Technology Resources for Education's

Assistive Technology Solutions

Weekly Resources for the Assistive Technology Service Provider Community

Volume 5, Issue #42 for Week of 10/18/04

Compiled by David Grapka (mailto:David@Trecenter.org)

Technology Resources for Education (T.R.E.) Center TRECenter.org

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Note: Some links are time-sensitive. Access to some may require registration or free subscriptions.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I see the mind of a five year old as a volcano with two vents: destructiveness and creativeness.” Sylvia Ashton-Warner

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING WEBSITES OF THE WEEK:

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/interop/ The author writes (correctly), "E-learning products of the future will operate in a world that is interconnected through information and communication technology (ICT) that will be used by all teachers, trainers and managers, not just IT 'geeks'." The article introduces a new online resource offered by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework called the 'VET Interoperability Framework'. Follow the link at the bottom of the article to resources covering major issues in interoperability. By Unknown, Australian Flexible Learning Framework, September 16, 2004 (from Stephen Downs)
http://glef.org/php/article.php?id=Art_1045&key=137 For those of you still seeking real world examples of Universal Design for Learning in action, read this article.
http://www.cast.org/ncac/index.cfm?i=3138 In a landmark announcement for students with sensory and other print disabilities, the U.S. Department of Education endorsed the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS), version 1.0 on July 27th, 2004.

ACCESSS SOLUTIONS:

http://www.mayerproducts.com/ Carbonles notebooks for students with friends who will use this product to take notes for them.
http://www.everymovecounts.us/ A sensory-based communication program for individuals with severe multiple differences, developmental differences and autism. By jane Korsten, M.A. (From QIAT)

ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS AND CONCERNS:

http://www.techlearning.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=47204593 Special Needs Technologies: An Administrator's Guide A collaborative process makes sure the assistive technologies you purchase actually help students meet their academic goals-and the school's requirements under the law.
http://www.ecn.ab.ca/quantum/ This site will provide resources for those interested in meeting the educational needs of society
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/instructionaltools/index.cfm If you are interested in the Testing Industry's rationale for insisting that all students be able to write an essay with a pen in their hand, and other AT oxymorons, read this article.

ADVOCACY SOLUTIONS:

· http://edworkforce.house.gov/issues/108th/education/at/billsummary.htm A summary of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 can be accessed here. Don’t break out the champagne yet – let’s wait and see how well the appropriations committeed treats our new friend.

BLOG SOLUTIONS:

http://www.distance-educator.com/dnews/Article12165.phtml BlogBox Adds Functionality To Your Blogs Source: blogbox. We've recently come across some free tools available to non-commercial bloggers. The tools are called Blogboxes and come in a variety of tools. They have a photoblox, soundblox, weatherblox, clockblox, and linkblox.

COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS:

http://www.techlearning.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=47102021 The New Literacy

CONSULTING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.rehabtool.com/video A few copies left of the award-winning video "ENABLE: People with Disabilities and Computers". A review of this title has been posted on the ABLEDATA web site at http://www.abledata.com/text2/videos.htm. This 45-minute video is closed-captioned and includes narrative descriptions for the visually impaired. It is distributed on a nonprofit basis and is available in VHS, bundled with a digitized version (VideoCD / MPEG format) which plays on most DVD players and computers.

DISTANCE EDUCATION SOLUTIONS:

http://www.learningcircuits.org/2004/jul2004/allen.htm Down with Boring E-Learning! By Ryann Ellis, Learning Circuits Editor Interview with e-learning guru Dr. Michael W. Allen. principal designer of Control Data Corporation's PLATOÂ® computer-based education system and the principal architect of AuthorwareÂ®.

FUNDING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.christopherreeve.org/QLGrants/QLGrantsList.cfm?c=11 QUALITY OF LIFE GRANTS PROGRAM: Sponsored by The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, provides grants to non-profit organizations for activities in twelve “quality of life” areas and for health promotion. Application deadlines are March 1 and October 1.
www.homedepotfoundation.org. HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION: supports nonprofits focused on at-risk youth. Applications are accepted July 15, October 15, January 15 and April 15.
THE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUNDATION MAKES GRANTS AVAILABLE TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: The foundation will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to non-profit organizations for youth leadership development, violence prevention, early intervention and employment, training and education. The grants are designed to address needs in disadvantaged communities, with emphasis on organizations that include service, advocacy, and empowerment. For information contact Charisse Williams at (202) 965-1800. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Deadline: Open. (From Kerry Wiley)
http://www.att.com/foundation/programs/education.html Recognizing the quality of teaching as one of the most important influences on student learning, we support the professional development of educators, particularly in the effective application of technology, in both K-12 and higher education. We have a special interest in math and science, as those are the disciplines at the heart of our business and the foundations for the education and skills needed in the information technology (IT) workforce. We encourage the use of technology to design and deliver education programs, and we promote collaboration among educational institutions to share resources, increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

LITERACY SOLUTIONS:

http://www.techlearning.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=47102021 A few months back, Michael Cox, a chief economist for the Federal Reserve Bank, predicted to a group of students that they would have at least five jobs after they graduate, four of which haven't been invented yet.
http://www.starfall.com/ The Starfall learn-to-read website is offered free as a public service. They also provide writing journals and books at a very low cost that can be used with the website or separately. Teachers around the country are using Starfall materials as an inexpensive way to make the classroom more fun and to inspire a love of reading and writing. From Penny Reed

LUDDITE SOLUTIONS (OR RATHER, SOLUTIONS FOR LUDDITES)

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=5282 Appearing for the first time in TREATS, “Luddite Solutions” will highlight the work of those who appear to be undermining our work in the field of special education technology. On the other hand, their arguments are of such force and power, that we are compelled to consider their point of view and be prepared to defend our own, precisely because theirs are so oppositional. In this installment, I give you “Tech Tonic.” Despite the obvious “earth moving” reference, consider the medical analogy that this article is a bitter pill to swallow if we are to “get better” at what we do.

