Where can we find information about apps for the iPad in special education?

Bridget Brady

September 09, 2010 9:27:51 PM

My school is getting iPads to work with our students in special education next year. We've had one to "play with" and have used many of the educational applications that our computer center downloaded for us. Are there other specific apps out there that you would definitely recommend for using with students in special education? Are there any apps you would recommend for use with upper elementary students? We've found that many are aimed at students in the primary grades but would love to have more choices for our older students.

What cell phone applications can benefit students with ADHD?

Bridget Brady

September 09, 2010 9:24:18 PM

I work as an OT with high schools students and wanted to know… what cell phone applications can benefit students with ADHD? We have used the basic features (calendar, alarms, etc) but have not explored additional applications and are wondering what other ideas or suggestions you might have.

What technologies can help a high school student with dysgraphia in science and math classes?

Bridget Brady

September 09, 2010 9:14:38 PM

What accommodations/modifications do you recommend for high school students in math and science when the main issue is dysgraphia? I have found that many of the "usual" accommodations (Alphasmarts, computers, voice activated programs, etc.) do not work as well due to the format of the math and science classes (i.e., drawing graphs, diagrams, writing in journals, etc.). What do you recommend?

Where can I find information about software to help my child with Down Syndrome?

Bridget Brady

March 31, 2010 10:49:13 PM

We are looking for guidance on how to help our child with Down Syndrome at home. She has moderate to severe cognitive impairments, and we'd like to use software with her to help build skills but don't know where to look.

How can a student who has a learning disability and no computer skills survive college?

Bridget Brady

March 31, 2010 10:28:54 PM

As an occupational therapist, I recently evaluated a young woman who has a significant learning disability. She is interested in attending college, however, we know that computers are required in college for even non-academic functions, such as registration and communications, and she has difficulty using them. She is seeking an accommodations, but isn't sure what she needs or what to do. Do you have any suggestions on how a student can survive college without computer skills, or in regard to legal support for appropriate accommodations?

What treatment is needed for a child with dysgraphia?

Bridget Brady

March 31, 2010 9:39:03 PM

I have an 11 year-old daughter who will be entering seventh grade next year. She was diagnosed with learning disabilities in first grade and is severely dysgraphic. While she has learned to write fairly well, it is still a struggle for her and her writing is hard to read. I've asked her special education teacher to work with her on handwriting because I want her to be able to write clearly. Her teacher thinks that we should just let her use the computer because handwriting is too difficult and frustrating. But I think it is important for my daughter to be able to write with pen and paper too. If she always uses a computer, won't that make things more difficult for her later when she has to write things out? You can't always use a computer for writing, and I'm worried about what she'll do when she's not in school anymore and her job might not make accommodations for her.

Where can I find multilingual text-to-speech solutions?

Bridget Brady

March 31, 2010 9:02:29 PM

I am the disability services coordinator for a small university. I am currently looking for a program that could read text aloud (both text books and tests) to students with learning disabilities. However, I would need programs that could read text aloud in other languages. Do you know where I could find programs like this? I'm particularly interested in finding something with a variety of language options (Chinese, Korean, etc.). Many programs seem to have French and Spanish, but not too many other options.

What tools can help my son with LD learn a foreign language?

Liana Heitin

October 18, 2009 9:57:28 PM

My 15-year-old son has a language-based learning disability. He is in the tenth grade and so far has been able to maintain good grades with the assistance of an educational support paraprofessional. However, he has now started taking required foreign language classes and is struggling with vocabulary, verbal exercises, and exams. Are there any technology tools or software programs that might help him?

How can I prepare parents for our new online curriculum?

Liana Heitin

September 26, 2009 4:37:27 PM

This school year we will be implementing a web-based mathematics program for our elementary school students. I'm putting together a technology workshop for parents to help prepare them for what their children will be doing. The workshop will include all elementary school parents, including those of children with special needs and English Language Learners. What are some recommendations for the workshop that might help these parents be better prepared for their children's online learning experiences?

How can I find information about creating readings for blind or dyslexic students?

Liana Heitin

June 30, 2009 12:19:58 PM

I am interested in finding out more information about creating readings for the blind or dyslexic student. I am particularly interested in early elementary school literature or textbooks and reading on tape or disc.

What can you tell me about working in this area?

How can our school make our arts programs (music, art class, etc.) more inclusive for all students?

Liana Heitin

June 29, 2009 12:34:51 PM

Our school is focusing on inclusion and individualizing instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. We'd like to apply this same thinking to our arts programs.

Are there resources available about making the arts more inclusive for all? Are there technology tools that we could integrate into our arts curriculum?

What virtual worlds are appropriate for kids?

Liana Heitin

June 29, 2009 12:04:19 PM

I've seen a lot recently about virtual worlds and virtual learning environments and their possible benefits for learning and the development of academic and social skills. I'd like to explore these tools in my classroom, but I'm not sure where to find appropriate ones for younger students. Can you suggest some virtual worlds or similar online activities?

What options are available for audio versions of textbooks?

Administrator

February 01, 2009 7:54:08 AM

My son is using a textbook that does not have an audio version (tape/CD) available. Is there software that will copy/scan and convert to audio?

How can I use the SMART Board in my math classroom more interactively to meet the needs of all my students?

Administrator

January 01, 2009 10:44:00 AM

I’m a middle school math teacher in an inclusion classroom with several students with learning disabilities. My school uses a team teaching/co-teaching model, so I usually have a special education teacher in my room and we try to teach together as much as possible. She’s been great at helping me change lesson plans and come up with ideas for differentiating instruction.

We just got interactive whiteboards this year, and we’ve both been trying to come up with different ways to use them with the kids. So far, we’ve used them more like an overhead projector to show problems on the board and things like that. How can we use the boards more interactively for all kids, especially our students with LD?

What strategies are there to help kids with LD in gym class, sports, etc.?

Administrator

January 01, 2009 10:29:41 AM

I wanted to ask a question about PE and kids with learning disabilities. Is there any research or resources about the best methods to coach students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities and to help them learn individual and team skills the most effective way?

Where can I find research about technology as an appropriate intervention tool?

Administrator

August 01, 2008 9:01:00 AM

How can parents convince teachers that technology is an appropriate intervention tool for students with disabilities?

How does NIMAS affect local school districts when purchasing new texts?

Administrator

August 01, 2008 8:43:37 AM

At this point with NIMAS, what is the expectation for local school districts as they purchase instructional texts?

What tools would help a teacher decide if a child needed technology?

Administrator

March 01, 2008 10:33:45 AM

Do you know of an AT screening tool, questionnaire or decision tree, that would aid a teacher in determining if a child would benefit from technology?

Can you provide recommendations of things to consider when developing a university program for students with learning disabilities?

Administrator

October 01, 2007 3:41:08 PM

We live in Beirut, Lebanon where my 19 year old son, who is diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, will be attending the American University for Science & Technology (AUST). AUST recently approved a program for students with disabilities and the university administration is working with the parents to develop an effective program. Can you provide us with any recommendations for things we should consider, such as assistive technology, teaching methods, training of teachers, etc., to guide us in this effort?

Ilham