Group items tagged

"MathSquared is a prototype series of grid-based puzzles using basic math operations that help learners develop logical thinking and reasoning strategies. Puzzles have different levels of challenge and include embedded supports for solving, such as a Scratch Pad for recording information that supports problem solving and the option for immediate feedback on your progress. These puzzles were developed as part of the iSolveIt project at CAST (http://www.cast.org), an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). iSolveIt is a mobile digital learning environment that supports the development of logical thinking and reasoning skills, essential competencies for algebra and mathematics in general."

"Accessing Curriculum Through Technology Tools (ACTTT) developed and evaluated an integrated technology tool curriculum to support learning standards and provide access to the general early elementary curriculum. The ACTTT model was developed and tested in kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms at Westview Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Eastview Elementary School in Canton, Illinois. Participants included children with typical development, children with disabilities, and children at risk for learning failure. Among the technology tools used in the curriculum were the Internet; computers, digital cameras, digital microscopes, video, printers, scanners, and switches; and software used for writing, graphing, mapping, authoring, graphics, and concept development."

Inanimate Alice is Transmedia - designed from the outset as a story that unfolds over time and on multiple platforms, the episodes are available on all devices capable of running Adobe's Flash Player. 'Alice' connects technologies, languages, cultures, generations and curricula within a sweeping narrative accessible by all. As Alice's journey progresses, new storylines appear elsewhere providing more details and insights, enriching the tale through surprising developments. Students are encouraged to co-create developing episodes of their own, either filling in the gaps or developing new strands.

"In an era of ubiquitous information technology and open access content, we believe that the primary purpose of education is changing. It's now more about the environment we provide than the content we deliver. Similarly, we believe that the primary purpose of professional development is changing. Just as a classroom requires engaged, self-directed and passionate learners, so does professional development. The course will motivate and equip individuals to develop a culture of innovation and excellence in education through self-directed professional growt"

"This site was developed to provide professional development for educators working with students with significant cognitive disabilities. It focuses on teaching and learning in the areas of English language arts and mathematics, while also providing important information regarding components of the Dynamic Learning Maps™ system. The modules on this site are part of the instructional professional development system"

UDL-U supports postsecondary faculty and staff by providing resources and examples to improve postsecondary education for all students, including those with disabilities. UDL-U is designed to be useful for individual inquiries related to small UDL topics, issues, or problems, as well as scalable to larger faculty development efforts (e.g., Faculty Learning Communities). UDL-U frames course redesign as a three-tier professional development process: Application of UDL principles to enhance teaching and learning Utilization of accessible instructional media and practices Awareness of assistive technology enablers and barriers

"MathScaled is a prototype series of puzzles based on a balance-scale format. The goal is to place different shapes with unknown weights on the scale so that it is balanced. Puzzles have embedded supports for solving, such as a Scratch Pad for recording information and the option for immediate feedback on your progress. Learners can also choose from different levels of puzzle challenge. These puzzles were developed as part of the iSolveIt project at CAST (http://www.cast.org), an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)."

UDL Implementation: A Tale of Four Districts is the story of four school districts taking the journey into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation process. Baltimore County Public Schools in Maryland, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana, Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland and Chelmsford Public Schools in Massachusetts participated in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project to explore and pilot processes and tools developed to support UDL Implementation within their own unique districts. The story is told primarily through the voices of the dedicated educator leaders from these districts and the UDL facilitators who supported them. During the one-year grant, the districts worked with CAST, Inc. to develop and implement an effective and sustainable district plan to support the integration of Universal Design for Learning.

