A letter to my students transitioning to middle school

Because sometimes, I don't think we prepare our students with disabilities enough during that elementary to middle school transition, I was inspired to write them a little letter based on a variety of posts by people with disabilities talking about their experiences during this oh-so-fun-time.  I wanted to let them know some "things to look for" to help prepare them and to begin to self advocate.  Self advocacy needs to start early.  I don't know if anyone ever sits down with these kids to share these ideas, but someone should.  So I decided I needed to be that person.

Dear __________________________,

I just wanted to take the time to tell you to have an awesome summer and give you some tips to dealing with middle school!!! I am really proud of all you have accomplished and you will be great! The biggest thing is to advocate for yourself.  And if/when you need help, please don’t be afraid to ask. School can be a challenging place for a student who uses a wheelchair or walker. There are all kinds of unexpected barriers such changes to the cafeteria set up, tables and desks that suddenly appear that won't allow a wheelchair in between. It's important to use these challenges as learning experiences in becoming an independent adult.  Wishing you the best!!!

Sincerely,

Ms. Becca, OT

Managing School Supplies

• strapping a large backpack onto the front of you using the seatbelt to hold it can work for carrying bulky items
• a sling under the seat between the wheels and a smaller backpack behind  you to carry big items
• Ask for an extra set of school textbooks to keep at home.
• If you have a locker, make sure you can get into it easily

Navigating the Classroom and School Building

• Make sure there is enough room to get around all of the furniture and that you can reach everything
• Request an orientation before school starts to figure out how to get from one class to another.
• Get access to an elevator key to go from one floor to another if needed
• Talk with your teachers to see if you need to leave class a few minutes early and have a few minutes' grace period to arrive at your next class

Emergency and Safety

• Find out what the plan is in a fire or emergency drill - Like if you are on the second floor and  can't use the elevator for evacuation

Restroom Accommodations

• Find all the bathrooms that are accessible for you.
• Carry bathroom supplies in your backpack.

Support Staff

• Have the physical therapist or occupational therapist make sure that whatever desk you have is the appropriate height for you
• And that you have reasonable space to enter and exit the classroom.
• Check in with your teachers or therapist with any issues that arise

Fun Tools in Google Docs

When you open a new document in Google Drive, you will see it is set up similarly to a Microsoft Word document.  It will have most of the same bells and whistles you are used to, and some that you will wonder how you completed your work before.

Tools
The Research tool allows you to open a search bar with the Drive workspace.  Then you can search for relevant research topics and copy and paste links into your document.

If you would like a more readable link to these
Research tips, click HERE!

Voice Typing

For a more readable version of these
Voice Typing tips, click HERE!

Voice recognition used to be an add-on in docs, but now it is a built-in function.  Note, if you are planning to use it in a noisy setting like a classroom, then using a noise cancelling headset microphone will improve access to the tool.

Google Docs Editor Help provides a few quick reference tips and voice commands.


Add-Ons
Add-ons are features in Google Docs that can help you perform task in the document on which you are working.  They will not carryover into a web program like extensions, but can support the reading and writing process.

An Add-On I recently learned about has been available for quite a while: Easy Bib.  Had I known about this a few weeks prior, I would have had a much easier time completing my research project.  

So now that you have a few more tools for your digital tool box, try them out and let me know what you think.  Up next, more apps and extensions as educational and/or assistive technology.

Why Chrome Might Add Bling To Your Educational Experience...

For over the past year now, I have heard so much hype about incorporating Google Chrome into the educational process.  Now that I have gathered a ton of information, completed some trials and tribulations, I wanted to share what I have learned so you can decide for yourself if Chrome will be your new accessory.

Google Chrome is a web browser.  Just like Safari.  You can download it for free onto your Mac or PC; you can have it automatically as your internet platform on a Chromebook.  You can even download it onto your iOS devices (but I’ll get into usability on a later post).  But the magic occurs when you activate a gmail account.  Once you do that (whether it be a personal account or a google-based education account from a school), it opens up a plethora of supports.

So, I’ll wait while you do that….

Are you done downloading and installing your Chrome Web browser?  If you see a Red, Green, and Yellow donut encircling a blue dot, then you should be good.

Did you create your gmail account?

