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Accessibility in Online Education

  Reflection on Accessibility in Online Education Problems with Accessibility Online: No helpful tools: Some students cannot access screen readers or text-to-speech software to help them. Hard-to-use websites: Many online resources don’t have captions, image descriptions, or simple layouts that are easy to understand. Language challenges: Students who don’t speak the main language may have trouble understanding the lessons. Tech issues: Some students don’t have good internet or updated devices, making it hard to do online learning. Helpful Resources for Teachers: CAST’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Tips for making lessons flexible and accessible for everyone. Understood.org: Tools and advice for working with kids who learn differently. WebAIM: Guides for making websites more accessible. Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): Resources to create learning materials everyone can use. How AI Helps Make Resources Accessible: AI tools can make lessons easier for all stud...
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Behavior and Technology Tools for Support

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 Behavior and Technology Tools for Support 1. What is Behavior? Behavior is anything a person does, like walking, talking, eating, or even thinking. Some behaviors are expected, like sitting quietly, while others are unexpected, like shouting out in class. We learn behaviors through our environment, and they can change depending on what we learn from the people and things around us​ 2. Four Main Reasons for Behavior People behave in certain ways for different reasons. Understanding these reasons helps teachers respond better in the classroom: Sensory : Doing something because it feels good or satisfying. Example : A child might hum a song because it makes them feel calm. Escape/Avoidance : Acting to get away from something uncomfortable. Example : A student might leave their seat to avoid a difficult task. Attention : Doing something to get others to notice or interact. Example : A student may call out in class to get the teacher’s attention. Tangible : Acting to get something they...
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Math Support

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  2nd Grade Math Tech Support: Parent Resource Guide Helping Your Child Practice Math Skills at Home! This guide gives you five great tools to help your child practice math at home. Each tool matches what your child is learning in school, like working with numbers, solving word problems, and practicing addition and subtraction. These resources make math fun and easy to understand! 1.XtraMath – Practice Math Facts Standard: MA.2.NSO.2.2 – Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. What It Does: XtraMath is a simple program that helps kids get faster at basic math facts. They practice addition, subtraction, and more to help them remember answers quickly and build confidence in math. How to Use It: Visit www.xtramath.org and create a free account. XtraMath works on any computer or tablet with internet access. 2. Prodigy Math – Solving Word Problems Standard:  MA.2.AR.3.2 – Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving addition and subtraction within 10...
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Snap&Read

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  Snap&Read What is Snap&Read? A tool that helps students check their writing by reading it aloud. This tool is great for the editing part of writing because listening can help students notice mistakes they might not see when they read silently. Snap&Read is helpful for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or anyone who does better with listening than reading. Pros and Cons of Snap&Read:  Pros: Listening for Mistakes : Students can hear their writing read out loud, which helps them find errors. Multiple Languages : It can read text in different languages, making it helpful for students learning English. Adjustable Speed : The reading speed can be slowed down, making it easier for students to follow along. Focus Tool : Includes a tool to dim parts of the screen, helping students concentrate on the words being read. Cons: Cost : Requires a subscription, which might be too expensive for some families or schools. Internet Needed : Snap&Read needs the internet for full...
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AAC Devices

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AAC Devices Fact Sheet  1. Low-Tech Device: Single Message Communicators What it is: A simple device that plays a single recorded message when a button is pressed. It’s very basic and great for quick, one-phrase communication like "help" or "bathroom." How to use it in school: During recess , the student can press the button to say, "I want to swing," letting them tell the teacher what they want to do without speaking. Who it's for: It’s perfect for students with limited speech, such as those with severe physical or cognitive disabilities. They can press the button to communicate their most important needs. 2. Mid-Tech Devices: Tablets with Communication Apps What it is: This tablet (like an iPad) has special apps that let students press pictures or type words to talk. The app will speak for them. It's more flexible than a single message device but still easy to use. Who it's for: It’s great for students with autism, Down syndrome, or speech pr...
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Assistive Technology and the Law

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Assistive Technology and the Law When should assistive technology (AT) be considered? Assistive technology should be considered whenever a student with a disability creates or updates their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a plan that lays out what the student needs to succeed in school. AT helps kids do things they might struggle with due to their disability, like reading, writing, or communicating. Every time an IEP team (teachers, parents, specialists, and sometimes the student) meets, they need to ask if any tools or devices could help the student with their schoolwork. These tools can range from simple, like pencil grips, to more advanced things like speech recognition software. They also check during future IEP meetings if the student’s needs have changed or if newer technology could help them more. If they  find something useful, they can try it out first before making a final decision. What are some laws that govern assistive technology? Several laws have ...
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Communication and Sensory Impairments

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  Communication and Sensory Impairments This guide will show different types of tools to assist students with sensory impairments, focusing on visual, auditory, and sensory challenges. Each tool addresses specific needs and includes resources for further exploration. 1. BrailleNote Touch+ Tool : Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired Students Needs/Purpose : students who are blind or have a loss of sight can access digital text, note-taking, and learning   Description : BrailleNote Touch+ is a tablet combining traditional Braille literacy tools with the power of today's apps. It helps students read, take notes, and complete assignments using a Braille keyboard and touchscreen. Resource: HumanWare BrailleNote  https://www.humanware.com/microsite/bntouch/video.php 2. Frequent Modulation System Tool : Hearing Assistive Technology Needs/Purpose :  Helps students who are deaf or hard of hearing by making sounds clearer in classrooms. It reduces background noise so the...
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