Linda’s Blog Page

Dan has come across a Firefox add-on called ‘Accessibar’ that provides flexibility in learning for students with special needs. This add-on can suit the learner’s needs and provide easier navigating of the Internet. In particular, it assists those individuals who have low vision. The colours on the toolbar can be modified, and text can also be added and spaced to support the user. What makes this add-on so great is that it’s free! As Paul states – teachers shouldn’t be so adament on using only Internet Explorer all the time. We should be open to a variety of programs – explore them and use the best aspects from each one!

http://paulhami.edublogs.org/2008/02/16/accessibar-firefox-add-on/

This is just something I had to share. I went out last night for a family dinner. My brother and his wife were there with their 6 week old baby girl. Discussion got to technology (my brother works as an Escalations Engineer for Cisco and technology is his world!) and he told me how he is already teaching is daughter how to use a mouse!! I then told him about the you tube video below in my blog – however this child was almost 2 years old!

Northcott Disability Services provides support to many families across NSW and the ACT. They provide services for a range of disabilities including; physical, intellectual, sensory, acquired and degenerative disabilities as well as challenging behaviours.

Northcott Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) provides people with disabilities information, support and guidance regarding Assistive Technology. A number of Training and workshops are conducted throughout the year to allow carers / parents or professionals to gain confidence and knowledge about Assistive Technology.

Please feel free to visit their website. (You can also visit the Northcott homepage through this link) This is a great initiative!

http://www.northcottcats.com.au/about_cats/index.html

I stumbled across this great video of Joe. He was born with spinal muscular atrophy and can’t use a mouse or keyboard. However, with assistive technologies – have a look at what he can do. Amazing story.

 [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/capg1FmXYUI" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

I’ve used this software and thought I’d let people know about it! Boardmaker is a communication tool. You have access to various pictures (as well as importing your own from digital cameras etc) which allow you to make communication between the teacher and student clear! An example might be to create a daily schedule for a student who is Autistic. The pictures and words mean that the student will be aware of what they will be doing throughout the day. 

This software is also useful in mainstream classrooms – to create sight words, visual signs for the classroom, worksheets etc. A handy software program that is user-friendly and yet so helpful for students with special needs.

(picture: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/browse.asp?cat=3083)

Dan has found a good report on improving the literacy and numeracy skills for students with disabilities. This report lists good strategies for improving literacy and numeracy skills and assistive technologies was one of them. The specific equipment which Kraayenoord, Elkins, Palmer & Rickards believed to faciliate students learning of literacy and numeracy included; auditory amplification, devices using visual representation and augmentative and alternative communication devices. Technology is so useful for improving these skills as programs and equipment can be tailored to suit individuals. Technology in this instance has allowed students with disabilities to gain the same knowledge and skills as students in mainstream classes, increase their self-esteem and has improved their quality of life.

I will be focusing on Special Education and Assistive Technologies for my blog. I hope to continue with my research and become more aware of just what technology is available for students with disabilities.

Reference:

Kraayenoord, C.V., Elkins, J., Palmer, C. Rickards, F.W. (n.d.) Students with disabilities. Retrieved 19th Feb, 2008 from http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/programmes_funding/programme

Michelle has found an excellent activity which students could use – particularly if they are learning about the media. Please read my newspaper below ….

I found this comic that I thought was pretty funny and oh so true about just how quickly technology changes! And why teachers have to stay on top of it all!

http://www.toondoo.com/public/ebouvier/toons/cool-cartoon-2247.jpg

I’m very excited – today I recorded one of the boy’s while they were reading. I used my phone (so be aware that the recording is fairly soft – and you’ll need to turn up your volume). I have only used part of the recording – just as an example. Robert was extremely excited to have his reading recorded. I usually have difficulty with his behaviour – he doesn’t sit still, often reads in silly voices and genearally doesn’t concentrate. Today’s effort was outstanding. I outlined what I was going to do (record him while he read) and told him that he should try to read in his best voice and then we could listen to it after. Motivation and engagement!

1.mp3

The movie below is very heart-warming. It’s so amazing that we have technology to allow children with disabilities to have a better quality of life. Melissa, who has cerebral palsy uses software to communicate with her family, friends and people at school. She will continue going to the school where she receives strong support from the teachers and therapy workers. Her family shows great determination and faith.

[kml_flashembed movie=" http://www.youtube.com/v/COHcdy2McPU" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]