portaportal

Welcome: Hope you find these links helpful, Ynez

Internet Safety and DIY Tips

Disclaimer: This website contains links to many other external websites. All links have been checked, but there is no guarantee for the information provided from the external sites. Please use with teacher and parent supervision.
Please use caution when using tools and doing any Do It Yourself (DIY) projects.
Thank You!!

A to Z for Adapting Literacy Activities

A to Z for Adapting Literacy Activities
Links to various ways to adapt literacy activities

My Program

REACH
A program of Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP)
SECEP
Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs
My website - a work in progress
Website for handouts and more
REACH Program Portal
Websites we use; to share with staff/friends of the REACH Program
Excellence in Technology Award 2012
High School Technology Integrator of the Year Award

Assistive Technology: A Passport to the World

Building Wings
Don Johnston's Story
Definition of AT device
from ED.gov -US Dept of Education
Definition of AT service
from ED.gov -US Dept of Education

Seating and Positioning

Liquid SunMate Foam-in-Place Seating Info
Dynamic Systems, Inc.

Switches and Mounting

Articles by Michele Lange, OTR
Check Dec 2011 for Switches: Evaluation for Type and Location
Choosing Switches
from Enabling Devices
DAESSY Mounting Systems
by Daedalus Technologies, Inc.
LCD Arms
Mounting systems for monitors and tablets
List of switch accessible apps for the iPad
from AbleNet, Inc
Listing of switch accessible apps for the iPad
from Enabling Devices
Mount'n Mover
by BlueSky Designs
Mounting System Comparison Chart
from Enabling Devices
Ram Mount
mounting sysytems for tablets and iPads
Switch Activities Promote Classroom
from the PACER Center
Switch Comparison Chart
from Enabling Devices
Switches
The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia has been created by AbilityNet, the UK's largest provider of information on access
Wheelchair Mounting Systems Comparison Matrix
from Michele Lange, OTR; 2013

DIY

Assistive Technology for Students with ID and MD - AER 2013

Why Use Assistive Technology Devices with Students?
How do people with intellectual disabilities use assistive technology?
What is Assistive Technology?
Kids Together, Inc.
Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said
video describing Assistive Technology on YouTube

How to choose an AT device

Assessing Students' Needs for Assistive Technology
from the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI)
Sharing the SETT Framework
The SETT Framework is a four part model intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology
Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO)
Archived information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms.
Effective Use of Switches
from About.com

AT Vendors

Listing of vendors for AT devices

DIY Projects

Do It Yourself
directions for making activities or devices switch accessible

AT Vendors

Ablenet
includes TASH and SoftTouch products; including SLAT, SCATIR (eyeblink) switch with eyeglass mount
Don Johnston Incorporated
Literacy Starters, Read OutLoud, Cause and Effect software - Press to Play or UKanDu
Enabling Devices
Switch toys, eye-blink switch, etc
Judy Lynn Software
What is single switch software?
RJ Cooper & Associates
AT devices & software compatible with single switch activities, mounting devices, apps and more
TechMatrix
Tool for finding educational and assistive technology products for students with special needs.
Global Assisitve Technology Wiki
Encyclopedia for access technology (UK)
RehabMart.com
various switches
Switch in Time
Accessible Software

Other vendors (from office desk)

Is Your Information Accessible to All? - VOTA 2012 Conference

Facts for Features: Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act: July 26
statistics from the United States Census Bureau
Accessibility Features in Microsoft Windows
from About.com
Ten tips for accessible documents
from office.microsoft.com Support Documents
Overview: Creating accessible Office files
from office.microsoft.com Support Documents
Hear text read aloud with Narrator in Microsoft Windows
from windows.microsoft.com Help & How to Documents
Using the Speak text-to-speech feature in Microsoft Office
from office.microsoft.com Support Documents
Guidelines for Audio Describing Meetings And Presentations
from the Described and Captioned Media Program, U.S. Department of Education

Learning Style Assessments

What's Your Learning Style?
from Edutopia.org
Learning Style Inventory
from Penn State
What's Your Learning Style?
from EducationPlanner.org
What is Your Learning Style?
by MarciaConner.com

Creating Accessible PowerPoint presentations

Creating accessible PowerPoint presentations
from office.microsoft.com
Guidelines for the Development of Power Point Presentations
from American Printing House for the Blind
How to Create an Accessible Slide Show in PowerPoint that is Section 508 Compliant
from ISDexchange.com
How to Make Your PowerPoint Presentations Accessible
from michigan.gov
Increasing PowerPoint Accessibility
from The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
Microsoft PowerPoint, Universally Designed
from Colorado State University
PowerPoint for ALL
from California State University, Sacramento
Tips for Creating Accessible PowerPoints
from the Training and Advocacy Support Center

