Technology

Assistive Tech That's Built Into Mobile Devices:  The range of AT features varies depending on the device’s operating system. But iOS devices like iPhones, as well as Android devices like Samsung Galaxy phones, all have built-in AT tools. So do less common mobile devices, like Microsoft Windows phones. You don’t need to buy special apps to use these built-in AT features.  This web post reveals how some of the more common tools can help your child.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-thats-built-into-mobile-devices

Bookshare website:  People with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and other reading barriers can listen to books, follow along with karaoke-style highlighting, read in braille or large font, and customize your reading experience with ebooks in formats that work for them.  (WR) Access this resource at https://www.bookshare.org/cms/

How to Turn on Closed Captioning :  How to view closed captioning for movies in a web player, QuickTime player, iTunes, iPhone, or iPad.  (WR) Access this resource at https://neurologicexam.med.utah.edu/pediatric/html/how_to_display_closed_captions.html

Learning Ally introductory video:  Middle school teacher Laura Younts describes how she uses Learning Ally in her classroom to help struggling readers access grade level content and thrive in their learning.  (WR) Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iti1rjViPus&feature=youtu.be

Learning Ally website:  With an extensive library of high quality, human-read audiobooks, student-centric features and a suite of teacher resources, Learning Ally provides equitable access to curriculum in a format struggling readers can easily absorb, allowing them to achieve their academic potential.  (WR) Access this resource at https://learningally.org/

National Center on Accessible Educational Materials:  The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning at CAST provides technical assistance, coaching, and resources to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners with disabilities across the lifespan.  (WR) Access this resource at https://aem.cast.org/

Newsela:  From now until the end of the school year, any teacher that needs it can freely access Newsela’s full suite of products to assist with their learning continuity plans. Frequent professional learning resources to help teachers develop their mastery of distance learning techniques are also being offered.  Check out their site!  (WR) Access this resource at https://newsela.com/about/distance-learning/

Children and adults with severe speech or language problems may need to find other ways to communicate. There are many types of AAC that they can use. Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, can help. 

101+ Ideas for Using the BIGMack or Other Single Message Communication Devices:  A numbered list of practical ideas shared by others from message boards and list serves.  (WR).  Access this resource at http://www.spectronics.com.au/downloads/faqs/101+%20Ideas-for-Using-Communication-Devices.pdf

101 Ways to Use a Sequential Message AAC Device to Access the Curriculum:  Ideas arranged in these categories:  Reading Comprehension, Listening/Speaking/Viewing, Writing, Mathematics/Numbers and Operations, Mathematics/Measurements,  Mathematics/Geometry, Mathematics/Data Analysis and Probability, Mathematics/Algebra, Mathematics/Social Studies, and a list of devices that will allow for sequential messaging.  (WR).   Access this resource at http://www.spectronics.com.au/downloads/faqs/101-ways-to-use-sequential-message-aac.pdf

Creating PowerPoint Books from Templates from UNC Medical School: The templates included on this site are for creating ABC books and personal books for students with significant disabilities, including deaf-blindness. The templates have high contrast backgrounds and some have finger spellings.  (WR).   https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds/resources/deaf-blind-model-classroom-resources/switch-accessible-powerpoint-book-templates-for-students-with-significant-disabilities-including-deaf-blindness/

Important AAC Device Features for Students with Autism:  Includes an explanation of the features of AAC devices and why those features may be important to the student.  (WR).   Access this resource at https://www.aacandautism.com/assets/uploads/Important-AAC-Device-Features.pdf

iPhone and iPAd Apps for AAC:  Tips and tools to find the right alternative/augmentative communication app.  (WR).   Access this resource at http://www.spectronics.com.au/iphoneipad-apps-for-aac

OpenAAC:  OpenAAC is an initiative to create and encourage open-licensed resources and tools to support AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users.  (WR).   Access this resource at https://www.openaac.org/

