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Universal Design for Learning Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all.

The following brochures, manuals of computer programs or communication devices with instructions in spanish and others are available in PDF, Text and Audio-MP3. For example: What is AT and the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program? The Assistive Technology Integrated Services Center Assistive Technology and Cognitive Challenges The Rehabilitation Law, Section 504, and the law of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities Assistive Technology for Preschoolers Assistive Technology for People with Hearing Impairments PRATP Information Center Summary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Augmentative and Alternative aids of Communication Assistive Technology for Blind and Low Vision Persons Assistive Technology Devices covers by MEDICARE Professional Certificate in Assistive Technology

The following brochures, manuals of computer programs or communication devices with instructions in Spanish and others are available in PDF, Text and Audio-MP3. For example: What is AT and the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program? The Assistive Technology Integrated Services Center Assistive Technology and Cognitive Challenges The Rehabilitation Law, Section 504, and the law of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities Assistive Technology for Preschoolers Assistive Technology for People with Hearing Impairments PRATP Information Center Summary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Augmentative and Alternative aids of Communication Assistive Technology for Blind and Low Vision Persons Assistive Technology Devices covers by MEDICARE Professional Certificate in Assistive Technology

In January of 2010, the idea of iTaalk was born. The son of iTaalk President, Brooke Olson, received his first iPod touch in August of 2009. Within the first four months his language blossomed and the results of his success were amazing his family, friends and therapists. If this success could be replicated for other children with ASD's, then it was imperative that all children be given the opportunity and access to these interactive devices, and thus the original vision for iTaalk was formed. After exploring the need in the community, it became apparent that the need was not only for the devices, but for the educational piece on how to use them as well. We now pride ourselves on our Training Series for families, "iTaalk 101-104," as well as our Professional series "iTaalk 201-204." We also provide an affordable Top 30 list of Apps that have been successful with children on the Autism spectrum. The incredible success stories and ideas on innovative ways to use the iPods/iPads with our children is what keeps us going. It is our dream to provide this training along with the interactive devices so that all children with an ASD can access this wonderful technology!

"For many -- not just those with special needs -- participating in an online course is very difficult without assistive technologies. Augmentive and alternative communication products can help students with disabilities. It is useful, however, to look at some assistive technologies as effective for learners who have specific learning preferences and who may benefit from being able to access content in more than one format. Take a look at the different assistive technologies that are available. You may be surprised how affordable they are, and how helpful they might be for you, especially with respect to keyboards, touchscreens, screen-readers (and "talking books"), and speech recognition. "

Excellent compilation of technology tools and links for assistive technology.

Universal Design for Learning calls for ... * Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge, * Multiple means of action and expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know, * Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.

Another great resource for Universal Design for Learning

"Do you spend hours looking for the "right" AAC App? Are you overwhelmed with the number of Apps available? Have you purchased an AAC App and found that it was not what you expected? The AAC Apps Assistant can help ! ! ! The AAC Apps Assistant is a unique and powerful fee-for-service tool for researching AAC communication Apps for iOS devices (iPads,iPhone, iPods with other platforms to be added). It provides information based on our review of over 100+ current communication Apps on the market. "

"his posts serves to announce a blog for my resource room students and families at Wells High School, Maine. I will post articles and references that I am using as I set up a resource room for our digital students. I will pose questions and ask for the wisdom of the crowd. I hope my students, parents, educators and friends will help build this site as a resource to all. Thanks to Istvan for this unique photo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_csuhai/2984029909/"

This article provides some great suggestions for teaching these important skills. I first heard about the article on a great teacher podcast by Todd Watson, LD Resource teacher in Peoria District, AZ. Listen to his podcast--it's a wonderful way to communicate with his parents--positive, informative, encouraging and educational! Podcast #1 for 08-09: http://applepodcast.peoriaud.k12.az.us:16080/weblog/twatson/

Excellent, practical suggestions for helping students learn organization and study skills. Targeted for LD students but valuable for all students.

(UDL) Universal Design for Learning and the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) Free and for fee resources for teachers, parents and students

For those unfamiliar with the term, a learning style is a way in which an individual approaches learning. Many people understand material much better when it is presented in one format, for example a lab experiment, than when it is presented in another, like an audio presentation. Determining how you best learn and using materials that cater to this style can be a great way to make school and the entire process of acquiring new information easier and much more intuitive. Here are some great tools that you can use to cater to your individual learning style, no matter what that is.

Look at this awesome compilation of helpful web tools for every kind of learner! Learned about it on Karen Janowski's blog.

SEN Teacher has free worksheets, teaching resources, educational software and links for special needs teachers.

This is a fantastic compilation of materials and resources for teaching children with special needs. The links page has tons of great resources and information about many disabilities. Well worth exploring.

SEN Teacher provides cost-free teaching & learning resources for students with special needs and learning disabilities. All the resources available or listed here are free for use in schools, colleges and at home.

This is the fourth article in the series on Virtual Learning entitled VISUAL LEARNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. If you have a special needs child that has encountered finding educational solutions that provide successfully for your child, then you should read this article about what Visual Learning and the use of subtitled educational videos offers for special needs children of all ages. Read more...

Easy-To-Use Computer for Seniors BigScreenLive is the answer to the internet for seniors. We provide software to turn a PC into an easy-to-use 'senior computer'. Our software is so easy we've had senior computer users in their nineties doing simple email and easy picture sharing with their families. We make the internet for seniors easy-to-use and fun.

"It's a features chart that could be used when a family or an IEP team is considering Mobile technology of any kind.   The idea is to start with the tasks that the student needs to do and then discuss what features a tool would have if it was used to support student achievement for those tasks. So-tasks across the top and features for those tasks down the left side.  And hopefully, for this part, we would not really talk about specific tools."

"This paper explores how new digital technologies can be used to design curricula that are flexible enough to adapt readily to individual differences. The authors propose that universal design for learning-as the confluence of advances in the neuroscience of human variability and in multimedia technologies-can create an "ecology for learning" which provides rich, diverse, student-centered learning pathways for all students. "

Lots of outstanding resources, videos, information in this wiki related to differentiating instruction and multiple intelligences. Sections provided for teachers to contribute to the wiki by adding lesson ideas that incorporate technology in all subject areas for elementary, middle school and high school.

Excellent compilation of resources including videos, lesson plans, blogs and tutorials for differentiating instruction with technology. The lesson plan section is separated into categories for elementary, middle school and high school and is just beginning to develop. We are invited to join the wiki to share lesson plans and resources. pmcgonagle is the creator of the wikispace.

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators offers teacher resources, including categorized lists of sites that are useful for enhancing curriculum and professional growth.

Here's a great toolbox for a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction--assessment, curriculum, teaching strategies and organizers.

Excellent resources for implementing differentiated instruction-quiz to assess your knowledge of differentiation, and many tools for managing diferentiated instruction.

A must-read, research-based article that supports the use of technology in math instruction for all students, but especially special needs students with learning disabilities.

Excellent article with supporting research for math instruction for students with disabilities and the importance of technology in the process.