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Have you been hearing a lot about subtypes of LD lately? Perhaps it's just that I've been especially alert to it, but it seems I've heard a lot of mentions about subtypes of Learning Disabilities in the last few weeks. Here are a few foundational comments about subtyping LD.

AT technology helps children with many disabilities. This article focuses on children with learning disabilities. Through AT children can focus on and celebrate their strengths. AT technology helps them "bypass" their challenges. AT can assist in all areas of school and life. Reading, Writing, Math, Organization, Etc... There are so many ways to assist students with AT such as alternative key boards, audio books, electronic worksheets, calculators that verbalize what you are typing, etc... I knew about some of these items but I have not had the oppurtunitity to work with any of them. At least now i have some background knowledge so if I ever need them or have the oppurtunitity to implement them into my classroom I will at least know a little. I also have this great resource to go to now if the situtation arises where I am looking for answers on AT.

"Welcome to the LD@School online learning module for educators. This learning module has been created to provide course materials in a logical, sequential order, guiding you through the content and assessments in the order specified. You are required to complete content before they are allowed to proceed to the next content. This online learning module takes 45 - 60 minutes to complete. The module is unable to keep track of your progress, so it must be completed in one sitting."

"More and more students with learning disabilities are enrolling in college and universities. And more and more higher education institutions are offering support programs for students with LD. Here we've assembled information to assist in the planning and selection process, plus lots of advice on creating a successful post-secondary education experience."

Summary: Learning Disabilities Online features this excellent article describing the ways that assistive technology is used for students with learning disabilities going directly to work. The article cites that around 85% of students with learning disabilities will transition directly to work after high school. The article describes common assisstive technology options available, ways to identify needs, and descriptions of who is responsible for providing assistive technology in the workplace. Professional Practice: This resource is very thorough and helpful for the special educator who needs to brush up on their understanding of assistive technology and transition. This article reminds us that it is important to realize that most students will be transitioning to the workforce after school, rather than to college. This article reminds us to focus on this transition just as much as the transition the college. Because this article is concise yet thorough, it is a good resource to refer back to regularly to keep things in perspective and remind teachers of the technology available to students.

"The Institute on Disability is pursuing the expansion and further development of Assistive Technology (AT) services and training in the state of New Hampshire. Assistive Technology is integral to the daily lives of many New Hampshire residents. Awareness of and the ability to try assistive technology devices are important aspects to making a decision whether a particular technology is "the right fit." The IOD is actively involved in partnerships on campus, throughout the state, and on a national level to promote access to assistive technology services." This site is full of great information about assistive technology. The resources tab is where you want to direct most of your attention as many of the documents and resources that are identified are very practical and geared toward use by special education service providers, students, and parents. Of particular interest to schools is instructions for how to create a low cost case for the iPad for use in schools. Check it out! Application to Transition Practice The information provided on this site will help to support transition practices in the classroom (direct teaching of transition skills), in work-based learning experiences, and living. There are many suggestions for how to physically adapt assistive technology hardware to meet an individual's need in the workplace. Also, in the resources there is a resource list of "reviewed" iPad apps for use to assist individuals with disabilities to become more independent is environments both within and outside the classroom. For example, the dragon app is free and it can be used to dictate and transcribe text. Various apps used for study skills and time management and organization could be very useful for students with LD and ADD in a variety of environments. It would be important to introduce individuals to some of these apps while they are in high school so they can learn about how they might help them in college, daily living, or employment settings.

The Institute on Disability is part of the University Center for Excellence on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. "The Institute on Disability is pursuing the expansion and further development of Assistive Technology (AT) services and training in the state of New Hampshire. " This department at the University of New Hampshire provides information about disability services that are provided for their current students as well as information concerning training programs for professionals. Professionals can register to attend the assistive technology workshops to learn about the newest programs that will help students with disabilities in their education. As a special educator, I would use this website to attend workshops on the most current assistive technology resources. This would keep my knowledge up to date and give me the opportunity to experience new and different programs. Then, when I have new students who may need different assistive technology both in high school and transitioning to college, I will be better equipped to tech them how to use the program.

"In order to help you change the way your students learn, this course will expand your knowledge related to learning differences, provide actionable strategies to impact the learning experience of your students, and cultivate positive habits of mind. At the end of this course, you will have:  Deepened your own understanding of learning differences and the related constructs of motivation, executive function, and working memory. Explored relevant strategies for supporting students with learning differences. Applied strategies in your classroom and provided a more personalized learning experience for all of your students. "

For those looking for information and resources about college and post-secondary options and accommodations Elizabeth Hamblet has a wonderful listing of resources and information with links on her website. http://www.ldadvisory.com/links Elizabeth is the author of the article in the January 2014 issue of Teaching Exceptional Children titled, "Nine Strategies to Improve College Transition Planning for Students With Disabilities ." You may also wish to read her book, which covers transition to college in depth - 7 Steps for Success: High School to College Transition Strategies for Students with Disabilities .