Project Core:  The Universal Core vocabulary and implementation model is aimed at students with significant disabilities who do not yet use speech, signs or symbols to communicate in flexible ways. This includes students who rely on early forms of communication such as facial expressions, vocalizations and body movements, as well as students who are beginning to use symbols, signs, or words but cannot yet put them together.  (WR).   Access this resource at http://www.project-core.com/

PrAACtical AAC:  The PrAACtical AAC website supports a community of professionals and families who are determined to improve the communication and literacy abilities of people with significant communication difficulties. It was founded in 2011 by two SLP professors, Carole Zangari and the late Robin Parker, around a shared passion for AAC.  The site offers Strategy of the Week, Tip of the Month, and an AAC Tool Box of resources all focused on teaching communication via core vocabulary.  (WR).   Access this resource at https://praacticalaac.org/

ADDitudeMag.com Parent Page:  Many free resources, blogs, and downloads associated with parenting and teaching a child with ADD/ADHD.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.additudemag.com/

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #1:  Reading:   The Grouchy Ladybug, appropriate for pre-kindergarten.  In this video, low-tech assistive technology tools such as page fluffers, carpet squares, building a sentence, and the R.A.A.P. (read, ask, answer, prompt) Strategy card for using aided language/modeling during storybook reading are demonstrated.  Demonstration also includes communication devices, Bigmac and LITTLE Step-by-Step, Core-Fringe communication device, and a 32-location Tech-Speak device overlay for reading and answering questions.   Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR).  

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #2:  Written Expression and Research:  Creating an Outline in Upper Elementary:  Includes the standards for writing and research, and a lesson sequence to teach students to use passages from informational texts to develop research questions, classify and categorize information into an outline form, and then use that outline to create a research report.  Low tech tools demonstrated include alternate pencils, raised or bright line paper and RediSpace transitional notebook paper, a slant board, pencil grips, highlighting tape, a line guide, a predictable writing chart, and a research report graphic organizer.  Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR).  

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #3:  Math for Middle/High School:  Includes the standards for this example:  positive and negative numbers.  Includes learning goals and lesson expectations.   Assistive technology strategies and tools include low tech tools such as number lines, adapted rules, number and sign stamps, and adapted calculators.  Communication devices demonstrated include the iTalk2 with 2 message options, and the On-the-Go 7-Level Communicator (16 windows and 4 windows are demonstrated) with 4 overlays for different levels of speech.  Includes the use of a number line to demonstrate the concept of negative and positive.  Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR).  

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #4:  Planning and goal Setting in Upper Elementary:   Includes standards and learning goals and expectations for this example.  Assistive technology strategies and tools demonstrated include a first-then card, a booklet with QR Codes, an all-turn-it spinner with switch,  an iPad with barcode scanner, and an iTalk2.  Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR).  

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #5:  Cooperative Learning in Middle and High School:  Includes standards and learning goals and expectations for this lesson.  Assistive technology tools demonstrated include picture recipe, opinion cards, graphic organizers, predictable writing charts, a PowerLink and Blender, Big Keys Keyboard with colored keys, a Platform Communicator, and an iPad or iPod Touch with bluetooth keyboard.  Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR). 

AT in the Classroom:  Activity #6:   Strategies for Organization and Self Regulation for K-12:  Includes standards for effective time management, planning, and organizational skills and strategies, including using a visual schedule or daily planner, setting goals and priorities, and locating, organizing, and sorting information.   Assistive technology tools demonstrated include a 5-point scale, a color-coded schedule, a time timer, an individual writing toolkit, and I'm Working For sheet, a parts of speech booklet, a My Mini Office folder, a CD case with cue cards, a social story on "Why should I do my Homework," a candy corn switch, fan and PowerLink, a Logan ProxTalker, a symbol communicator for the blind, and an iPad or BYOD (bring your own device).   Instructions are included on how to create a Mini Office for your student, and a highlight of the Octopus watch and how it can connect to an iPhone and has the capability to house the student's schedule to help students better manage time.   Produced by the  Florida Technology and Learning Connections (TLC) project.  (WR).

