Resources
Contact me for help with any of the resources below!
Communication
Core Word Songs-Here are 2 playlists of songs that target core words from Speech and Language Songs and Special Vids for Special Kids. Have students listen to the song while finding the core word on their device/board.
TD Snap AAC App-Help using TD Snap (Formerly Snap Core First ) for iPad
Core Word Books-Here are 3 resources full of lessons and books for introducing Core Words from TobiiDynavox. You can print the books out, or use view them on a computer/ipad (the books are PDF) Set 1 Set 2 Set 3
Practical AAC -A great blog to follow and search for info about using/implementing AAC.
Reading Supports
For Emergent Readers
For Struggling Readers
TarHeel Reader-High Interest online books for students of all ages with complex needs. The books read out loud and can be accessed with a switch or mouse.
Alternative Access to Books-Learn ways to make books durable, how to facilitate page turning, how to add tactile/textures, and switch access.
BookShare-An accessible online library of books that are free to students who qualify for a print disability. There are over 800, 000 books including popular books and textbooks for all ages. These books have accessibility features such as the ability to enlarge text, change the color of text/background, and reading the text out loud. Teachers create accounts for their students and assign books to them to read/listen to.
Text Readers-There are free text readers that read highlighted text outloud. iPad has Speak Selection and Speak Screen built in and the chrome browser has free text readers like Talkie and Select and Speak (works with Google Docs)
Story Time Virtual Book Readings-These online books show an ASL interpreter signing each book.
Immersive Reader-A free tool from Microsoft that has the following reading supports--*Highlighting parts of speech *Indicating syllables *Translates text *Custom reading experience (change colors and size of text) *Read the text out loud in a pleasant voice. This tool is built into many platforms including iPad (Word and Onenote apps) Windows (Word, OneNote) and chrome browser.
Announcify (Chrome) and ReaderView (Safari)-Are free tools that de-clutters web pages. Announcify also reads text out loud, while ReaderView needs 'speak selection' to read the text. Great for students who get distracted by ads, sidebars, flashing banners, etc...
Rewordify-Free online software that can help improve reading. It can intelligently simplify difficult English, for faster comprehension and can effectively teach words, for building a better vocabulary. For students and teachers.
Text Compactor-Free online automatic text summarizer. Copy/paste text into the box, adjust the percentage of text to keep in the summary.
Prizmo Go (iPad)-Free app that uses OCR, which means the student can take a picture of text on a paper handout or in the environment and it will turn that picture into text that reads out loud.
Writing Supports
Alternative to Pencils- For students who can't hold onto the traditional pencil or physically manipulate a standard keyboard. Besides pencil grips and alternative keyboards, think about providing letters/alphabet in a variety of low tech ways. Students don't need to know how to spell or write sentences...they don't need to touch anything. Check out this link for more info.
Voice Typing and Dictation (Speech Recognition)-These tool are free and built into Google Docs and iPads, so they are already in the hands of students. While the student talks, the device types what is being said. These are very easy tools to use, but some training is needed by the student! Here is how to turn on 'dictation' in Chromebooks so students always have access to speech recognition!
Let students hear what they typed with Select and Speak extension (works with Google Docs or with the Speak Selection feature on iPads.
Graphic Organizers-Most students need help with getting their thoughts down on paper or in a document. Graphic organizers provide the scaffold students need. The link provided here lets you download 4 graphic organizers to get you started.
SnapType app (free) This app for iPads lets the student take a picture of a handout, page in a book, pdf, etc...easily type on it and then send it to the teacher via email. Great for students with messy handwriting.
Kami-a free Chrome app that allows students to annotate/write on PDF documents. They can highlight text with a digital marker as well as add a text box anywhere on the document to type. Students using iPads can use the 'mark up' feature on iPads to write on PDF documents.
Echo, Live Scribe pen- ($200) The Echo Smart Pen has specialized paper and pen that allows the student to take notes, plus record the audio of the teacher-linking the audio recording to the notes. The student can quickly replay audio from the special paper or a computer with a simple tap on your handwritten notes. Teachers can work with students to develop cues for important information (due dates of assignments, topics on tests, etc…) which not only signals to the student using the Smart Pen to capture the information, it benefits the rest of the class to pay attention as well. Watch how to use it!
Some teachers may want to teach while using the Echo Smart Pen, using a document camera to project to the class while they are writing equations or drawing figures. Afterwards, the paper and pen can be placed in the back of the room for students to use when they need to relearn or for those who were absent. The option for transferring the contents of the Smart Pen to a computer could be helpful to share with all students as well. Please contact a member of the Assistive technology team for more information on how to borrow a pen and how students can use it in class.
Math Supports
Mod Math app-This free iPad app allows students to keyboard algebra problems. NOT an app that does the work for the student.
Math Tools A Chrome extension which provides learners with a simple platform that serves a toolbox for all of their math essentials. Math Tools includes a digital Scientific Calculator, a Graphing Calculator and an Equation writer all in one seamless solution.
Online Math Manipulatives-12 free Math apps that can be used online and/or installed on iPad.
Practice for Eye Gaze (need eyegaze device)
Your Essential Guide to Eye Gaze in the Classroom -Tips for positioning , assessing visual skills, etc...
From Tobii Dynavox-3 online games; Memory, Catch Me and Color Caterpillar
From SENict-Lots of online games that can be used with eyegaze. Set the access method to 'mouse'
TarHeel Game Play-Students gaze at 'more' button to keep the game playing. These are youtube videos, many of which are songs and books read out loud.