Using Text-to-Speech (TTS) narration has been found to be helpful for struggling readers in the areas of increased reading rate and improved reading comprehension. Although it has been around since the 1960s, it has become cheaper and more accessible to the general public in the past decade. Now, there are user-friendly technology tools to support reading… Read More Read Aloud Google Tools for Reading
Virtual Learning for Students with Significant Disabilities
We’ve heard that teachers will need to develop virtual learning activities! Our specialists have developed a list of resources that we hope can help you. Looking for leveled reading? Try these free resources for teachers: Epic! Newsela Are you using Tar Heel Reader? Need a tip for how to share selected books with your students? Create… Read More Virtual Learning for Students with Significant Disabilities
Focus on Assistive Technology: HLP19
Assistive Technology (AT) can help students participate in educational activities that they might not be able to otherwise. This could be due to physical limitations or learning differences. All educational staff can help students learn by supporting their use of AT when needed. IEP teams are tasked with considering the AT needs of their students… Read More Focus on Assistive Technology: HLP19
Rekenrek? What the Heck??
The TechKnowledgy Conference in April 2019 introduced many creative technology-based strategies to help students become successful learners. Beth Poss gave a wonderful session, Accessible Mathematics for Early Learners. This session reviewed accessible math manipulatives to help students build a foundation for mathematical thinking. One manipulative resource Beth introduced to the group was the Rekenrek. A Rekenrek is an arithmetic or… Read More Rekenrek? What the Heck??
Boost Your AT Skills This Summer
Looking for some learning activities for you or your students this summer? Do you want to know more about Assistive Technology (AT)? Do your students need practice with their computer access skills? Support both math activities and computer skills by introducing your students to fun computer games that can be operated using a touch screen or mouse. Support… Read More Boost Your AT Skills This Summer
Math Manipulatives at Your Fingertips
Math manipulatives are tools that can help students of all abilities explore and understand math concepts. As noted by Anstrom (2006), “selecting and accessing the appropriate tools and processes for students with disabilities is critical to their understanding of mathematics” (p.11). Whether concrete or virtual, manipulatives can be supportive tools for learning. Try it at… Read More Math Manipulatives at Your Fingertips
Not Only Calculators
It may not seem like it is testing season but preparing students to access state assessments is very important throughout the school year. To use an accommodation in a state testing environment, a student must have that accommodation justified and documented in their IEP or 504 Plan. It should be included in their daily instruction… Read More Not Only Calculators