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"The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities."

Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet by Kimberly Hutmacher is a rhythmic rhyming book about animals and how they use their appendages. A book like this is especially helpful for exposing children to a variety of verbs that they may not ordinarily use. When asked to describe what feet can do, many of my lower elementary students would say: walk, run, stand, hop, or jump. After reading this book, they discover that feet can also: cling, leap, dash, roam, etc.

Monica Kissel and Adina Popa from Loudoun County Public Schools, both Innovative Educators of the Year, will discuss kinesthetic learning. Sponsored by the Innovations Committee. How do we engage our 21st Century students? How do we help them understand that the material covered in class is relevant to their lives? In his book "Motivating Students to Learn," Jere Brophy suggests that students learn best when they are actively engaged with the content. Through kinesthetic learning, they develop lasting skills that many times translate into higher levels of student achievement. But how does kinesthetic learning look in a 21st Century classroom? The answer is simple: gesture-based learning. Does this initiative belong to the future? Not according to the 2011 Horizon Report which highlights Gesture-Based Computing as one of the six emerging technologies that will likely enter mainstream use within the next four to five years. The purpose of this session is to identify current technologies that employ gesture recognition, and then present innovative and replicable ways through which these technologies have been used at Steuart Weller Elementary. From turning shy students into persuasive public speakers through Avatar Kinect, to opening a world of possibilities to students with special needs though Kinect Adventures, to saving animal species with partner classrooms across the globe using multiple technologies, to exergaming, children have been immersed in a world of learning that they love. Attendees learn not only what relevant technologies are available, but also how to use these technologies in any curriculum area

"The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC's vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC's mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs"

Toolbox Resources of interest to professionals supporting children and adults with AAC needs.

"LAMP Words for Life AAC Books and Activities Below are a series of files I personally created for children to learn vocabulary.  which goes with various books and o   Realize that vocabularies vary if any customization has been done to the device, so your child's vocabulary may not directly match the sequences represented in the files, however, the sequences will likely get you very close to the correct sequence."

Presentation at ASHA16 by Eric Sailers and Jhoselle Padilla on working with Communication Partners when teaching language to users of AAC

"Literacy for All: In conversation with Dr. Caroline Musselwhite These 11 video clips and related learning guides provide an opportunity to enhance and support teacher practice in the area of literacy for students with significant disabilities. Dr. Caroline Musselwhite is an assistive technology specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents with significant disabilities."

"WELCOME TO THE MYINFINITEC WEBSITE! Infinitec stands for infinite potential through technology. We aim to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults through technology. Within this website you will find on-demand professional development, curriculum supports and professional learning opportunities. Click the Register button in the top right corner of the screen to begin your exploration of our distinctive compendium of teaching resources."

You tube AAC collection You can make a communication board for children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal using either Google documents or Google presentation. Your board will be available to edit anytime or any device. You can also make it public for others to use online. It only takes 5-10 minutes or even less. This presentation includes step-by-step directions using Google Presentation to create a communication board for core vocabulary.

You tube AAC collection

The kidSAFE Seal Program is a new "seal of approval" program that independently reviews and certifies the safety practices of children-friendly websites and applications, including kid-targeted game sites, virtual worlds, social networks, mobile apps, web-connected devices, and other similar interactive products.

The current weather conditions are shown in a way that does not require reading. The current conditions are shown as well as a picture of two children showing the type of clothing that would be appropriate to wear.

"FREE Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) For Children & Adults"

Welcome to HelpKidzLearn, a web site full of free software and resources from Inclusive Technology. Click the buttons at the top to see different sorts of games and activities. Click on the parents button for tips on using this site with your children. (T