TREATS - TREs TREATS Newsletter 9-12-05

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation." Marion Wright Edelman

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING WEBSITE OF THE WEEK:

· http://www.aarp.org/about_aarp/nrta/staying_sharp/ The Staying Sharp initiative focuses on understanding how the brain works and how we can use that knowledge to maximize brain function and brain health, particularly in the second half of our lives.

ACCESS SOLUTIONS: (Switch Resources from Jeannette Van Houten)

· TASH Microlight: http://www.acciinc.com/Mounting%20&%20Switches/tash.htm

· http://www.asl-inc.com/Catalog/Index.asp Wobble Light Spring Switch

· AMDI also has switches you may want to consider http://www.amdi.net/sensors.htm

· Don Johnston Sensor Switch http://www.donjohnston.com/about/searchfrm.htm

· Adaptivations Taction Pads http://www.adaptivation.com/

ADMINISTRATOR SOLUTIONS:

· http://www.childrenofthecode.org/ "Insightful and informative. A must see for anyone involved in teaching children to read. This is not a quick fix or remedy for reading problems, but a thorough scientific explanation of the entire reading process from leading experts in a variety of fields. Attending this workshop will provide a deeper understanding of why children struggle with reading and what needs to be done to address this crisis in our schools." Karen Kemp, Seminar Organizer for Council of New York Special Education Administrators, Director of Special Programs, Cohoes City Schools

· "Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide." This report was issued by the USDOE, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported By Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide, published December 2003, and summarizes the definitions of "rigorous educational practices" or "scientifically based research." This standard is important because it is incorporated into NCLB and IDEA 2004. http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/rigorousevid/index.html

BILINGUAL SOLUTIONS:

· The Everything ESL.net site http://www.everythingesl.net/ built and maintained by an ESL Teacher from New Jersey, is a nice place to visit to learn what some of the issues are for ESL Teachers, as well as a place to get ideas for teaching strategies, lesson plans, et cetera. There is a section on considering the difference between disability and difference for students who potential have learning disabilities, as well as more than one discussion of BICS and CALP.

SOLUTIONS for the BLIND

· http://www.ad-awards.com/inc/video.swf?id=104 This link is a French commercial related to disability by EDF, an energy company that supplies gas and electricity throughout Europe. The English from French translation is as follows: “When the woman walks into the bank, she says "Hello, I'd like to open an account." At the end of the ad: "The world is harder when it is not conceived for you. From now on spaces at EDF are accessible to everyone. When your world lights up: EDF" This will take only 15 seconds to watch and is so worth it. This is clearly drives the point home in a way other 'awareness' materials haven't. From judy piscitello

· http://www.csb-cde.ca.gov/Documents/technology.htm URL of the California State School for the Blind's Technology Training link, which c

Volume 6, Issue 36 for Week of 9/12/05