https://at-udl.com/library/boardmaker-resources/   Includes ways to use Boardmaker!, various templates, and ready-made activities for downloading!  PLEASE NOTE:  FDLRS Emerald Coast does have a Boardmaker! station available to parents, teachers, therapists, etc., in our Tech Lab.  Please contact 469-5422 to schedule a time to use Boardmaker.  If you need assistance while using it, please let us know so that we may schedule appropriate staff to be here to assist you.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://at-udl.com/library/boardmaker-resources/

Signing Savvy:  Free resources available on this site include access to the sign language dictionary, sign language videos, and public sign language word lists.   (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.signingsavvy.com/

Teaching Remotely to DHH Students:  An article from the Division of Communication Disorders, Council for Exceptional Children, discussing considerations for remote learning for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://dcdcec.org/tips-for-teaching-remotely-to-dhh-students/

Virtual Activities for Teachers and Families COVID-19 - LiveBinder:  A compilation of resources for teachers and families working with students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in a virtual environment. (WR).  Access this resource at 

Technology & Learning Connections (TLC): The TLC Team is a part of Florida’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) through the Problem Solving/Response to Intervention Project at the University of South Florida. Their services support the local development of highly effective classrooms for all students based on the Florida Standards through a multi-tiered system of supports in a universal education system.  (WR)

ABC YA:  Practice math and reading skills all while playing games.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.abcya.com/

CPALMS:  A source for every course taught in Florida.  (WR).  Access this resource at 

FloridaStudents.org:  A free source for all basic courses (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) taught in Florida.  (WR).  Access this resource at 

Fun Brain:  Play games while practicing math and reading skills.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.funbrain.com/

Highlight Kids:   Read, play games and conduct cool science experiments!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.highlightskids.com/

Nat Geo for Kids:   Learn all about geography and fascinating animals.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

PBS Kids:  Hang out with your favorite characters all while learning.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.pbs.org/

Star Fall:  Practice your phonics skills with these read-along stories.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.starfall.com/h/

Storyline Online:  Have some of your favorite stories read to you by movie stars!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.storylineonline.net/

Switcheroo Zoo:  Watch, listen and play games to learn all about amazing animals!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://switchzoo.com/

Suessville:  Read, play games and hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friend.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.seussville.com/

VROOM:  A free brain-builder app for children up to five years of age.  Tips of the day can be sent to your phone; lots of information on how to embed learning in everyday activities.  WELL WORTH your time if you have little ones at home!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.vroom.org/

We Are Teachers:  130+ free online learning resources to enhance virtual instruction.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/

Google Classroom Resources  (WR)

How to Create a New Class.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUF9c5sk4YY&feature=emb_logo

How to Create an Assignment and a Topic.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3gHDxFxfx4&feature=emb_logo

How to Add Students and Guardians.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrDvdNnKqTI&feature=emb_logo

How to Create a Quiz.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-GgDeAaZow&feature=emb_logo

How to Use the Grading Tool.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX4HxzB1xIQ&feature=emb_logo

How to Use the Stream Page.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tomD7kCjf6E&feature=emb_logo

How to Add Materials.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLxn3BMmBKs&feature=emb_logo

How to Create Different Assignments.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSs0P_TpVcA&feature=emb_logo

How to Copy a Course.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oaa116XTLDA&feature=emb_logo

How to Check Originality.  Access this resource at https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=NhvMrLLkIyE&feature=emb_logo

Online Etiquette Guides

• Online Etiquette Guide - English.  Access this resource at http://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxP1J1FTTLQSeWyJIL0A7wOyIkEhbWFi/view
• Online Etiquette Guide - Spanish.  Access this resource at http://drive.google.com/file/d/19vmB3ho_fBLl2m4518qhOk0l6TpZthkU/view
• Online Etiquette Guide - All Versions.  Access this resource at http://docs.google.com/document/d/1JqYmJ4OJfjjink_XWnc6qbwXpiroiFcDdL8e5UKtbPk/edit

