February / March 2009
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Editorial Feature
Letter to the Editor
Ready, Set, Goal: Universal Access
By
Mary Jo Barry
Preview:
The central premise in IDEA 2004 is that we provide all students with access to and progress in the general education curriculum. Essentially, that means we must find ways to provide equitable and flexible access to the same concepts and ideas that regularly developing students have access to - Universal Access to Learning. Sounds easy enough but the reality is that education is like a big barge, slow to move and slow to turn.
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DISKoveries: Interactive Entertainment Systems for Learning
By
Joan Tanenhaus
Preview:
Interactive entertainment systems are a very important way that children, teenagers and adults of all ages interact with their siblings, family and friends. The most powerful applications are cooperative play, social, recreational and whole body interactivity. They are also great for language (following a story line, sequencing, etc.), fine motor and gross motor skills, timing and coordination.
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Is the Financial Investment in Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities Justified?
By
Marlene McIntosh
Preview:
Many students with learning disabilities (LD) have difficulties with reading and writing despite the fact that they have average to above average intelligence. In addition, these students can also struggle with spelling and the quantity of written output, more so than their peers. Luckily, there is assistive technology (AT) today that can help these students to read, to learn and to understand.
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Talking - or - Being with the Animals: A Natural Part of AAC Solutions
By
Patti Murphy
Preview:
When animals become part of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solution, the people involved can have a lot to say. Judging by the accounts of folks contacted for this article, it's usually good.
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Defining Therapy and Service Animals
By
Patti Murphy
Preview:
Learning to manage disabilities and health conditions with help from therapy or service animals is an ongoing process filled with behind-the-scenes action that often begins long before people on the receiving end meet the animals. Here are some definitions, guidelines and tips to use as a starting point. While the information highlights dogs, it may also apply to animals less commonly used.
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Integration of Learned Skills for Successful AT Practices
By
Pat Howard and Diane Parker
Preview:
We are a team of two very part-time AT consultants to our county (Napa, California), keeping the Napa Valley Assistive Technology Lending Library (NVATLL) open one afternoon a week. During the rest of our time, we work our real jobs, Diane as a district speech and language pathologist and Pat as the supervisor of the California Children's Services Medical Therapy Program.
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Success Stories: Using Video Stories to Connect, Communicate, and Create
By
Jessica Roberts
Preview:
Do you ever wish you had a magic wand that could get your students' attention? (And I don't mean by whacking them with it.) Do you feel the need for a translator when your students stare blankly at you or miss something you've told them a hundred times? Do you sometimes get stuck just trying to survive another day of the same old problems, too worn out to accomplish any real change?
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Myth Busting
By
Kathy White
Preview:
As educators, we hear about best practice, evidence-based learning and using proven tools for success. But when was the last time you heard about teachers being Myth Busters?!
Mythology in education is, unfortunately, thriving. Educators, administrators, parents and even sometimes students have many misgivings about using technology.
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123 - Hey Look At Me!
By
Mo Buti
Preview:
Editors Note:
Here's your chance to share your quick tips and tricks - whether they're high tech, low tech or no tech - that are making a difference.
In this issue and the next issue, Mo Buti, Autism Manager for Chicago Public Schools, will be sharing simple strategies that have worked for her.
Your ideas can make a difference too. Submit your contributions to mturek@closingthegap.com or visit www.closingthegap.com/submit_article.lasso to learn more.
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Product Spotlight
Texthelp Systems Announces Read&Write 9 Gold for Windows
Preview:
Latest release continues commitment to help all readers and writers to succeed.
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New Games Released from Nanogames.com
Preview:
Nanogames.com has released the first of a wide range of computer games, adapted to dramatically improve their accessibility. There are 15 games in the first release and many more planned for release throughout 2009.
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Ultrathera Technologies Qualifies Low Cost Add-On Touch Screen for use with PointScribe Software
Preview:
Ultrathera Technologies has announced that a high-resolution, low cost add-on touch screen (Magic Touch by KeyTec) has been qualified and is now available for use with its PointScribe Interactive Handwriting Software product. This easy-to-use add-on device turns almost any existing laptop screen or computer monitor into a touch screen that works well with PointScribe. Additionally, the Magic Touch can also be used with most other software products that require a touch screen.
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