MATH SOLUTIONS:

http://www.toolfactory.com Dyscalculia Screener Introduced to US Educators to Identify Math-based Learning Difficulties Tool Factory Inc., announces the US availability of Dyscalculia Screener, a computer-based, classroom assessment tool used to identify dyscalculia, a group of math-based learning difficulties estimated to effect more than eleven million Americans.

MUSIC SOLUTIONS

http://www.dolmetsch.com/helppage.htm “Making music is something everyone should be able to enjoy. Since the 1930s Dolmetsch has produced recorders modified to accommodate missing fingers and missing hands.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS:

http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2004/09/15/egov.html Here’s an article on the uture of the World Wide Web – what are the implications for education – a whole new way of teaching literacy?
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/14/technology/circuits/14segw.html?oref=login&8cir The Segway – if you can stand, you can move! But alas, it is not approved as a medical device, so if you need it, be prepared to fight for your right …to party!
http://news.com.com/Google+to+unveil+desktop+search/2100-1024_3-5408765.html Google unveils their new desktop search application. But be careful! Leave it on while on the Internet, and you could be giving up all of your passwords and personal information to Internet Criminals.

PARENT AND ADVOCACY SOLUTIONS:

http://www.nasdse.org/forum_documents.htm#P The document, Parent Centers and State Education Agencies: Collaborative Models (2004), can be downloaded here.

REHAB SOLUTIONS:

http://www.fonix.com/ the “Freedom of Speech” company.

TEACHING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.ecn.ab.ca/quantum/ Quantum 2000: Education for Today and Tomorrow formerly: Education for the 21st Century - provides resources for those interested in meeting the educational needs of society. When the site is fully developed it will provide resources for teachers, parents, students, administrators, and the broader community. In addition, a forum will be created where all of the stakeholders can discuss the educational needs of the community and explore ways of meeting those needs.
http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=ed&tabindex=1&tabid=49 The Lexile Framework for Reading provides educators reading measurements that are actionable and that apply to everyday classroom instruction. Make the most out of Lexile measures by downloading a free Lexile Resource Kit to help you integrate Lexiles into instruction. Educator Lexile Resource Kit includes these downloads:

"Lexiles in Education" - Fact sheet briefly defining Lexiles, their history and how the Lexile Framework works. (429 KB)
"Lexiles in the Classroom" - Fact sheet with tips on how to use Lexiles more effectively in the classroom. (422 KB)
"Lexile Professional Development" - Fact sheet on professional development options for educators. (420 KB)
"The Lexile Framework as an Approach for Reading Measurement and Success" - White paper detailing how the Lexile Framework works. (580 KB)
"The Need for Objective Measurement Under the No Child Left Behind Act" - White paper outlining the philosophical underpinnings for a common reading measurement scale. (452 KB)

VENDOR PARTNER WEBSITES AND NEWS:

* http://www.accessiblebookcollection.org Accessible Books

* http://www.aacconnections.com AAC connections

* http://www.ablenetinc.com Ablenet

* http://www.alphasmart.com Announces the Neo.”

* http://www.closingthegap.com Closing The Gap

* http://www.colligo.us/ Where your handwriting is read back to you!

* http://www.cricksoft.com Crick Software

* http://www.ea-software.com Educational Activities Software

* http://www.enkidu.net/ Enkidu joins Dynavox

* http://www.greatleaps.com/ Great Leaps Reading

* http://www.independentliving.com/departments.asp?dept=9

* http://www.infogrip.com Home of the “BIGtrack”

* http://www.inspiration.com/ Inspiration

* http://www.intellitools.com IntelliTools, Inc.

* http://www.judylynn.com/prog_win.htm#P219 Judy Lynn Software

* http://www.laureatelearning.com Laureate Learning Systems

* http://www.magictouch.com The Leader in Touchscreen Technology.

* http://www.madentec.com Madentec

* http://www.nasdse.com RIATT at NASDSE

* http://www.rjcooper.com/2+2 R. J. Cooper

* http://www.sunburst-store.com Sunburst Software

* http://www.texthelp.com Makers of Read and Write Gold

* http://words-plus.com Words Plus

Please forward T.R.E.A.T.S. to your friends and colleagues who want to learn Assistive Technology Issues and Solutions. Thanks!

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

This weekly email newsletter is free and provides information useful to the community of people interested in the use of technology as a tool to help all students. If you have information to share that would be of value to members of our learning community, including job notices, please write and let us know. We'll be happy to share it here or at our web site. Contact, reprint, and subscription information is at the end of this document.

As always, thank you for your interest in the TRE Center and our work. We look forward to having you share your wisdom with the people on this list and with those you serve.

Sincerely,

David Grapka, ATP, ATS,

Project Coordinator, T.R.E. Center

NASDSE Certified Assistive Technology Specialist,

RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner

Maywood School, 1979 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-456-9290.

Fax: 518-456-9289.

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