XtraMath:  A program to help students improve their math fact fluency.  Parents and teachers can sign up for a FREE account.   (WR).  Access this resource at https://xtramath.org/#/home/index

Occupational Therapy Activities for Home:  The purpose of this website is to provide resources for parents who want to carry over occupational therapy activities with their child at home.  Not all activities are appropriate for all children.  Consult with your child's therapist prior to attempting any activities at home.   (WR).  Access this resource at http://therapystreetforkids.com/

Ten Occupational Therapy Activities:  Instructions on making a sensory bin, using a swing, using videos to develop social skills,  activities with Play Dough and straws, coping skills, warm up activities, playing Simon Says with an OT flair, developing an emotion thermometer, and make-a-person activity.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/occupational-therapy-activities-at-home

National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM):  Learn the basics of accessible materials and technologies, register for and view webinars and presentations from our AEM Events, and discover AEM Publications to dive deeper into AEM.  (WR).  Access this resource at http://aem.cast.org/

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): ATIA’s mission is to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry to help ensure that the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.atia.org/

Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide:  This guide aims to help all parents and caregivers, including those who have limited experience with digital tools, those who are expert with these tools, and anywhere in between. Each section starts with foundational pieces and builds from there.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://tech.ed.gov/publications/digital-learning-guide/parent-family/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Tips for Parents in Supporting Their Children with Disabilities in Virtual Formats:  As a result of COVID-19, schools are following the CDC’s guidelines for maintaining physical distance from others. With schools moving to distance and virtual learning, families are being challenged to supervise educational activities at home. FIN has developed this Tip Sheet to assist families of students with disabilities in working with their children using a virtual format.  (WR).  Access this resource at http://www.floridainclusionnetwork.com/family-fact-folios/

Virtual Field Trips:  Join  us live for our new Virtual Field Trips or watch them on-demand after their premieres. Each no-cost Virtual Field Trip comes with a companion guide packed with standards-aligned, hands-on learning activities!  Other recorded, on-demand field trips are also available on this site.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/

Fun Physical Therapy Activities at Home:  Some ways that you can bring the fun to physical therapy exercises to encourage your child to keep working on them at home.  Please consult with your child's physical therapist before attempting any activities at home to be sure that the activities are complementary to the therapies your child is receiving at school.   (WR).  Access this resource at http://www.thectcenter.com/physical-therapy/add-fun-physical-therapy-exercises-home/

ABC Ya:  Preschool online learning games.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.abcya.com/grades/prek

Office of Early Learning:  Resources for early learning and development, and for professional competencies in working with young children.  (WR).  

Parent Practice Guides for Developing Early Literacy in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers:  These guides make it easier for young children with disabilities to participate in early literacy learning activities. Written for both parents and practitioners, the practice guides describe everyday home, community, and childcare learning opportunities that encourage early literacy learning.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://tats.ucf.edu/family-involvement/ at http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/pg_tier2.php

Technical Assistance and Training System:  TATS supports families in gaining knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures that promote their full participation in the education of their children who have unique needs.  This site includes briefs for families of young children with unique needs with information about Pre-K-program options, the Individual Educational Plan (IEP), and the transition process.  (WR). 

Florida Department of Education Resource List:  Includes free internet access options.  (WR)

LDOnline:  A site all about learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, including instructional strategies and resources.    (WR).  Access this resource at http://www.ldonline.org/

Booksource Banter.com  A listing of remote teaching resources for educators at every grade.   (WR).  Access this link at https://www.booksourcebanter.com/2020/03/18/guide-to-remote-teaching-resources-for-educators/?utm_source=Booksource+Community&utm_campaign=d3091768b6-COVID-19+National+Remote+Learning+Email+2+3%2F1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0779a57f61-d3091768b6-122397941&fbclid=IwAR3bgOmLIPqT5zRZ9onad3sN9-yYHa5gpbqsZubeFHucwXcCBi4odulEf3U

Dyslexia workshop for families:  Please see the "Training for Families" link under Family Resources tab.  (WR). 

