http://tarheelreader.org
A common problem for students who are delayed in reading is that books written in simple language are written for a much younger audience. Books that interest them are too hard, but books they can read aren't very interesting. I give credit to Nora Jehn of the Idaho Assistive Technology Project for finding this great website. They have hundreds of stories for teens at very easy reading levels.
Keep Looking Up!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Assistive Technology for Math
http://itcnew.idahotc.com/DNN/Training/AT4Math/tabid/942/Default.aspx
The Idaho Training Clearinghouse has just added an online audio-visual presentation I prepared for the Idaho AT Project called "Assistive Technology 4 Math". This 30-minute presentation reviews some of the many resources for teaching and learning math for those students who struggle for whatever reason. Be sure you are ready to take some notes, this is a resource-rich presentation that covers beginning concepts to higher math, and how to get professional help with a student when you need it.
Keep Looking Up!
The Idaho Training Clearinghouse has just added an online audio-visual presentation I prepared for the Idaho AT Project called "Assistive Technology 4 Math". This 30-minute presentation reviews some of the many resources for teaching and learning math for those students who struggle for whatever reason. Be sure you are ready to take some notes, this is a resource-rich presentation that covers beginning concepts to higher math, and how to get professional help with a student when you need it.
Keep Looking Up!
Friday, October 10, 2008
New Use for an Old Product
The Virtually Indestructible Keyboard, $24.99
www.grandtec.com
This keyboard was designed for medical labs and wet environments. It is a flat flexible keyboard sealed in silicone that we sometimes recommend for people who drool. I don't particularly like using this keyboard myself because the action of the keys is "squishy" and slows me down, but it has come in handy for some clients because of its extremely low profile.
I did an assessment for a woman this week who is preparing to return to work after an injury to her neck and brain. After trying out all the latest ergonomic keyboards, I set her up with this one, because the keyboard is only a few millimeters thick, and she could rest her arms on the desk to reduce fatigue in her neck. The big surprise was that with this keyboard, she was able to type without looking at her fingers for the first time since her injury.
Apparently the "squishy" feel of the keys provided her with enough additional tactile feedback for her to feel where her fingers are on the keyboard better. For people with head injuries, extra feedback can make a real difference.
Keep Looking Up!
www.grandtec.com
This keyboard was designed for medical labs and wet environments. It is a flat flexible keyboard sealed in silicone that we sometimes recommend for people who drool. I don't particularly like using this keyboard myself because the action of the keys is "squishy" and slows me down, but it has come in handy for some clients because of its extremely low profile.
I did an assessment for a woman this week who is preparing to return to work after an injury to her neck and brain. After trying out all the latest ergonomic keyboards, I set her up with this one, because the keyboard is only a few millimeters thick, and she could rest her arms on the desk to reduce fatigue in her neck. The big surprise was that with this keyboard, she was able to type without looking at her fingers for the first time since her injury.
Apparently the "squishy" feel of the keys provided her with enough additional tactile feedback for her to feel where her fingers are on the keyboard better. For people with head injuries, extra feedback can make a real difference.
Keep Looking Up!
Monday, October 6, 2008
AT Expo in Pocatello Oct. 28-29, Holiday Inn
Here's the Agenda:
Tuesday Oct 28
8:30 Introductions
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
8:45 Intro to Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities
Mike Mann, ATP
10:00 AT for Students with Cognitive Impairments
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
11:00 Panel Discussion: Idaho AT Reutilization Project
Dean Neilson & Valeria Johnson, LIFE, Inc.
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
Sr. Anthony Marie Greving
Area Agency on Aging
1:00 AT For Math
Mike Mann, ATP
2:15 Universal Design for Learning
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
3:30 Adjourn
Wednesday, Oct 29
8:30 Introductions
8:45 Demonstration of Word-Prediction Software
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsy
1:00 AgrAbility Training for Physical and Occupational Therapists
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsey
2:00 Disability Services: Eastern Idaho Technical College & Idaho State Univ.
Irene Jones and Todd Devries
3:00 Adjourn
If you want a seat, contact 1-800-IDA-TECH or www.idahoat.org.
Keep Looking Up!
Tuesday Oct 28
8:30 Introductions
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
8:45 Intro to Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities
Mike Mann, ATP
10:00 AT for Students with Cognitive Impairments
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
11:00 Panel Discussion: Idaho AT Reutilization Project
Dean Neilson & Valeria Johnson, LIFE, Inc.
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
Sr. Anthony Marie Greving
Area Agency on Aging
1:00 AT For Math
Mike Mann, ATP
2:15 Universal Design for Learning
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
3:30 Adjourn
Wednesday, Oct 29
8:30 Introductions
8:45 Demonstration of Word-Prediction Software
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsy
1:00 AgrAbility Training for Physical and Occupational Therapists
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsey
2:00 Disability Services: Eastern Idaho Technical College & Idaho State Univ.
Irene Jones and Todd Devries
3:00 Adjourn
If you want a seat, contact 1-800-IDA-TECH or www.idahoat.org.
Keep Looking Up!
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