionals.

This site is maintained by a Speech Language Pathologist who shares her experiences and reviews of apps used in working with a variety of students. The reviews are subjective, and only from her point of view, but they do seem thorough and based in her actual experience working with the apps. The site is geared toward SLPs, parents and educators.

Overview/case study of portable applications for a student preparing for college. Article is from 2010, but provides good ideas for consideration of apps in planning.

This is a nicely put together WIKI page with links to things that are free. They can be used for UDL or for special education students.

This site serves as a resource for professionals, families, and students looking for information regarding accessible materials and NIMAS.

NRSI is a research based educational organization, provide supplies, seminars, staff development. Can find colored overlays..etc. Currently has free 4 wee trial for 10 students of power reading PRO online

link to writing support option from writer learning. Word processor w/ translation and text to speech etc. Affordable option in lieu of laptops, notebooks and/or tablets. Have found that many of my students on the Autism Spectrum LOOOVE their technology so much (ex; ipads, laptops..) & that they are so good at using it, that it turns into a power struggle. No matter how much security, blocks, etc you put on the device, they often find a way to quickly get out of their "work" and flit around on the internet etc. :) sometimes these WP systems are a good solution to get the writing tasks done legibly & timely. :)

The National Center for Learning Disabilities, www.ncld.org, provides information for children and adults with disabilities. There is information specific to LD, however, there are also links provided for the rights of students with a learning disability and parents with a child with a learning disability. It continues to provide information for adults as they continue in life with a learning disability.

this is a nice collection of downloadable visual supports for special needs students. It is provided by the Special Education Technology of British Columbia. It is easy to search through one of the six categories to find Boardmaker pictures already for you to print and use. There are boards that can be printed for language use or visual support in the classroom and then there are boards that are specific to communication devices to download and print for the device, such as a Go Talk, or to download and transfer to a computerized dynamic display device, such as a ChatPC.