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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!

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

"The ICATER ToolKit highlights two particular projects, Weekly AT App Reviews and AT Tips of the Day. In the Weekly App Reviews Section, users will be able to view short, concise webinars of apps that can be used to help students with disabilities. In the AT Tip of the Day section, users will see short nuggets of information on AT in education that can easily be implemented by teachers for each day of the school year."

Amazing description of the life of Michael Phelps in his earlier years as told by his mom--what a tremendous example of overcoming challenges and also an important statement to educators about teaching to student strengths and not trying to make them all fit into a conforming mode. Stresses need to find what students CAN do and not focus on what they CAN'T DO. Also great example of importance of parent advocacy and high expectations along with belief in them.

Powerful narrative story based on an interview with Michael Phelp's mom who is now a Middle School principal--wow, did he overcome his earlier challenges! Great story to share with students!

The goal of Signed Stories is to increase the literacy of deaf children; however, it is a great resource for all children. After choosing a story, you will see the text, hear the story and see it in sign language. Almost 100 titles are available and can be searched by topic or by browsing all titles.The goal of Signed Stories is to increase the literacy of deaf children; however, it is a great resource for all children. After choosing a story, you will see the text, hear the story and see it in sign language. Almost 100 titles are available and can be searched by topic or by browsing all titles.

Use stories on the interactive whiteboard or projector to teach story elements - pause as the story is read to allow students to retell details to the stopping point then make predictions of what will happen next. Help students understand disabilities and adaptations to disabilities through watching the stories being told in sign language. Use stories on the interactive whiteboard or projector to teach story elements - pause as the story is read to allow students to retell details to the stopping point then make predictions of what will happen next. Help students understand disabilities and adaptations to disabilities through watching the stories being told in sign language.

"What is EduApps? EduApps is an initiative developed by the JISC Regional Support Centre Scotland North & East and consists of four different collections of incredibly useful software: * AccessApps provides a range of solutions to support writing, reading and planning, as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties. * TeachApps is a collection of software specifically designed for teachers or lecturers. * LearnApps, as its name implies, is specifically designed for learners. All learners or students can benefit from LearnApps. * MyStudyBar is our new kid on the block, providing a suite of apps to support literacy."

A response to Ron Clark's article by Doug Goldbert. " If you don't already, I feel you will learn to regret writing this article. This article has the ability to create an even bigger chasm between Parents and Teachers. Parent Involvement in a Child's Education, as proven by 20 years of research, is one of the most effective methods in a child's academic success. Educating our children needs to be a partnership between Parents and Teachers. Especially, since school age children spend 70% of their time outside of school. Your article makes it painfully aware that your idea of a Parent - Teacher partnership is one where Parents do everything you ask without input or questions. "

A valuable, thoughtful rebuttal/reflection by Doug Goldberg in response to the article written by Ron Clark with advice for parents from teachers.

KIDO'Z is a web browser that is described by its developers as a "Kid's Web Environment". Once downloaded and installed, the browser offers a self contained web of games, websites and videos that are accessed wiith large icons. Because KIDO'Z is an Adobe Air application, it will run in Windows, Mac, or Linux. KIDO'Z comes with an extensive collection of games, videos, and websites built-in, and these appear to have been selected carefully. The beauty of this browser, however, is that you have the option of completely customizing what is available. The browser is managed by a set of Parental Controls that can be accessed anywhere. KIDO'Z is currently available in 17 languages. warning: may have ads see Zac Browser for autistic children

comparison of features of Diigo over Delicious, confirms superiority of diigo with descriptions of new features

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

"[The findings] suggest that a music intervention that strengthens the basic auditory music perception skills of children with dyslexia may also remediate some of their language deficits."

"The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in mathematics were created to help all students become prepared for the demands of future careers and life in an age of technology. Similarly, students with moderate and severe disability will need these skills to meet these changing expectations. Although mathematics instruction could focus on a few of the earliest mathematics skills throughout the students school career, research presented in this article shows students with moderate and severe disability can learn skills that align with the grade level of their chronological age while also practicing early numeracy skills. This article provides teachers with a 6-step approach to providing instruction to students with moderate and severe disability aligned to the new CCSS."

"The Assistive Technology Oral History Project is an archive of pioneers in the field of assistive technology (technology for individuals with disabilities). It includes the histories of assistive technology (AT) specialists including occupational therapists, physical therapists, experts in blind and low vision, special educators, audiologists, rehabilitation engineers, software and AT device inventors, and more. "

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare five models of AT assessment: Matching Person and Technology, Lifespace Access Profile, SETT, Education Tech Points, and Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative Barbara E. Bromley, Ph.D. College of Education and Integrative Studies Cal Poly Pomona

"We've discovered a seemingly endless collection of smartphone apps that teachers can put to work in the classroom and beyond, creating a powerhouse of back-to-school mobile tools. Read on to discover 50 of the best smartphone apps for teachers, and share any personal favorites we've missed in the comments."

"Free downloads of switch and touch-screen games and activities Here are just a few of the activities I make to support my work with schools and individuals. Most of these are simple cause and effect activities you can use with a switch or touch screen. Want to learn how to make your own? It's easy. Send me an email and I'll tell you how. Don't forget to click the pictures to download the files.."

Below, you will find teacher-friendly examples and resources that illustrate each of the UDL checkpoints. Exploring these examples and resources not only helps to clarify what is meant by each of the checkpoints but also gives teachers ideas of ways to implement UDL in their classrooms.

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.

If you're interested in exploring blogging with your students, this is a great online course to help you learn all about it.

six-week online workshop aims to introduce participants to different ways in which blogging can be integrated into teaching. It will provide hands-on opportunities for educators who are new to blogging to set up and develop their own blogs, as well as to explore the worlds of possibilities provided by different kinds of blogs. By the end of the workshop, participants will have experimented with creating and enhancing blogs, posting and editing entries, inviting members to their blogs, and commenting on one anothers' blogs - using either Blogger or Wordpress platforms. Participants will also have explored blog comment management, template personalization, tagging (labeling) and really simple syndication (RSS).

Valuable information and resources provided by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. Shared by Amy Chayefsky.

Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities The GCDD is Arizona's state planning council for people with developmental disabilities and is authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L.106-402). The mission of the Arizona Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is to work in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through systems change, advocacy and capacity building activities that promote independence, choice and the ability of all individuals to pursue their own dreams.