Supporting Special Needs Students
Facilitator: Dr. Bruce Ellis (@DrBruceEllis) | http://bit.ly/LLsupportingspecialneeds
Whether you are a special needs teacher or a classroom teacher with mainstreamed special needs students you will want to join us to lean about a variety of tools and websites to help provide even better support for your students. Be prepared to share your tools as well!
What does "special needs" mean?
First 5 defines children with special needs as having one of the following:
Children with identified disability, health, or mental health conditions requiring early intervention, special education services, or other specialized services and supports; or
Children without identified conditions, but requiring specialized services, supports, or monitoring.
chromebook features
Display & Visuals
Browser zoom
Display size
Full screen magnifier
Docked magnifier
Font size
Large mouse cursor
Audio & Captions
Customize caption styles
Mono audio
Spoken Feedback
ChromeVox
Select-to-speak
Text-to-speech settings
Motor/Dexterity
On-screen keyboard
Touchpad settings
Physical keyboard settings
Sticky keys
Turn on Chromebook accessibility features by clicking on Settings. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select Advanced. Next, select Accessibility and then Manage accessibility features
chrome web store shopping spree
Access 30+ extensions already curated by Google for your students. Go to https://bit.ly/ChromeAccessExts.
Jump over to the Chrome web store and pick an extension to share with the group. Be sure to share the extension name and the gist of what it does.
DID YOU KNOW
You can install Chrome extensions on Microsoft's Chromium-based Edge browser! You can look use Edge Add-ons or many from the Chrome Web Store.
Using Microsoft Edge, go to the Chrome Web Store. Select Allow extensions from other stores in the banner at the top of the page and then select Allow to confirm. Select the extension you want to add and select Add to Chrome.
microsoft accessibility supports
All of Windows accessibility supports organized by operating system:
Take advantage of the Disability Answer Desk is where customers with disabilities get support with Microsoft Office, Windows, and Xbox.
Variety of app recommendations
Great augmentative and alternative communication tool! Can grow with the student.
This easy and fun app helps students practice speaking skills by adding a mouth to anything and recording their voice!
Can be used by students trying to develop healthy habits and goals.
Ava uses AI to create live transcriptions (voice to text) even WITHOUT Internet!
My Little Suitcase - The Memory Board Game
Be the first to fill your suitcase in the memory board game.
MindShift CBT - Anxiety Relief
This app uses science-based strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy to help students manage anxiety.
SAM Self-help App for the Mind
This app provides self-help techniques to help maintain well-being.
app curation lists
Before purchasing or installing apps, check with your Special Education Department to see if they already have licenses for the app...AND that the app meets district guidelines regarding student data safety/security.
10 Best Special Needs Apps for Kids - https://bit.ly/36hqR6T
Best Free Special Education Apps in 2022: iPhone, iPad, iPod - https://bit.ly/3qntyLc
Mom With Apps...for Special Needs - https://bit.ly/3uiBj6b
10 Best Apps for Special Education for 2021 - https://bit.ly/3N88rWG
6 Great Apps for Kids with Special Needs - https://bit.ly/369PmmB
Best Special Needs Apps [Updated for 2022] - https://bit.ly/3Jy6b8Y
8 Great Apps for Special Education Teachers - https://bit.ly/37DspIE
5 Best Writing Apps For Children with Disabilities 2022 - https://bit.ly/36hnixp
accessible instructional materials
Your Special Education Department should help with getting accessible materials for your students. But, it never hurts to be acquainted with what the state-adopted accessible materials are to make sure that your students are getting all the support they can from your state department of education. Here are a few state departments. Be sure to search for your state's education agency if not listed below or go to National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning and search for your state AEM contact; the AEM Center is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education.
Support for College Students
College students may also take advantage of special services to support their college learning experience. But, YOU have to advocate for you. Below are four tips to help you get off on the right foot! Find out about online tools to support you by checking out College Cliff's post 50 Online Tools for College Students with Disabilities!