Good, now you can play.

First thing’s first.  I am going to describe a few basics.

Gmail.

This is your email account.  This is your user account.  This is what is attached to everything you do in Drive, the Chrome Store, Google Classroom and Google Sites.

Drive.

Google Drive is a web based documentation forum that has a word processing section (Docs), an excel-like program (Sheets), a powerpoint-like program (Slides), and another section (Forms).  You can save documents in the happy cloud land.  And bonus, it saves automatically as you work.

Google Classroom.

If you work or are a student that uses google based accounts, then you may have access to setting up your very own Google Classroom.  This will not work if you do not have an email account ending in .edu.  If you are not sure, ask your local IT guy.

Chrome Web Store.

It’s not the Apple App store; but it is similar.  When you find the colorful 9 block icon that is labeled “Apps” (on my browser, it’s in the upper left hand corner) or just enter in the url https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/apps, you will now have the ability to attach Apps and Extensions to your gmail user account.  This means, the apps and extensions you download can/will follow up wherever you log into a Chrome browser (except on iOS devices but I’ll get into that in a later post).  Most things are free, especially when it comes to education.

What’s an App?

Just like when you download an app from the Apple Store to your iOS device, an App from the Google Chrome Web Store will bring you to a website and you will be able to complete games or tasks within that app.

What’s the difference with an Extension?

Extensions are tools you can use to customize your user experience in any site you could be on.

Now this is only the beginning.  And I don’t want to blow your mind just yet.  What I do want you to do is play and explore.  Because there is a world of digital opportunity ready for the taking for anyone willing to try. Keep an eye out for upcoming posts and how-to sections to discover how Chrome's apps and extensions can help support different learning styles.

Define READING

Thoughts and Highlights from Assistive Technology Conference of New England 2015

Define "Reading"

I heard this in the last session I attended with Gaby Richard-Harrington who is an Instructional Technology Specialist in Western Massachusetts, and it stuck and resonated with me.  I remember at the beginning of the school year when my second grader brought home his weekly reading log, and I wondered to myself, well, does this count the Audio Books we read/listen to in the car? And I should have asked for clarification, but I didn't.  But now I wonder, WHY should I ask?  

Not being a reading specialist or a teacher, the WHY becomes evident.  You need to define READING.  Is the purpose for oral fluency?  Is it for the progression and speed of the left to right, bottom to top nature?  Is it to develop a love of listening to stories?  Is it for the social emotional aspect of reading with a parent or peer?  Is it for the comprehension of materials?  

Reading to me is not just the act of eyes and brain working together fluidly to decode and sound out characters.  I love reading.  I love stories.  I love learning.  But for someone who struggles with any of the above aspects, I doubt they LOVE it.  In fact, you ask a struggling reader and they probably say they HATE it.  And that is a strong word.  

So when assigning reading tasks, I challenge parents and educators to define clearly what is it that you are actually asking the student to do.  It is then I think that you can see what kinds of tools are out there to help them become engaged "readers".  

But first, just observe your reader(s).  Does the student/child rub his eyes a lot, squint, or get headaches?  Any of these should be red flagged and referred to an optometrist.  Can the child/student use his eyes together to scan across a page without jumping?  Do they have difficulty switching from the board to the book?  If acuity has been addressed, then maybe a referral to an Occupational Therapist or Development Ophthalmologist might be in order.  Is the student frequently reversing letters, missing letters or words, or just doesn't seem to be getting the whole picture?  Maybe screening for a learning disability may be in order with a Neuropsychologist.

And in the mean TIME of all of this, how is the child accessing his reading material???  Because, we know this ALL TAKES TIME!  So look at what you have available in the classroom, the district and the local library.  Perhaps providing the student/child with the audio version of the novel you are reading in class would be an easy option.  Do you have access to the digital format?  Using the built in options on the MAC or PC to use the text to speech options may help.  Does your district already have a site license for products like Read and Write Gold or Read and Write for Google?

I know this seems like a rant, but it is more of a challenge.  I challenge teachers, parents, and therapists to really LOOK at the student (or yourself even) and DEFINE READING.  It is only then you can begin to analyze how to really support the reader.

