Early Childhood and IDEA

What students are served under IDEA Part C?

Students with disabilities from birth to 36 months old are served under the IDEA Part C.

What is an IFSP?

An IFSP is the abbreviation for Individual Family Service Plan. IFSP is a plan that is designed for special services for young children, birth to three years old, who are developmentally delayed. Once the child reaches 3 years the IFSP is replaced by an Individual Education Program (IEP).

What is important to remember when thinking about EC and AT?

It is important to think about age appropriate device when considering Assistive Technology for the Early Childhood. Assistive Technology should enable students with disabilities to participate in activities within the home, school, and community.

An AT Tool for Early Childhood

Proloquo2Go

The proloquo2Go is an AAC device that is ideal for early childhood students with communication problems. This AT tool is designed to promote language development in young children. 

Implementation

Proloquo2Go can be used on any device so implementing this AT in an classroom is easy. This app can be implemented by installing it on an iPad and it is ready to use in assisting students in communicating with their peers and teachers.

Resources

http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go

http://expressive-solutions.com/implementation-of-proloquo2go-for-students-with-aac

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-symbol-based-aac

http://www.teacherswithapps.com/app_reviews-proloquo2go/

Reading

Components of Reading

Reading consists of five components:

• Phonemic Awareness
• Phonics
• Fluency & Prosody
• Comprehension
• Vocabulary

  Difficulties Students with Disabilities have in Reading

Some common problems students with disabilities have in reading are:

• Decoding - Decoding is the ability to apply your knowledge of letter-sound relationships, including knowledge of letter patterns, to correctly pronounce written words.

• Reading Comprehension - the act of understanding what you read.
  

• Focusing on the Text - the ability to pay attention to what is being read. 

One Way to Make Reading Books Accessible

Reading books can be made more accessible through the use of e-books. E-books can be an exciting development for all readers especially those who are print-disabled and blind readers because their properties make them ideal for finding alternative forms of access. When an e-book is presented in an accessible format on an accessible e-book reader, the user can choose to read the book using text-to-speech, Braille, or magnification. E-Books are readily available online through sites such as bookshare.org.

Reading AT Tool

The Intel Reader is is handheld mobile device that has a text-to-speech software; it uses technology to read text aloud. It is equipped with a high resolution camera that will capture texts and then convert the text into spoken words which it reads aloud to the user. The device highlights the words while they are being read, this feature assist students in identifying what is being read.

Implementation

The Intel Reader can be used for all age group. The reader can be implemented by scanning words from any age appropriate reading material in any classroom. It will then convert the words to speech and read aloud to students.



The Intel Reader can be accessed at:

https://www.gh-accessibility.com/products/intel/reader

AAC Device

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is all forms of communication that are used to expressed thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. AAC serves as an alternative to people who cannot speak. It is a method used to replace or supplement speech for persons with disabilities.

There are two types of AAC - aided and unaided.The unaided type relies on the body to convey messages. This includes gestures, sign language and body language. The aided system uses tools or equipment in addition to the body to communicate. This includes low tech devices such as paper and pencil to high tech devices such as an iPad with a speech to text app or a communication board.

Resources

• AAC Institute

http://aacinstitute.org/ 

•   - International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

https://www.isaac-online.org/english/home/

• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America

http://www.resna.org/

• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement

http://www.aac-rerc.com/

• State Assistive Technology Programs

http://resnaprojects.org/allcontacts/statewidecontacts.html

Example of an AAC Device

The Eye-Speak is a communication system that uses the eyes, it is designed for people with extreme mobility and communication problems such as ALS, LIS, MD, and SCI. This device will write and speak for you. This device consists of a pair of glasses in which the lenses display a screen with a virtual keyboard. It has a micro camera that detects the position and the movement of the eyes and, in this way, identifies the key the user is looking at. The user selects the keys with the movement of the eyes, being able to write words and phrases. Then, using the built-in speaker system, the user translates what was written into sound by selecting the key "speak" after typing a word or phrase.

Implementation in the Classroom

• Teacher needs to first be familiar with the device and the features it offers.

• Calibrate the system once.

• Affix the device to the student’s face and it is ready for use.

• The device can also be connected to a laptop or desktop computer to send emails or use other internet services.

Behavior

What is a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?

A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that is designed to help improve or modify a behavior by addressing its cause. It is based on the results of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) which is used to determine the function of the behavior. This behavior must be observable and measurable - behaviors such as fighting, avoidance, interruptions, aggression, inappropriate comments, and excessive talking.

Why is it Important to Keep Data on Students' Behavior?

Once a behavior Intervention Plan is created, it is important that the data is kept and tracked so that correct decisions can be made to continue, change, or stopped the intervention that were implemented.  It also provides students with effective feedback about their behavior; this allows students to monitor themselves and take responsibility for their behavior. Data collection tells whether interventions and strategies are working. Some tools that can be used to gather data on students' behavior are Excel, Class Dojo or the Behavior Tracker Pro.

Behavior AT Tool

Class Dojo is a  free online tool that allows teachers to set up classes and keep track of positive and negative behaviors in the classroom. It is an excellent tech tool for behavior management for all age group - from kindergarten to high school. Class Dojo is user friendly; it is easy to set-up and use. First, you create an account using your school email, once your account is created you can choose an icons for your class and begin setting up your class. The program automatically assigns fun avatars for each student, but you can change them and add photos of your students. Next, you can use the pre-set positive and negative behaviors or personalize them. For example, you can add positive behaviors such as participation, being responsible ect.   This tool allows you to award points to individual students or the entire class instantly.Another excellent feature that class Dojo has is that it enables parents to have insight into their child’s behavior during the day. The teacher inputs parents' email addresses into Class Dojo, print out an access code and send to parents; this code gives them access to see all their child’s information.

