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Can You Make the Connections?
The beginning of the school year may have you wondering how to connect academic subjects and/or VESOLs to make learning engaging for your students. Thematic Instruction is a teaching strategy which organizes curriculum and instruction around a central theme. It allows students to engage in high interest topics while learning academic and communication skills. Students… Read More Can You Make the Connections?
Reading For All Students
To get youth interested in reading we need to help them see that reading is fun. Here are a few suggestions to encourage reading in students of all ages and ability levels this summer. Read Aloud America (Summer Reading Program – Read Aloud America). Download a 5-week program full of reading suggestions and activities. Get… Read More Reading For All Students
Symbolated Text. Does it make learning to read easier or harder?
Symbolated or picture-supported text is a strategy that some educators use with the intent of making text comprehension easier for their students. The idea behind symbolated or picture-supported text is that connecting symbols to text can help students better understand text. It involves adding a picture or corresponding symbol above or below each word in… Read More Symbolated Text. Does it make learning to read easier or harder?
Considering Student Needs for Assistive Technology
To assist IEP teams with considering student needs for assistive technology (AT), the Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS) Consideration Guide and Resources is now available. These resources will help IEP teams increase consistency and comprehensiveness of AT considerations in your school division by providing a consideration and documentation process. According to the Individuals with Disabilities… Read More Considering Student Needs for Assistive Technology
What? That’s AT?
In our last issue, Game On!!, gamification of academic information was reviewed. In keeping with this gaming theme, can you answer these questions about Assistive Technology? Want to learn more about Assistive Technology? Consider these resources in the T-TAC ODU Lending Library: Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility Assistive Technology in Special Education:… Read More What? That’s AT?
What is AT?
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) includes adaptive and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities. It also includes the services that help the individual learn and use the AT that helps them. AT can help students participate in educational activities that they might not be able to otherwise, due to physical limitations or learning differences.
Assistive Technology, At a Glance from Understood.org
Closing the Gap explains What is Assistive Technology(AT)?
The Assistive Technology Tools in Schools Booklet is a guide designed to support professionals and families in understanding assistive technology (AT) and identifying possible AT tools for students from preschool through high school. Obtain your free copy in English or Spanish here.
The Assistive Technology Network of Virginia supports school divisions in their efforts to increase access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. The Network supports the accommodations and modifications that are necessary for students with disabilities to master curricular objectives and to participate in statewide assessments.
Online Learning
Professional Development Opportunities
Virginia Resources:
- The VA Department of Education sends out updates regarding resources and upcoming opportunities. Sign up to receive yours here.
- Assistive Technology Network of Virginia
- TTAC Online
- VA Professional Development Networks
National Resources:
- AbleNet University
- Assistive Technology 101
- Assistive Technology for Infants and Toddlers
- National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
- Perkins E-Learning
- Understood.org
- Writing with Alternative Pencils
Professional Development Organizations
These organizations offer conferences and webinars. Look for offerings of free webinars!
Supporting AAC
AAC and Communication
- Supporting communication:
- What is AAC?
- Project Core
- PrAACtical AAC
- Free communication boards for individuals of all ages. Bilingual boards and ideas for the communication partner included.
