QIAT Resource Bank - UDL Apps!

Have you been to the QIAT Resource Bank lately?  I was looking for a document and ran across this beautiful Placement of Core Apps Serving Learning for All!  Each of the three separate sections, Representation, Expression and Engagement, list apps in categories by student area of difficulty: LD reading, LD writing, LD executive functioning, physical, visual, hearing and communication.

If you're looking for educational app, I'd start here!  Thank you to Barbara Welsford, M.Ed., ATP, ADE for putting this together!

This is just one example of the excellent resources on the QIAT Resource Bank.  Check it out at http://indicators.knowbility.org/resource-bank.html

Chrome AT Toolbox

Google has many accessibility features built into the Chrome browser and many add-on Apps and Extensions.
What's the difference between an App and an Extension?  A web app is basically a website that runs within the browser and may not require any downloads.  Google Docs is an example of an app because it runs within the browser and doesn't require a download.  On the other hand, an extension affects something global on your browser.  Extensions are downloaded to modify your browser.
The Chrome Toolbox is a searchable collection of free or low cost apps and extensions that follow the user wherever there's an Internet connection.  The tools are attached to the user's profile and available when they're logged in to Chrome.  The collection focuses on alternative access and is searchable by specific task or disability profile.  Check it out!

mATch up Tool Helps Teachers Match Tools to Tasks

The Maryland Assistive Technology Network's mATch up Tool was mentioned during a webinar I attended today and the timing couldn't be better! This wonderful resource is perfect for IEP teams looking for tools during the AT consideration process. The categories are general but open to more specific tasks. Writing, for example, offers specific choices for Handwriting/Keyboarding, Prewriting/Notetaking, Mechanics/Spelling/Editing, and Composition. Choosing a task opens a list of products ranging from No/Low Tech to High Tech. Going a step further, you can choose a product to view a screen shot of it and where to purchase it. This is a great way for teams to build their knowledge about AT tools without doing a lot of research. Thank you Maryland AT Network for devising this great feature mATch up Tool!

Texthelp Read&Write Google Chrome App

Texthelp, the company that brings us Read&Write Gold, has developed a Google Chrome app, Read&Write, with some useful accessibility features for Google Docs. I've added it, and it is available whenever I use Google Docs. Words are highlighted during text to speech and there are settings for different voices, speed and continuous reading options.

As you can see in the first image, it has a picture/symbol dictionary too. Other neat AT features include a built in word dictionary with speech feedback, ability to collect highlighted sections, a vocabulary tool and the fact finder feature that automatically does a Google search of the selected word.

This app is free and currently only works with Google Docs, although they have another web app for Read&Write Gold license holders with full web accessibility.

Virtual History Museum

 The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) June newsletter features an interview with Dr. Cindy Okolo, a special education professor at Michigan State University and project director of the Virtual History Museum. The interview explains how the Virtual History Museum got started and describes how it can help struggling students learn about Social Studies and History in a motivating, interactive way.  "The Virtual History Museum is a web-based history-learning environment designed to promote the historical understanding of all students and offer cognitive supports that will enable full participation and success for all students in diverse classrooms."  Click on the post title to read the interview, or check out the Virtual History Museum at:
http://vhm.msu.edu/site/default.php

Free site with activities to improve memory and attention

Lumosity was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford and UCSF. It was shown to improve basic cognitive functions in randomized, controlled clinical trials. Some of the activities for cognitive training are: Speed Match improves reaction time, Attention Game helps focus and a Problem Solving Game improves pattern recognition. The free membership has limited access, paid memberships are available and start at $24.95 for 3 months.

Symbolworld - A symbol supported web browser

Remember Writing with Symbols? The company is Widget and they have developed this symbol based browser called Webwide. It's a subscription based service that changes the view of websites from normal view to a simplified text layout or with symbol support. There's full speech support in any view. Because Communicate: Webwide is a subscription service, the symbols don't need to be installed on your machine. There is a free trial available. Pricing is in UK pounds and translates to about $45 US dollars for the first year, then about $31 per year thereafter. If you try it, please post your comments.