Free AAC Photo Printables, and Much More!

Like British Columbia has SETBC (Special Education Technology BC), the United Kingdom has SENICT (Special Education Needs Information Communication Technology). And like SETBC, SENICT has put together a wealth of resources, many that are free. I just came across their general website of resources that anyone can submit entries to. In addition, they have a site for the SEN Teacher with tons of free printables, downloads and weblinks where you'll find free AAC Photo Cards, Math Activity Printables, Literacy Activities Printables and much more. What's better than FREE? We tried out the AAC Photo Cards and our Speech therapists had good reviews. Worth spending time at, but be warned, you could be there awhile!

Using an iPad to Help Struggling Readers - OT's with Apps

I ran across this very useful site while reading about using an iPad with struggling readers on LinkedIn.  On a side note, LinkedIn has become one of my favorite resources for learning about new products.  I'm a member of two groups on LinkedIn, Assistive Technology Professionals and K12 Assistive Technology Professionals, both have excellent conversations which is where I found out about OT's with Apps.  If you're looking for information on either iPad or Android apps to help with OT intervention, try this site!

Awesome video highlighting the Eastern UP ISD LINKS Program

In the words of a colleague, "pure awesomeness"!! A must watch video!
The Michigan Statewide Autism Resources & Training program, otherwise known as START, has helped school districts, like the EUP ISD, develop a LINKS program.  The LINKS program is a peer modeling/peer mentoring system that "links" general education students with students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).  The "LINKS" model typical academic and social behavior and provide support for students with ASD throughout the school day. 
For more information, and access to Autism Internet Modules (AIM), visit the START site, or Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).  OCALI has also created numerous modules on Assistive Technology or ATIM (Assistive Technology Internet Modules).  

Free Printable Activities

We found this Blog while searching for a fun way for a student with autism to learn about emotions.  The post title links to an Emotions Bingo game.  The creator lists some other fun ways to use this - cut it apart and make a Memory game, or Flash cards.  The Blogger is a very creative, crafty mom of a child with autism.
This is just one of many projects!  There's free printable jig saw puzzles, home school activities and classification games.  There's even free printable gift tags, recipe cards and wrapping paper!  Hey it's that time of year...
Happy Holidays!

Online Webinars from ATIA

Technology to Support Writing by Students with Learning and Academic Disabilities
Thursday 7/14 3:30 - 5:00


Access to Printed Information Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Thursday 7/21 3:30 - 4:30 


PD 2.0!
Tuesday 8/2 3:30 - 4:30


Apps for the iPad, iTouch, & iPhone on Autism
Monday 8/15 3:30 - 5:00

TeachTown webinars - click here to learn more

The TeachTown curriculum uses evidence-based best practices from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech and Language Pathology therapy, and developmental psychology to teach a wide range of meaningful skills in six key learning domains:

• Language Development
• Adaptive Skills
• Social and Emotional Skills
• Cognitive Skills
• Language Arts
• Mathematics

The computer aided instructional program delivers engaging computer lessons connected to motivational off computer activities for students who are developmentally aged 2 to 7 years old.  Research supporting the TeachTown curriculum was funded by grants from the National Center for Technology Innovation of the U.S. Department of Education. 

"LINC" - Low Incidence Network Connection

This Area Educational Agency in East Central Iowa has done a marvelous job putting together this site of Resources, Links and Blogs for Low Incidence Students.  Categories include: Adapted Books & Song-boards, AAC, Visual Symbols, Early Intervention, Computer Access, Switch Skills and more!

Collecting Data - easy to use and modify charts

Download and modify data collection and planning charts from Practical Autism Resources.  One local district is using a Daily Schedule Match to IEP Goals  modified from this site.  Other printables and worksheets here too.

iPad & iPod for Autism

Practical Autism Resources has a great section of iPod apps for Autism with screen shots, ratings and reviews. 

Apply to receive a free iPad!

This post title will direct you to the HollyRod Foundation site where you can apply to receive an iPad after meeting these eligibility requirements:
1. The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum
2. Reside in the U.S.
3. Be non-verbal or minimally verbal
4. Be in financial need - gross income $35,000 single income or $50,000 two income
5. Have access to a computer and an iTunes account
6. A professional on your team willing to take responsibility for downloading apps w/gift card

Check out the HollyRod Foundation. It's Holly Robinson Peete (actress, author, activist) and her husband, Rodney Peete, veteran NFL quarterback. They have a son with autism and started this foundation in 1997. They are receiving donations through 12/31/10 that will support the iPad giveaway.

Local Support Group has new Blog

There's a new support group in Marquette that's sharing information via a blog. The Marquette Area Autism Spectrum Disorders Support is a regional grass roots support group that is hoping to organize the autism community in this area. Check out the blog and share this information with others!

Free training provided by Upper Peninsula Autism Network (UPAN)

UPAN is presenting a 3-day Summer Institute, August 16-18 at Northern MI University. It's geared toward Early Childhood Classrooms. The flier and registration form can be viewed by clicking on this post title. Registration ends July 30th.

Autism Internet Modules

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence along with several partners has created several comprehensive, up-to-date Internet modules on autism that are accessible and applicable to educators, other professionals, and families who support individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Written by experts from across the U.S., all online modules are free, and are designed to promote understanding of, respect for, and equality of persons with ASD. They currently have 17 modules and list another 64 that are upcoming. This post title links to the list.

Amazing website - Search and download pre-made visual supports

Thanks to our ASD consultant who forwarded this cool website with a collection of pre-made down-loadable activities organized in a searchable database. There's device overlays too. Here's what Barb says, "you just press print and boom…..it’s ready for lamination and Velcro. I LOVED the fact that this spans the ages too. There are things for preschoolers as well as young adults and beyond school. There are many, many areas to search as well…school, home, behavior supports, communication samples, holidays…the list goes on. Books that are read by children and are in a video format, called accessible books. Just fascinating. Be careful though, you could get sucked in and stay for hours!!!!

iPod App: Model Me Going Places - Free!

Another iTouch and iPhone app to help kids with autism transition when going to scary places like the doctors office, getting a haircut or the mall. It has audio narration and a text description of each photo. Just 6 places are featured, but its free!

Technology plays a key role in autism support

This post title links to an eSchool News report on technology supports for students with autism. The article gives details and background information on the next few posts. A good read and some exciting new programs!

Activity Trainer - video modeling for children with autism

The Activity Trainer integrates video, audio, images and text into predefined presentations to help students learn targeted activities and skills. It has a data collection feature that tracks student performance. The Activity Trainer comes with a library of ready to use activities and one year of updates and support. It also has a User Library where you can create your own activities. Free online training is available and after watching a webinar you can download a free trial. Program cost is $149 for single user or $349 single computer/unlimited users.

AutismPro endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education

AutismPro provides professional development for school staff. They can provide PD program design, software, clinical consulting services and professional development training. You can view archived webinars on their site that describe their services. Cost is based on customized program.

iPrompts - new app for iPod Touch and iPhone

With this app you can create picture schedules, social stories, and First This, Then That picture prompts. It also has a Visual Countdown Timer to help with transitions. There's a categorized image library and image sharing is available. It was developed by parents that have a four year old son with autism. It's available through iTunes for $49.99

Teach Town - technology support for autism and language disorders

A computer-assisted intervention for autism and language disorders. TeachTown is involved in ongoing research studies that support the use of the program. Click on the Research tab at their website to learn more. Monthly online subscriptions cost $39.95