AT in the Classroom: SETTing the Example for using Assistive Technology

Sometimes I take for granted what I have learned about assistive technology, so let me start out by sharing and defining it before diving into examples...

Assistive Technology (AT) is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. It does not include medical devices that are implanted, such as cochlear implants.

As part of every Indvidualized Education Plan (IEP), Assistive Technology should be "considered" as part as the child's ability to have access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

With all that in mind, in this alphabet soup of educational acronyms, how can parents, educators, and therapists search, select, and support children with complex needs?

Using the SETT Model, as developed by Joy Zabala who is a leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts, it is recommended to look at four components: Student, Environment, Task and Tool.  First, you look at the Student: what are their strengths, needs, and motivating factors.  Then, look at the Envirnoment: where is the student going to be completing the task?  Third, name the Task: what does the student need to do or learn? Last is the Tools: how is this child going to access the task at hand, as independently as possible?

When I am working with students, I collaborate constantly with a group of amazing therapists and educators.  We try to look at all options from no tech to high tech. You don't want to jump to the iPad with ProLoQuo2Go if it's not going to work to the child's strengths and meet their needs.  Let me give you a few examples:

Example: 

The Student: A preschool student with significant physical and cognitive disabilities. S/he is able to reach, grab and release with both hands.  S/he is motivated by sensory exploration, food and music.  

The Environment: Student will be completing tasks in the OT room, the classroom, and academic specials like gym, art, and music.  

The Task: develop a means of communicating needs and wants.   

The Tools: 
No Tech: Incorporating the use of gestures, eye contact and vocalizations into activities

Low Tech Option- pictures, like Boardmaker, SymbolStix, or downloaded pictures from the internet.  

Mid Tech Option- voice output single switch with a picture indicating what it says or a swtich activated toy (available through specialty vendors such as Enable Mart  or Able Net or potentially Amazon).

High Tech Option- iPad with Cause and Effect music based play apps such as Inclusive Tech, with a switch and Blue tooth switch interface for the iPad such as the Pretorian APPlicator

During therapy sessions, I use them all.  The combination of all approaches supports intent, initiation, persistence, and communication needs through motivating play. This student must request a turn using a picture exchange to then activate the cause and effect switch based toy/app, indicate more wanted time on the swing, or use of the rice box.  Notice, I haven't attempted to start an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) app.  S/he is not ready for it yet.  Maybe in the future, maybe not.  

Example 2.

The Student: Student with significant physical mobility challenges. S/he is very bright but has difficult time keeping up with his/her peers during class activities. S/he can type on average at the same speed his peers write; s/he can write single letters and numbers recognizably but large.

The Environment: regular education setting

The Task: S/he needs to be able to complete math, reading, and writing worksheets independently.

The Tools: 
No Tech: scribing, however this involves an adult or peer to do the work, and the student is dysarthric. Reliability of answers should be considered.

Low Tech: Use a Slant board, built up pencil, and strategic positioning (and repositioning) of materials

Mid Tech:Lap top already available in the classroom with shortcut to a word processing application and a printer

High Tech: iPad with a PDF translation app that takes a photo, turns it into a PDF on which the student can type or draw on, access to email and/or printer

The student uses a combination of all four, again. Now that the student has access to the tech, the need for the scribing is lessened.   Sometimes the child wants to write. So with strategic positioning and his built up pencil, s/he can fill in the blank or draw the lines. But when the writing is more than a few letters or numbers, he can complete his work on either the iPad or the computer.  Is it perfect? Is it up to UDL? No, because in theory, the means of his expressing his knowledge wasn't explored before creating the lesson.  But does it work and give him improved access right now?  Yes.  

Example 3.
The Student: Elementary student with decreased strength and endurance to upper extremities and absent lower body sesnsation.  Also wears glasses.  Enjoys reading and music, but has a hard time comprehending and expressing what she knows.  S/he hunts and pecks on the keyboard.
The Environment: The inclusion classroom
The Task: Reading assignments, comprehension
The Tools:
No Tech: Provide modified educational materials like multiple choice questions
Low Tech: Highlighting strips to visually narrow the area the student needs to which s/he needs to attend. Access to read-aloud accommodations on the ePublished version of the reading program
Mid Tech: Access to laptop with a text to speech app/extension (Read and Write for Google, Readability, etc)
High Tech: iPad with PDF translation app to enlarge the print on the screen and limit visual clutter.  If student has a print disability, may qualify for Bookshare account and could use Voice Dream app on the iPad as well.