Closed Captioning

Portals

Easy Access ebooks (for single switch use, no adaptation needed)

Directions for Mouse House by Linda Burkhart
Need a switch interface? Make this low tech device for single switch access; see AT Vendors/Methods for Adapting Literacy below
Cbeebies
stories to watch and read (Free site)
Childtopia
Listening comprehension books and Tales in 6 languages (low cost)
Easy Learning Books
Fee based Interactive Reading & Comprehension for Students with Special Needs and ESL; includes interactive quizzes
HelpKidzLearn
10+ non-text switch adapted stories from Inclusive Technology (Free site)
Hiyah.net
Free educational computer software programs that operate by pressing the spacebar
LearnEnglishKids from BritishCouncil.org
Free website; Little Kid and Short Stories can be accessed by single switch
Literactive
online reading material for pre-school, kindergarten and grade 1 students. Free, must register
Mighty Book
A fee based ebook collection; interactive book versions can be controlled by a switch
One More Story
Select 'Try a Book'; a fee based online library of children's classic and contemporary literature
Priory Woods School Talking Storybooks
Free website, some stories gender specific
SillyBooks.net
Look for activites with the Click-Through version; free site; click on "next" to turn the page
StoryPlace
Virtual Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC (Free site)
Tar Heel Reader
Free; Easy to read, accessible books
Ziggityzoom
Free; Online interactive stories; need to know when to use the switch or it will read both pages.
WE READ
5 books to read; match the letters would be good for Eco-computer training
International Children's Digital Library
search for audio files then play to audio file in one window with the book in another window
Story Time for Me
Free online stories; select to not have the page turn automatically
Adapted Literature available through the Sherlock Center Resource Library
These resources are provided for teachers to help students with severe disabilities participate in the general curriculum.

Talking Book Library

Talking Book Library
Several Talking Books made by preservice teachers at the University of New Mexico
PowerPoint Talking Books Home Page
Talking Book Project Resources
Resources to help you in creating your own talking books

Kidoons Network Stories read to you

Have to be able to read print to use these sites

Big Universe
998 children's books online & 8016 created by members
Book-Bot
Green advance button allows advancing story at your speed
CAST UDL Book Builder
books made by teachers, parents, etc.; many have advance button in a permanent position
Classic Bookshelf
Choose the fonts, size and color of the text
Dune Bugg
Fable Library
RealeBooks.com
free online family-friendly RealeBooks (“Really Books”)
Stories about Charlotte's Web
Read about this very special spider with Mrs. Taverna's second grade class at Pocantico Hills School in Sleepy Hollow, NY
SymbolWorld
Free material for all ages with stories and learning materials. eLive is an on-line magazine for older readers
Wondervista
Comic book-like stories to read
BookRix

MeddyBemps Stories to read

Living Book Vendors

Kids click.com
sells Living Books software
Planet CDROM
also sells Living Books

PowerPoint Presentation websites

Pete's PowerPoint station
Free PowerPoint presentations
MrDonn.org
Free PowerPoint presentations

ebooks that can be made Easy Access using Application Clicker

Application Clicker
RJ Cooper software for making cause/effect activities out of websites/DVD's, videos, music like these listed below
Book Box
Reads stories in 21 different languages (small fee to download)
Learn Out Loud
Podcasts and audio & video resources for kids & teens to learn from. Some free.
Mighty Book
A fee based ebook collection; use App Clicker for non-interactive book versions
PBSkids
Use App Clicker to control the videos; Free
Rabbit Ears
great stories on audio CDs and DVDs to purchase
Raz-Kids.com
Sample e-book; Try this with Application Clicker
Raz-Kids
subscription; listen to books read aloud, read with vocabulary and pronunciation support, and read without support.
Sesame Street Videos
Use App Clicker to make these videos switch adapted; Free
Silly Books
a literacy website with animated children's books and more; Free
Speakaboos
Subscription: Designed to help children develop literacy skills while learning about technology in a safe and fun environment.
Storyline Online
Stories read to you by well-known actors; use small screen view for App Clicker; Free
Bookhive ZingerTales
You Tube movies of storytellers in action - Free
Highlights Kids
Meegenius
an ebook store with free books to sample