"LAMP Words For Life™ is a full vocabulary augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) language app that combines the power of the PRC Unity® language system with Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP™) principles and strategies. LAMP™ is a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles as well as clinical experiences that address the language development and communication needs of children with autism. It provides a consistent motor pattern for words and a systematic way to develop communication skills allowing for unlimited language growth opportunities. "

Social skills development can be a rocky road for many children…we like to call it a "Social Adventure." When given concrete and creative means to learn about and practice social communication and friendship, the journey can be fun rather than confusing and frightening. One passion we all share is leading groups to facilitate and enhance social cognition. Another is introducing technology as a motivational learning medium wherever and whenever we can. As many of you know, the introduction of the iPad has led to an absolute explosion of creativity for new therapy activities! We have found technology to be a wonderful means to collaborate and learn from and with each other, regardless of background, education, or training. Technology has become a common and accessible connection for parents, teachers, and therapists in helping children learn. For some time now, we have been incorporating the use of apps in our individual and group therapy. We are now ready to jump into development ourselves.

"Students with learning disabilities can enhance and develop their communication skills, learn how to adapt to situations, and develop social skills. Check out this collection of iPad apps that can make a difference in the life of a learning disabled child."

"The Center reviewed an array of software products and digital materials currently used to develop or distribute elementary and secondary instructional materials. The purpose of the review was to identify the extent to which product developers or publishers offered readily discoverable and publicly available information about product accessibility. Using the Section 508 standards for physical and sensory access as a benchmark, the Center has color coded products green, yellow, or red. "

"This collaborative space was created to celebrate the many Apps and Extensions made by developers which serve the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities. Although Google already highlights accessibility features built into the Chrome browser or through add-ons, we have collected numerous other free tools that we feel further contribute to that mission. To this end, we have developed this searchable resource to locate tools that serve the particular challenges anyone might face while working in Chrome. On the right, you will find more information about this site, including definitions of terms and more information about the Chrome browser and assistive technology."

"What does writing for students with significant disabilities look like? How can we engage them in the process of writing? It is important not to mistake tasks that develop matching, memorizing, copying or fine motor skills with the learning process of writing. Students with disabilities need to experience the same processes as those without when developing writing. They need to scribble and explore and progress from being emergent to conventional writers."

"The Universal Design for Learning Implementation and Research Network (UDL-IRN) is a grassroots organization started by a collaborative group of practitioners, researchers, and developers in 2010. The mission of the UDL-IRN is to support educators in the effective implementation of UDL. As a mission driven organization we are focused on the following activities: Identification and dissemination of models of best practice. Identification and dissemination of effective implementation tools. Supporting and expanding the UDL implementation research base. Identification and dissemination of progress mentoring practices. Fostering high-quality UDL personnel preparation & professional development. Promoting increased collaboration across education."

Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) is working to ensure that students with disabilities receive assistive technology devices and services when needed to benefit from a free, appropriate public education. The TATN consists of representatives from each of the Texas Education Services Centers, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4) in Houston, TX provides statewide leadership for the network. Through a comprehensive planning process, the TATN has developed a framework for statewide collaboration. Priorities in professional development and technical assistance focus on providing training, products and services that: build district capacity in assistive technology knowledge and skills promote strategies for building the literacy skills of all students, and are aligned with statewide literacy initiatives.

"A National Online Library of Professional Development Resources Compiled to Help Bridge Research, Policy and Practice. Across states, national organizations and technical assistance investments, an extensive amount of professional development material is available. This library provides local educators with easy access to an array of resources that can be used or customized to meet their needs."

"The AAC Low-Tech Toolkit was developed by SET-BC to support teachers and speech-language pathologists in selecting and developing an augmentative and alternative communication system " Short clips contain information specific to the (AAC) Low-Tech Toolkit.

rehabtool.com is an information technology company that develops and markets innovative hardware and software integrated into solutions to assist individuals with disabilities and special needs. We also offer many free unique services including: * a personalized Product Search & Referral service to help you choose appropriate assistive technology solutions and locate product vendors. * a quarterly Newsletter to keep abreast of assistive technology developments. * access to our AT Links Library, a comprehensive collection of links to the largest assistive technology catalogs, databases and vendor directories in North America.

"In the coming months, the Hacking Autism Hackathon will pull together a volunteer group of software developers with leading autism specialists to work together to develop groundbreaking, touch-enabled applications for the autism community. But this program starts with you. Share your ideas, comment on existing ideas and choose your favorites to help our advisory board bring to life the most impactful applications and make this software available, right here at HackingAutism.org."