Combination of all four.

Notice the trend?  There is no end-all, be-all answer to access needs because depending on the strengths, needs, environment, and task, the tools required will be different.  And it is always a work in progress as the demands of the schoolwork change.  The important thing to take out of this is that you need to ask the right WH questions.  Who? Where? What? and How? Because if you don't know the answer, you can consult with your team or request an Assistive Technology Evaluation from your local AT group, in accordance with your district policies and procedures.  If you're not sure, refer!  

If you want to learn more about SETT, UDL, CAST, AIM, or any of the other Assistive Technology acronyms, there are amazing free and at cost webinars available on-line through AbleNet University, CDT Institute, and AOTA .  And don't forget to make friends with your local AT program!  They can be an amazing resource.

'Appy Hour Review: Mod Math

Gotta love social media for the free, fun, and functional finds.  I came across ModMath via Twitter and immediately downloaded it for my iPad to try it out.  This app may be a game changer for children who have difficulty writing and organizing basic math problems.

Available only on iPad, ModMath was created by a family whose son has dysgraphia and dyslexia.  He was struggling to his represent his math work on paper.  Now they are sharing their app for free on iTunes.

ModMath is fairly customizable.  You have the option to change the contrast, color of number font, and provide alternative row/column contrast.

When you open a new page, you are presented with a graph paper style grid.  Once you tap on a space, a number and symbol keyboard will appear.  But don't be fooled.  This is NOT a calculator.  It only provides the user with a means to clearly type numerals and symbols.

It took only a few tries to get how to use it.  For example, if you have to do long division, you first have to touch the paper, select the long division symbol, then touch the grid again where you want your numbers to create your equation, continuing this process as you solve the problem.

 As for carrying and cross outs, they have that covered too; they also included fractions.

The lines that differentiate between steps appear automatically if you place them in the box just prior to the number that you want to add, subtract, multiply or divide.

What I really like about this app is that you can see the work, the process, as well as the result, without it automatically giving the student the answer.  The ability to visually organize the numbers in clear columns and rows is a skill with which so many children struggle.  Bonus feature, the student can email the teacher, parent, tutor his/her work, or himself in case he wanted to print out a copy.  Just select how you would like to send it and it will create a PDF of each work session.  When the recipient receives the PDF file, it comes without grid lines.

A few things options I hope they consider in the next update: 1. to a direct print option and 2. the ability to type name and date at the top of the paper. (You can name the session/file).

ModMath creators are currently working on a KickStarter Campaign for an algebra version of this product too.  If you want to discover more about ModMath or its campaign, check out www.Modmath.com.

Working around Worksheets- Two Free Apps to Help Gain Access

If you have ever worked with, had, or was a student with terrible handwriting or who couldn't physically access the worksheets to which they/you were handed, then you may want to try a combination of two free apps: Paper Port Notes and CamScanner.  Separately, the apps are pretty awesome.  But with their powers combined, a worksheet can be made a little more accessible.  What the apps do is create an editable PDF (or Portable Document Format).  In a nutshell, you take a picture of the worksheet, then the user can input the answers via the onscreen keyboards, with a stylus or even his or her finger.


The following is a step by step account for using the apps.  Don't get overwhelmed by the number of steps, because it is actually easier than it seems. But I know when I am learning how to use a new program, I like to know exactly which buttons and at what points to use them.

Once you download the apps:

1. First open Cam Scanner 

2. On the right hand side of the screen there is a camera icon, press it.  this will open up the camera feature

3. Make sure you have good lighting and take a picture of the document you want to work on

4. Press done

5. When you press done, it will show 8 dots. By moving the dots you will be able to adjust and make sure you have just the document you want to work on

6. Once cropped, press next step and it will show the cropped section

7. Press Next Step again which will open up a new doc, press on that.

8. Now press on the three dot icon  (...) and select OPEN IN (select PDF FILE) then select Open in Notes that looks like the Paperport app

9.  Now the document is in the Paperport notes app 

10. If the sidebar is showing, just tap on sidebar and it will go away.

11. At this point, there are a variety of editing buttons in the top right hand corner. T for creating text, the Pencil for circling/drawing, the Highlighter to highlight facts, and Eraser to erase stuff

      (11 a.) To type on the document, press the T. Then use your finger to touch and drag along the area on which you want to type to create a text box.  If you want the font to be bigger, create a taller box by dragging your finger up or down while you are dragging across.  When you are done typing, just touch the T again and it will close out the option.