Audio books (may have print) that can be adapted

Aesops Fables
Choose the audio symbol to hear stories read aloud
BooksShouldBeFree.com
Free audio books to download.
Candlelight Stories
Free stories(no sound) and You Tube movies
Free Classical Audiobooks
human narration; no pictures/animation
Goodnight Stories – Hear-a-Story
Kiddie Records
the golden age of children's records
Light Up Your Brain
Free audio stories for kids
Storynory
Free audio stories for kids; download story to use App Clicker
Whootie Owl’s Audio Stories
Stories on Facing Adversity and Caring for Others

Have to be able to read print to use these sites

Candlelight Stories
You Tube movies; this one reviews the ABC's

Other Literacy Websites

50 Best Websites for Audio Book Addicts
check out these top 50 audio book sites, with everything from the best stores to free books.
Accessible Book Collection
A fee based ebook collection; has books in Clicker, Classroom Suite and Boardmaker
Interactive Stories for Kids
Links to several online book websites
Kindersite Project
This site has many interactive stories for young kids. The stories are also classified by age level. Some can work by switch; no
Magic Keys
Free; stories to read (no sound) need mouse skills to click on sounds
My Sign Book Worm
Videos (in sign) of Curious George Books (mostly)
Starfall.com
Starfall is an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children.

TumbleBooks and Resources

Libweb - Libraries on the Web
Listing of websites for Libraries; access TumbleBooks for free from your local VA library
TumbleBooks Library
A fee based, online animated storybook collection; username: secep2; password: trial
TumbleBookCloud
a fee based, online read-along book collection; username: secep2; password: login

Assistive Technology (AT) resources/info

What is Assistive Technology?
Kids Together, Inc.
ATTO
AT Training Online
Linda Burkhart
Wealth of info on adapting activities/communication
AIM-VA
Accessible Instructional Materials - VA
Assistive Technology Tutorial
focuses on switches
Project Participate
Strategies to increase the active participation of students with disabilities in school programs
SET-BC
Accessible Books, What are they?
WATI.org
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
Using Switches and Switching Systems
A booklet about switches and how to use them. Good beginner info
Effective Use of switches
from About.com: Special education
Definition of electrical circuit
from science.yourdictionary.com
Definition of switch
from computer.yourdictionary.com

Methods for Adapting Literacy Activities

aacintervention.com
Tips for making teaching materials
Boardmaker Achieve Community
an activity exchange; Free activities for Boardmaker Products
Intellitools
Classroom Suite Activity Exchange; Free activities for Intellitools products
Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop
Provides free tactile learning materials to teachers of children with visual and/or mental impairments
SET-BC
Making Accessible books with PowerPoint 2007
The A-Z of Adapting Books for Students with Disabilities
Great overall resources for literacy and adapting books
Adapted Books from the NYC Dept. of Education
NYC Dept. of Education; 75+ adapted books and materials created with Boardmaker, Writing with Symbols, and PowerPoint
Experiencing Literacy
Parents’ Guide for Fostering Early Literacy Development
Buildingblox.net
Check out the task ideas and freebies
Baltimore City Public Schools Adapted Library
750+ books that have been adapted using Boardmaker
AT Resources
Loudoun County Public Schools Resources
Project Participate
Strategies to increase active participation of students with disabilities in school programs

How to make a switch interface

Mouse House
Linda Burkhart directions
Adapted PC mouse
How to adapt a commercial mouse
Loc-Line Switch Mounts
inexpensive switch mounting system

Resources from the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies

Alternative Pencils CD from Center for Literacy and Disability Studies
Works great with my students with severe and profound disabilities
Tactual Book Kit Directions
to foster literacy learning for students who are blind or who are deaf-blind
Switch Accessible PowerPoint Book Templates for Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness
The templates are for creating ABC books and personal books for students with significant disabilities.

Lists of Books with Repeated Lines

Bibliography of Books with Rhyme and Repeated Lines
list of 300+ books by Judy Kuster

A to Z for Adapting Literacy Activities

A to Z for Adapting Literacy Activities
From workshop - Links to various ways to adapt literacy activities

When considering Apps, check here

Alternative Access to the iPad
More from Jane Farrall
Apps for children with special needs
search for apps to use
apps4Stages wiki
Madalaine Pugliese
Bridging Apps
new name for Special Needs Apps for Kids
friendshipcircle.org
search for special needs apps
info on Proloquo2go app
tutorials, etc.
iPads for Learners with Severe/Multiple Disabilities
by Kate Ahern
Jane's apps for AAC list - shows access method used
Jane Farrall list hosted by Spectronics
JaneFarrall.com
A list compiled by Jane Farrall and Alex Dunn last update 2015
RJ Cooper's list of swtich accessible apps for the iPad
Slide Shark
free app that lets you put PowerPoint files on your iPad