ReadWorks.org:  FREE content, curriculum, and tools to power teaching and learning from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.  Log on to access a FREE library of content, curricular supports, and digital tools.  (WR).  Access this link at https://www.readworks.org/

Why Reading Aloud to Kids Helps Them Thrive:  An article written by parents for parents on how reading aloud with children helps children bond with parents, learn to regulate their emotions, and expands vocabulary.  (WR).  Access this link at https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/why-reading-aloud-to-kids-helps-them-thrive?gclid=Cj0KCQiApt_xBRDxARIsAAMUMu_g-zmjIAa15kIeRAjTBstVyzNanOH6PCwyNIqhCWjQbm-M2DbzLdcaAm3vEALw_wcB%20

Do2Learn.com:  Social Skill/Behavior Management.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://do2learn.com/

PBSkids.org:  Social skills lessons.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://pbskids.org/

NIMH:  National Institutes of Mental Health resources.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/index.shtml

AAC Use:  Autism  Using a device in the home.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.aacandautism.com/assets/uploads/Using-a-Device-in-the-Home.pdf

Mommy Speech Therapy:  Website with free speech therapy resources.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://mommyspeechtherapy.com/

Speech and Language Development Tips for Parents:  The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends these tips for developing speech and language skills in children in grades K-2 and 3-5.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://mommyspeechtherapy.com/

Speech Therapy Resources:  Twenty five-minute therapies that can easily be done at home.   (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.home-speech-home.com/twenty-5-minute-speech-therapy-activities-you-can-do-at-home.html?fbclid=IwAR1UDcCUlCOIWTr85mpxnZinOBYwvczRrPor6txeFZ9IdsELV9SLEeBt6f0

Stuttering Help:  Stuttering therapy ideas; please consult with your child's speech pathologist prior to implementing methods to ensure what is used is complementary to therapies your child is receiving at school.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.stutteringhelp.org/content/parents-school-aged-children

Stuttering Therapy:  Site providing free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.stutteringhelp.org/content/parents-school-aged-children

Google Classroom:  A Cheat-Sheet on How to Use the Features of the Google Classroom!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P7LaQHqShT79metWuf67QYrwosKKdG6DBRSn3l3-tLc/preview?slide=id.p

How to Display Closed Captions:  Instructions on how to display closed captions on movies on a webpage, QuickTime player, iTunes, iPhone, and iPad.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://neurologicexam.med.utah.edu/pediatric/html/how_to_display_closed_captions.html

AT UDL.com Switch Access Resources:  As a part of the Florida's MTSS Projects, the online resource library is designed to help districts and schools implement a universal, differentiated core curriculum based on the Florida Standards.  The assistive technologies available in this library can be used to identify which technologies will best support students with disabilities to participate and progress in this core curriculum.  (WR).  

HelpKidzLearn: HelpKidzLearn is a collection of software for young children and those with learning difficulties to play online. The software is split into five sections: Early Years, Games and Quizzes, Stories and Songs, Creative Play & Find Out About.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/

Papunet Games: This site offers memory games, puzzles, language games, and even Sudoku, all of which can be used with a switch.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://papunet.net/games

Priory Woods: Switch videos are animations or slideshows set to music, which can be controlled by a range of common assistive access devices. They are designed to help children understand and generalize cause and effect (the action/reaction bond), one of the foundation stones for early learning.  (WR).  Access this resource at http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/page/?title=Switch+%2F+Touch+Screen+Videos&pid=231

Tar Heel Gameplay: A collection of free, easy-to-play, and accessible games. Each game is speech enabled and may be accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens and 1 to 3 switches.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://tarheelgameplay.org/