      (11 b.) To circle answers or draw on the document, tap on the Pencil icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done drawing, tap on the Pencil icon again to close the option.

      (11 c.) To highlight information, tap on the Highlight icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done drawing, tap on the Highlighter icon again to close the option.

      (11 d.) To Erase things you have marked accidentally, tap on the Eraser icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done erasing, tap on the Eraser icon again to close the option.

12. When you are done working on the document, there are a few options.  Touch Menu at the top left corner.  Select the document you wish to share.  If you have access to a wireless printer, select the document, Share Selected and choose print. If not, sending the document as a PDF may be an alternative option.  

13. Select Share

14. Select the document you want to share

15. Protect (enter a password... I would make it something simple and that you can always use like the child's name or a number, making sure you tell the person receiving it the appropriate password)

16. Share Selected

17. Select EMAIL and send to your desired recipient.

I know this looks horrendous. But I swear, it isn't.  I have been training an amazing first grader how to use it.  So if that student can do it, you should give it a try.  

There are a couple of barriers you may come across.  First, if you do not have a wi-fi connection, you will not be able to send the document at that time.  And you will have to figure out how to orient the camera so you don't get stuck with an upside down document.  You also need to make sure you iDevice has an email account set up on it.  But there are also a ton of great features including uploading to Google Drive and DropBox.

Paper Port Notes by Nuance and Cam Scanner are available through the Apple App Store for FREE.  I am an Apple girl, and though Cam Scanner is available on the Android platform, I don't believe Paper Ports is.  And I am not sure if or how they would work together in non-iOS devices.    So if you have experience or feedback, please share!

These are a few of my favorite things for Back to School- btw I know you are singing just like Julie Andrews

With just one week to go before the start of school, I was perusing some of my older posts and decided to do a little best-of products and ideas summation.

Favorite Lunch Box:Planet Box
We are now on our third year of using Planet Boxes.  These are stainless steel meal boxes that might remind you of an old-school frozen dinner plate.  But it is much more than that.  Using the Planet Boxes has made making lunches sooo much easier and quicker.  It helps to create a balanced tray that doesn't look visually cluttered or overwhelming.  Since their inception into our daily routine, my picky eaters come home with empty lunch boxes; which did not happen before.  Though expensive initially, the Planet Box has probably saved me more money in food waste and a gave me a priceless peace of mind that I am making my kids balanced eaters.  Not only that, I have not had to purchase another lunch box for school.  I just purchase new magnets for $3.95 for the beginning of school and the boys are thrilled. Since my first post about this lifestyle change, they have added another version, the Shuttle, which is slightly smaller and would be perfect for preschool and daycare.  I have the Launch, and the boys have the Rover. I get lots of comments at work while I am eating (and logging my treatments).   These are truly an investment for building solid eating habits and organization.  Bonus factor, kiddos with fine motor challenges or sensory challenges can easily access these boxes to open and shut them.

Favorite App:Writing Wizard
L'escapadou hit the ball out of the park with this app.  It is still my favorite app to support good handwriting habits.  The customizability of this app is outstanding.  Many of the teachers that I have introduced to it have incorporated it into independent work stations and vocabulary lessons.  Because you can easily input words and record the pronunciation, it provides a multi sensory learning experience for those with learning challenges.  But because it is visually fun without being nauseating, kids enjoy using the app.  What I especially love about the app is that during the tracing activity, it prompts correct letter starting points and formation.  Though I use Handwriting without Tears formation, the app has D'Nealian and Zane-Bloser formation too so you can choose what works for your classroom.  Overall, this app is well worth the $2.99

Favorite Office Supply:3M Post Its.
I put them on my forehead, my shirt, my IEPS, my computer, basically anywhere I need the cue to remember to do something.  But I also came across Avery See Through sticky notes which are so convenient to have around to help visually highlight reading words or math problems so that homework doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Favorite Math Game: Think Fun! Math Dice
Any version of this game is a great go to for independent or group stations. It is easily differentiated for all levels of learners and abilities. From Math Dice Jr. to Math Dice Tournament Kit, students will be immersed with skills from number recognition to exponents.

