What options are there for a teenager who needs a communication device?

Bridget Brady

September 09, 2010 9:19:59 PM

I have a 15-year-old daughter that has multiple disabilities. She is nonverbal with some vocal sounds, is visually impaired, and has mental and physical deficits. She has full use of her right hand and a left side stroke. I'm wondering … is there any technology that she can possibly use for communication other than Cheap Talk 8? This is heavy and bulky for a child with limited hand-use, and it is too large for her desk at school. In addition, I am trying to compile a communication book, similar to PECS (picture exchange communication system), but am hoping there is some kind of technology that is available and easier to access for her. Are there additional communication devices that you would recommend?

What technology tools can my daughter use over the summer to practice her math skills?

Bridget Brady

September 09, 2010 9:09:43 PM

My 14 year old daughter struggles with math. We have tried several things, but she does not seem to retain the information. She enjoys games on the computer and likes technology. We would love to help her over the summer but aren't sure where to start! We are wondering… are there any technology programs, or tools, that you think would help her math skills?

How can I get accessible instructional materials for my son if the school will not provide them?

Bridget Brady

August 05, 2010 11:30:27 PM

My son is dyslexic — his fluency is in the 10th percentile, and he reads at half the rate of his peers. His verbal IQ is in the 99th percentile, and when he has accessible materials his ability to comprehend is high. He uses Kurzweil 3000 to read academic materials and finds he benefits from the synchronized, highlighted text with the speech.

Unfortunately, his school has stated that when he enters high school next year, he will receive materials "just like everyone else" and will be responsible for converting all of his materials to digital format himself if he wants them in electronic format. Though my son has individual memberships to Bookshare and RFB&D, the school does not have an institutional membership, so he can't obtain his textbooks.

Do you have any suggestions on how to facilitate his access to print material? Should we purchase a high quality scanner, and if so, do you have recommendations on type? (Seems it would be cheaper than litigating this issue, which we can't afford.)

Is peer support an acceptable substitute for assistive technology in the classroom?

Bridget Brady

August 05, 2010 11:27:45 PM

My son has autism and needs assistive technology tools. The school does not have anyone on staff that can help with AT decision-making or training and instead has students help each other. Is this acceptable? How can I talk to my son's school about getting more support for assistive technology?

What online resources are available for a student in a rural area without access to special education services?

Bridget Brady

March 31, 2010 8:42:38 PM

My six-year-old son is obsessed with super heroes. He often talks about his favorites (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, etc.) and is very fond of watching their movies and cartoons. He has an amazing memory about things he is interested in and can remember everything about superhero movies and cartoons he likes but still does not recognize his numbers and letters. I'm very worried about his studies and his reading. How can I help him improve his reading skills? We don't have access to special education near our home as we live in a remote town in Pakistan.

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?

Does technology affect learning in young children?

Administrator

September 01, 2008 9:02:54 AM

I see preschool children playing with video games in doctors' offices, at the supermarket and other places. Recently I heard that young children should not be using these games or computers, even when the programs are age-appropriate. Do you think this technology affects learning in any way?

What resources can help parents find technology tools for children with disabilities?

Administrator

August 01, 2008 9:08:39 AM

My ten-year-old child has lots of learning disabilities that I can’t explain in this letter because it would take too long. My husband and I think technology can help him -- at least it helps us on our jobs. But what kind of technology can help him? We don’t know where to start. Is there a person who we could just tell everything to and have them let us know what to buy? Or a place like a store for people with learning disabilities? Or anywhere we can go just to learn what’s available? Please help.

How can a parent choose a good speech to text tool that will help their dysgraphic child ?

Administrator

May 01, 2008 2:37:55 PM

My 11-year-old son was recently diagnosed with dysgraphia. We were given recommended accommodations to request for his school work, but it was also recommended that we buy a "speech-to-text" program to assist him with his school work. I'm drowning in a sea of software options and don't know what would be best for him. Any suggestions?

What technology helps math, handwriting, and spelling?

Administrator

January 31, 2008 5:59:34 PM

I have been trying to find a list of assistive technology for my son who doesn't know his sounds, his handwriting is labored, and he doesn't know his multiplication facts. He has his math reading problems read to him, thank goodness. He remembers his spelling words long enough for the test, but come Monday, he can only remember a couple of them.

My son has had perfect conduct and perfect attendance. He's teachable, just not being taught. My main question is what should he be getting as to assistive technology? Thanks for your time and allowing me to ask you questions.

What technology can help a ten-year-old child with learning disabilities?

Administrator

December 30, 2007 9:34:01 PM

My ten-year-old child has learning disabilities that I can't explain in this letter because it would take too long. My husband and I think technology can help him. At least it helps us on our jobs. But what kind of technology can help him? We don't know where to start. Is there a person who we could just tell everything to and have them let us know what to buy? Or a place like a store for people with learning disabilities? Or anywhere we can go just to learn what's available? Please help.