Math Aids (VDOE Accommodation Code 19) are a response accommodation for instruction and assessments available to students with disabilities based on individual needs and must be related to the student’s disability (VDOE, 2019).  While Math Aids are generally concrete materials, the transition to virtual learning environments requires some flexibility in their use.

Fortunately, free virtual options are available for many of the manipulatives listed in the VDOE’s Math Aids document (rev. 01/2020).  Some examples are listed below.

• The Didax Virtual Manipulatives website provides free access to the following virtual manipulatives, which are also math aids:
  • Number Lines
  • 20-Bead and 100-Bead Rekenreks
  • Base 10 Blocks
  • Algebra Tiles
  • Colored Shapes (for counting)

• The Math Learning Center also has free virtual manipulatives aligned with math aids:
  • Number Lines
  • Fraction Circles and Bars
  • Base 10 Blocks
  • Number Racks
  • Blank Clocks
  • Money

In search of more information about virtual manipulatives?  An article entitled, Virtual Manipulatives: Powerful Tools to Build Conceptual Understanding in Mathematics is available on the T-TAC ODU Math page.

References

Virginia Department of Education. (2019, November). Students with disabilities: Guidelines for special test accommodations. Retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/index.shtml

Virginia Department of Education. (2020, January 27). Explanation of testing accommodations for students with disabilities: Math aids-accommodation code 19. Retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/index.shtml