Favorite Reading/Language Game- Think Fun! Zingo
Zingo! is bingo with an (educational) twist.  Early readers can benefit and begin to associate words and pictures as they match the tiles to the boards. Or for emergent readers, and even for small group resource time, use Sight Word Zingo to increase and fluency with sight words.

Favorite Mom Item- True Lemon, Lime and Orange

Nope, not coffee. But these True Lemon packets make me drink.  I have to be motivated to drink water. So when I finally added these little packets of bliss into my Thermos, my hydration levels improved. I don't need it sweet; I just need a little essence of citrus to make me suck it down. So not only is a caffeinated mommy a happy mommy, so is a hydrated one.

What are your favorites back to school things?

Rory's Story Cubes: an interactive and playful approach to graphic organizers and language development

Mudge received a package of Rory's Story Cubes for his birthday, and of course therapeutic and educational ideas flooded my head.

Developed by The Creativity Hub 10 years ago, each set of Story Cubes comes with a variety of nine dice with pictures upon them.  The player rolls the dice, then creates a story based on the picture cues.  There are also 3 dice accessory packs to increase or guide creativity.

Here are some ways to incorporate Story Cubes into the therapeutic, educational, or home based repertoire.

1.  Build language:  If you know a Speech and Language Pathologist, then you may have heard the acronym M.L.U. which is Mean Length Utterance (a way to calculate language productivity in children).  By prompting story telling in a semi-structured setting using Story Cubes, a therapist, parent or educator could support the increase of a child's M.L.U.

2. Guided Writing: You could modify the dice with color coded dots or coloring the dice themselves, assigning them to different parts of the sentence.  The Red Dice = subject; Green Dice= predicate; or Puprple = Noun; Blue = Verb; etc….  Now place a strip of color coded paper on the student's desk.  Now the traditional graphic organizer has turned into an interactive and playful approach.  Just roll, build a sentence and write. 

3. Modify and Accommodate as needed. By limiting the number of dice used, changes the expectations of the story or sentence. Rory's Story Cubes even come in a MAX version in which the cubes are larger for easier grasp.

Now if you don't have Rory's Story Cubes, be creative and make your own.  Using building blocks you probably already have in the play room, glue pictures of familiar people, places, and objects to ignite imaginative language. Or if you have access to Boardmaker or another picture support system, print out the concepts and words you want the children to work on, and voila, an easy, playful approach to language development.

I also found another way to enjoy the story building.  Rory's Story Cubes are even more on-the-go as an app available in the iTunes store for $1.99.  I haven't played with it yet, but I think it is in my phone's future.

Rory's Story Cubes are available on Amazon, but I have also seen them at Target and other specialty toy shops.  They come in the 4 main varieties which include Original, Actions, Voyages, and MAX.  It's a quick and easy take along, that can fit into the purse or therapy bag.  Definitely a good size bang for the buck.

Playful Way to Teach Grid Reading or You Sunk My Battleship

So Mudge pulled out my travel Battleship to play this afternoon.  And he tried to explain to me that he "knows how to play it."  But in actuality, this nearly 6 y.o. did not.

Battleship is a classic game.  It started out as a pen and paper a long, long time ago. Then Milton Bradley created the one we know and love today that requires fine motor coordination, letter and number recognition, spatial awareness, and grid reading skills.  Grid reading can be broken down further into following a vertical and horizontal line to the place at which they intersect.  This is not necessarily easy to get.  This is a precursor skill to being able to manage charts and graphs, maps, multiplication tables, or super geeky: plotting points on a Cartesian plane.