Tar Heel Reader: A collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens, the IntelliKeys with custom overlays, and 1 to 3 switches.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://tarheelreader.org/

Tar Heel Shared Reader: A variant of Tar Heel Reader that emphasizes shared reading.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://shared.tarheelreader.org/

Click here:  Field trips with no permission slips required!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/

Collaborative Teaching Tip Sheet:  With shifts to virtual instruction, teachers in collaborative partnerships will likely encounter challenges in providing co-teaching or support facilitation models to students with disabilities. This Tip Sheet provides a framework to assist teachers in making adjustments to their instruction to continue collaborative efforts.  (WR).  

FlipGrid:  Flipgrid is 100% free for all educators, learners, and families. Engage and empower every voice in your classroom or at home by recording and sharing short, awesome videos together!  (WR).  Access this resource at https://info.flipgrid.com/

Otis for Educators:  OTIS is offering free professional development for educators and teachers and they have a series of webinars for Remote learning. This includes, but not limited to SMART Learning Suite Online, Google, and Microsoft Teams.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.teq.com/pdf/OTIS_courses.pdf

Team+:  The Team+ System offers you and your students a free step-by-step team development process to support your group projects. A complete online group learning platform, Team+ supports "teamwork from a distance" with a highly structured process that creates synergy among students and optimizes team performance. Team+ includes self-assessments, peer evaluations, and team building activities that develop soft skills, reduce team conflict, increase collaboration, and encourage participation from all team members.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.teamplus.education/

https://www.applevis.com/  Site specializes in iOS apps for students with visual impairments,  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.applevis.com/

https://at-udl.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Apps-for-DHH.pdf  A listing of resources for students with visual impairments, and students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing,  (WR).  Access this resource at https://at-udl.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Apps-for-DHH.pdf

AbleNet www.ablenetinc.com/

American Printing House for the Blind www.aph.org

Bookshare website:  People with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and other reading barriers can listen to books, follow along with karaoke-style highlighting, read in braille or large font, and customize your reading experience with ebooks in formats that work for them.  (WR) Access this resource at https://www.bookshare.org/cms/

Creating Accessible Word Documents and PowerPoints:  Do you - a teacher of the visually impaired - create accessible digital materials?  Do your general education teachers know how to create accessible materials for low vision students and students who use a screen reader?  Here are some quick resources to guide you and share with your general education teachers on how to make accessible digital materials.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/creating-accessible-word-docs-powerpoints-teacher-resource

Division on Visual Impairments www.afb.org/default.aspx

Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.  www.fimcvi.org/

Learning Ally.  www.learningally.org/

National Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).  www.loc.gov/nls/

Nine Ways to Customize Blackboard for Students with Low Vision Impairments:  Is your student going to a college or university that will use Blackboard?  Check this site for ideas on customizing Blackboard so students can easily access what they need and not have to worry about staring at a wall of text. The author, a student with low vision, includes nine ways Blackboard was customized for easier use.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/9-ways-customize-blackboard-students

NOAH.  www.albinism.org/publicatinos/low-vision-aids.html

Preparing for Virtual Instruction:  Tips for teachers of the visually impaired to consider PRIOR to the next school shutdown.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/preparing-virtual-instruction

Virtual Instruction O & M:  Ideas for orientation and mobility instruction in the virtual world.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/virtual-instruction-om

A wealth of writing tool resources compiled by the MTSS-TLC project and located in the AT-UDL Library.  (WR).  Access this resource at 

7 Chrome Apps and Extensions for Kids with Writing Issues:  An article highlighting apps and extensions.  Many are at a cost, some are free.   (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/7-chrome-tools-for-kids-with-writing-issues

Graphic Organizers:  Download free, includes hamburger paragraph, persuasion map, pro-con T table, and sequence chart graphic organizers.  (WR).  Access this resource at https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-writing/download-graphic-organizers-to-help-grade-schoolers-with-writing