QR Codes

Beautifulqrcodes
QR codes in colors!! free
goQR.me
QR Codes created on goQR.me are completely free of charge
QR Code Generator
Free QR Code generator
QR Stuff
generate QR Codes in many ways
Visualead
Make Visual QR codes (on graphic images)

Emergent Literacy Resources

Early Literacy
www.zerotothree.org; reviews early literacy behaviors
Emergent Literacy: Early Reading and Writing Development
www.asha.org
Top 10 Tips for Partner Assisted Scanning
Downloadable Classroom Handouts; Center for Literacy and Disability Studies
Check out the handouts on Shared Reading, Predictable Chart Writing, etc

Virginia Special Education resources

AIM-VA
Accessible Instructional Materials - VA
Aligned Standards of Learning Assistive Technology Ideas
ideas from low tech to high tech
Assistive Technology
VDOE Special Education, Technical Assistance & Guidance
Best Practices for Educating Students with Intelectual Disabilities
compiled by VCU T/TAC
Lexile Framework For Reading
Lexile info is designed to help find the best way to grow as a reader - reading text that's not too hard but not too easy
Loudon County
AT resources
Special Education Abbreviations
Key to Abbreviations for Special Education Terminology
T/TAC Online - VA Assessments
Curriculum Framework Documents assist teachers in understanding essential components required by the ASOL.
TTAC Moodle
Assistive Technology Network (ATN) Regions 2 & 3
VAAP
Aligned Standards of Learning; VAAP 2014-2015
VDOE
Standards of Learning (SOLs)
VDOE Division of Special Education and Student Services
Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia 2010

Early Learning Activities/Key Banger Software

GoVenture MyFirst
low cost software programs for children who are old enough to bang on a keyboard but cannot to use a mouse
BabyWOW! 3.0
low cost; cause/effect software in 8 languages: english, spanish, italian, chinese, japanese, german, french, portuguese
BabyType
low cost software program that converts your computer into an Activity Center
Northern Grid
KneeBouncers.com
Subscription; Games that can run by keyboard or switch

Math

Math Baseball
from Fun Brain
Math resources
also includes Hat and Cool Timer

Games for Single Switch and more

AccessibleGames
Resources for accessible games, single switch toys, etc
SENSwithcer
Accessible Software for Students with Special Needs
Switch Road Map
Switch Training

Hangman games

Room 108
Hangman
http://www.kidscom.com/games/hangman/hangman.html
doesn't work the way i like but layout is good

Reflections on PBS TeacherLine/ISTE Capstone Certification

Share the Wealth Presentation
There is no preview, so select File and then Download to view the presentation.
Gayle Porter, SLP
Speech Therapist from Australia who developed the PODD
Linda Burkhart
teacher, private consultant and technology integration specialist
Karen Erickson, PhD
Director: Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill and former teacher of children with significant disabilities
Gretchen Hanser, PhD, OTR/L
Dr Gretchen Hanser PhD, OTR, is an expert in assistive and instructional technologies for students with significant disabilities
PBS TeacherLine
Professional development for PreK-12 educators. A service of PBS Teachers.
ISTE
International Society for Technology in Education
ISTE NETS-T
ISTE Standards for Teachers
Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers
"Graphic organizers are tools that help your brain think." - Kylene Beers
Capstone II Exhibit
The Colors of My World
Capstone I Exhibit
My Color-Coded Dictionary
Tar Heel Reader
Tar Heel Reader, a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics.
My Color-Coded Dictionary A-E
REACH students' first book on Tar Heel Reader
The Colors of Our World
REACH students' book on colors on Tar Heel Reader
Survey Monkey
Free website for making online surveys
Epals
Free network of K-12 classrooms, for students and teachers to connect and collaborate on projects with classrooms worldwide
Symbaloo
Links to my favorite websites; organized by the ISTE NETS-T standards

Personal Learning Networks (PLN)

Writing Ideas

Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers
pdf format that can be printed or used from the computer
Monster Exchange
global project to make and write about a monster
National Day on Writing
cool project

Favorites

Priory Woods School
Cause and effect/targeting activites and educational programs; great free site!
AT Boogie
a song to make us all think about how we use AT
Creating a PortaPortal
The what, why and how-tos
CBeebies Fun and Games
Activities for children who use a switch
Travel bingo cards
8 different premade bingo cards of common sights along U.S. highways; just print and play
Computerized Jackson Pollock Art
move the cursor to paint and click to change colors
Jackson Pollock