Of course, we played. And, of course, he thought it was great to sink my battleship.  But it took time to get there. He needed the demonstration of how to read a grid.  Now that I think of it, Battleship appears to teach plotting a little backwards because you state A,1 for example which is actually the Y axis first. True plotting is x axis first.  If the first number in the ordered pair is positive, move to the right. If it's negative, move to the left. Hmmmmmm. Anyway...

I found a website called FunBrain.com which has little educational games from grade K through 8th, that has some plotting activities.  You can also sign up for Khan Academy.  If you haven't already, Khan Academy is a free website that parents, teachers and students, or anyone for that matter, can test their math IQ then challenge themselves by learning new concepts, or get support in something they are struggling.   This is a PHENOMENAL resource.  The founder of Khan Academy originally just made YouTube videos to help his struggling niece; now it is a educational platform supporting millions of users at home and at school.

So math can FUNdamental, not just mental.  Sometimes you have to look at things outside the quadrilateral parallelogram in order to find the joy….

Oh, and just for a modification, the plastic travel version that I have had no contrast between the raised letters and numbers and the background which made it difficult to read. So I just use a black  permanent marker to highlight the raised alphanumerics.  Result- higher contrast, happier eyes.

Before, no real contrast

After, with contrast

'Appy Hour: ATEval2Go

After hearing about ATEval2Go app on a podcast to which I listen (ATTipsCast, go check it out~) I had to try it.

ATEval2Go is a very comprehensive evaluation app by SmartyEars that allows the user to enter and export data on child/client specific and classroom specific assistive technology needs.  There are some great features:

1. Ability to take and import photos/audio files/video

This is a nice feature for a couple of reasons. If there is a complex set up, sometimes it is nice to take a picture than attempt to describe it.  It also helps to put faces to names, if you happen to work with a lot of clients.

2. Direct access to a data bank with common recommendations, accommodations, modifications, technology, etc

Being new to the ATP evaluation process, I am still learning different kinds of options out in the world. The data banks provided a visual list of things to look for.  So now, I am using it to evaluate classrooms, to see what is available already in it.  It includes accommodations, modifications and available tools that are commonly found in math, reading, composition, organization, sensory based, etc.  This saves time and helps to individualize modifications and accommodations for the IEP. 

3. Ability to save new and commonly used items to the data bank

My school is full of technology. I have customized my data banks with my recommendations and items in use so that future evaluations will be even more quickly completed.

4. Easy to use

It really couldn't be more simple.  Drop down menus, typing capacity, easy delete and add. 

5. Access to a how to video!

If you wondering if this app will be useful for you, or you downloaded it and want to get started, check out SmartyEars YouTube video.

6. Exportability

You have a couple of different options to get the information from the iPad to a printer. You can email it, directly print to an AirPrint enabled printer, and upload to iBooks or iTunes.  So what I have done, is emailed it to myself and then cut and pasted into a Microsoft Word document, usually one of my progress notes or evaluations.  Then I am able to add any other information I wish or need.

Aspects to consider:

1. Cost

This app is expensive.  At $39.99 I was reluctant to purchase it, which is one of the reasons I reached out to the company.  I like to trial lite versions or have access to a free sample before investing in an app of over 5.99; this app is it. There is no lite or option for free trial.

2. iTunes uploading

This app features the ability to upload an evaluation to iTunes file share.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I am hesitant to upload client specific information to the cloud, though I am sure it is secure. I just won't do it.

Hopes:

1. I really would love to see an OTEval2Go! I love the comprehensive nature of the evaluation. It is easy to use and could easily see a version that was friendly to the OT evaluator.

2. I also hope for SmartyEars to consider a free trial period or develop a lite version as I am sure I am not the only one hesitant to purchase prior to hands on use.

3. I would love to see additional software items in the pre-determined data bank.  Though I know technology is changing every time I blink, it would be nice to have commonly used software included.  Many of them have built in accessibility options, which again will help guide educators to use recommendations that are already a classroom resource.

Overall, I see ATEval2Go as a very useful tool for the school assistive tech designee, the SLP or the OT.  It helps guide the evaluator, not do it for him/her which is very important for the efficacy of practice.  If this app is something that you would like to have access to, you may want to present the request to your administrator to cover the cost.  Never hurts to ask!

Disclaimer: I received a promo code to provide feedback and my thoughts about it.
This did/does not influence my discussion of the app.