April / May 2008

Preview:
Use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and specifically, use of speech generating devices (SGDs), is underutilized to both augment and to serve as an alternative form of communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though SGDs are being used with individuals with ASD with both increasing frequency and increasing success, published literature regarding how SGDs are used with individuals with ASD to support and assist with development of functional communication skills is almost nonexistent, and there is limited empirical support for such interventions.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Abstract In 1997, the government of Ontario initiated the Learning Opportunities Task Force (LOTF) to investigate supports that would help students with learning disabilities to access and be successful in postsecondary studies. Cambrian College was chosen as a pilot site to offer a unique program for students with complex learning disabilities who were under-prepared for postsecondary studies.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Scanning and switch software is a vast and complicated category of assistive technology for many professionals and users alike. It does not need to be with a little understanding and exploration into the possible solutions on the market today. Scanning and switch software encompasses everything from simple cause and effect to complex multilayered matrices used for computer access.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects an individual's ability to communicate and socialize. Autism cannot be cured, but early intervention and appropriate educational planning can minimize the effects and provide improvement in the areas of communication and socialization.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Special needs: New preschool and learning software, books, DVDs and professional resources Monkeys, Ducks and Frogs (Sherston, available from Tool Factory: 800-220-8386, www.toolfactory.com) You are going to love this program!! Built around three popular songs, there are 21 fun activities designed to improve counting skills, including counting to five, one-to-one correspondence, recalling sequences and much more. There is a sing-along activity for each song: Five Little Monkeys Sleeping on the Bed, Five Little Ducks and Five Green and Speckled Frogs. There's a jigsaw puzzle with pictures related to the songs (four to nine pieces), a subtraction activity, a listening game (listen to the noisy animals and remember the order that they quacked, croaked or squeaked) and a matching activity (match animals to their bed).

[View Full Article]

Preview:
This is the season when we all delve deep into our bag of tricks to find activities that will overcome spring fever and motivate learning. Of course, the best of all worlds would be finding a bunch of content-related activities that someone else already made - shiver me timbers, ye be thinking like a pirate - ARRGGHH! There's lots of buried treasure on the Internet that may be just the right thing for helping your students work on skills they still need to develop.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Imagine this is you..... It's 8:00 a.m., and the mobility bus will be arriving in five minutes to transport you and your students into the community for grocery shopping and lunch at McDonalds. In five minutes can you.... • Gather the pictures of the items the students need to purchase at the grocery store? • Assemble the personal hygiene items you might need? • Remember to get those student emergency forms? • Collect adapted silverware and cups for lunch from three different cabinets? But which ones????

[View Full Article]

Preview:
MacSpeech, Inc. has debuted MacSpeech Dictate, a revolutionary new speech recognition solution for the Mac.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
A recent study of 170 English-Language Learners (ELL) and 148 English-only students found generally higher gains for ELL students enrolled in direct instruction interventions, according to a study from Juniper Gardens Children's Project, affiliated with Kansas University.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Prentke Romich Company (PRC), a manufacturer of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for individuals with speech disabilities, has announced the release of SpringBoard Lite, a smaller, lighter, and easier-to-operate version of its popular SpringBoard speech output device.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
AssistiveWare has announced the release of new versions of its flagship products: KeyStrokes 4, SwitchXS 2.5 and LayoutKitchen 2.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Ai Squared, a leader in computer access solutions for the visually-impaired, is proud to announce the release of ZoomText Scripting Edition, the newest product in the ZoomText family of screen magnification and screen reading products. ZoomText Scripting Edition makes it possible to create scripts to customize the behavior of ZoomText and other applications, providing enhanced functionality and automation of many computing tasks. With the power of ZoomText Scripting Edition, users will enjoy greater productivity and success, especially in workplace environments.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Next Transition Skills System is a district-wide solution that simplifies the process of identifying, teaching and tracking essential transition skills over multiple years, while meeting state standards and federal guidelines for providing transition education to students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Altimate Medical's new Full Range Seat for the EasyStand Evolv Glider has hinged breakaway sections for each leg that provide approximately thirty degrees greater range of motion, thus allowing full leg extension while gliding. This feature enhances the many health benefits of active standing.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Origin Instruments Corporation, a global provider of assistive technology, has announced it is adding new offerings to its popular Sip/Puff Switch product line. The Sip/Puff solutions are ideal for people who have limited or no motor skills enabling them to operate switch activated devices, including computers, augmentative communication devices, voting machines, adapted toys, environmental control systems and devices accessed or controlled by scanning. Sip/Puff technology is also popular for wheel chair navigation.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
HumanWare presents the ClassMate Reader, a revolutionary tool to help students in and out of the classroom improve reading comprehension, increase reading speed and develop strong vocabulary. This tool is indispensable for students who need to refer back to previously recorded notes, tests or chapter summaries, as well as for "anytime, anywhere" learning.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
AssistiveWare has announced a new Web site about gaming on Mac OS X: <AssistiveGaming.com>. This new site is created by and for Mac users with disabilities and provides information on how people with physical disabilities can enjoy the latest and greatest games on Mac OS X.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
Bookshare.org has released a free beta version of its NIMAS Validator software application that locates errors in digital books produced under the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). NIMAS guides the production and electronic distribution of digital versions of textbooks and other instructional materials so they can be more easily converted into accessible formats. The NIMAS Validator examines the Extensible Markup Language (XML) used to convert original printed content into Braille or audio formats accessible to readers with print disabilities.

[View Full Article]

Preview:
HumanWare is proud to announce the release of the new version of Maestro, expanding the capabilities of the first off-the-shelf accessible PDA. Visually impaired can now surf the Web from the palm of their hands and in a 100 percent accessible environment.

[View Full Article]