Resource:

https://www.classdojo.com/

The Writing Process

What are the Components of the Writing Process?

There are five major components of the writing process:.

• 
  
• 
  
• Prewriting
• 
  

• Drafting
• 
  

• Reviewing

• Editing

• Sharing or Publishing

What are some difficulties students with disabilities have in writing?

Most students with disabilities have difficulties with writing especially students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) who finds the writing process overwhelming because of their inability to remain focus. Students with language and learning disabilities (LLD) will also find writing difficult because they do not have the ability to plan; their writing is usual very short, not very coherent, and not very refined. These students also have difficulties with spelling, and subscription both. Their writing usually contain misspelled words and punctuation errors, and capitalization problems. Other difficulties that students with disabilities face are: mechanics in writing where they struggle to use a writing instrument due to fine motor problems; and they also find writing difficult because they lack the pre-requisite skills needed for writing due to learning disabilities.

Technology Tool to Assist students with the Writing Process

The Paper-Based Computer Pen is an excellent tool to assist students in the writing process especially students with disabilities. This pen records and links audio by using a special paper. It allows the student to take notes while recording; these notes can be replayed by touching the pen. This pen has a camera that records everything that is written; it also has a microphone that records the speaker and computer device that remembers everything that it sees and hear so that it can be replayed.

This pen can be very beneficial to students who struggle with reading, writing, and memory. This tool can be implemented in the classroom by syncing it automatically to any IOS device, iPad, laptop or computer. One resource for this technology tool is http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/

Math Challenges Tools, and Resources

What are some common areas that students struggle with in mathematics?

Mathematics has been a very difficult subjects over the years. Statistics show that only 40% of 4th graders and 33% grade students performed proficiently on the last National Assessment in mathematics in 2015.
Some of the common areas that students struggle with in mathematics are difficulties reading math problems and notation ; they have problems interpreting language or vocabulary. Many students, despite a good understanding of mathematical concepts, are inconsistent at computing ; they are unable to identify and organize steps that are outlined, and also difficulties aligning numbers and forming shapes.

Math AT Tool

One assistive technology tool that I would use in my class to assist students who are struggling with mathematics is the Electronic Math Worksheets. Electronic math worksheets are software programs that can help students organize, align, and work through math problems on a computer screen. Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be helpful to students who struggle with aligning math problems with pencil and paper. This tool will be beneficial to students with sensory impairment or students with learning disabilities  who struggle with writing, listening, memory, and reading. This tool will also enable students to use virtual manipulatives to assist them in solving math problems.

Resources for Electronic Math Worksheet

Assistive technology (AT) tools for math are designed to help students who struggle with math,

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/electronic-math-worksheets/

Electronic Math Worksheets. These worksheets can help a student organize, align and navigate through basic math problems on a computer screen. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems are entered by keyboard or mouse and automatically aligned to the correct vertical format

http://scatp.med.sc.edu/ld_math.htm

http://www.mathtalk.com/.

Technology and Communication

How can technology facilitate communication.

Technology has transformed the way we communicate over the last few decades; instead of mailing letters we now have the option of emailing which is faster and gives you the option of sending the same document to multiple recipients.
Communication is an essential aspect of our everyday life; to be able to express our thoughts. feelings, and ideas is very important in us being successful in society. Technology's emergence especially in the area of electronic communication such as cellular phones, social media, and instant messaging has helped to facilitate communication.
Assistive technology such as computers and iPads with special apps like text-to-speech helps facilitate communication in students with disabilities.

How can UDL be applied to teaching students who are deaf and blind?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework with flexible curriculum and learning environment that enables students with disabilities to be successful in the classroom; it values the diversity of all learners. UDL framework provides accessible, responsive, motivating, and meaningful learning environments for all students. By applying the UDL principles, students who are deaf and blind can be taught by using multiple means of representation; this is how the information is presented to the students which for example would be through a computer app with braille capabilities that would enable the student who is deaf and blind to be presented the same information that is being presented to other students. Action and expression offers options and support so that all students can create, learn and share. They are provided with multiple means of expressing their understanding through different options such as text-to-speech which would enable the student to speak their response in a device which would translate the message to words instead of the student having to type a response. Engagement is how the student will be provided an opportunity and autonomy to be involved in classroom activities. This stimulates motivation and enthusiasm for learning in different ways.

AT Tool for working with Students with Sensory Impairment

Sensory impairment is when one of the senses is challenged. Students with a sensory impairment has reduced ability or lack of ability in using one or more of three senses-vision, touch, and hearing. Sensory impairment can range from mild to severe which can significantly impact ones daily living.

One assistive tool for working with students with sensory impairment that I would implement in my classroom is an iPad with audible exam reader app. Audible Exam Reader is an app that enable students to download exams to their phones and have it read out the questions for them, without requesting any help from the teacher. This will enable students to focus and formulate responses. This app is very easy to use and is available in 5 languages. It has the capabilities of replaying, pausing and skipping questions which will give the students control of their exams.

                                       

Resources for Audible Exam Reader

Audio Exam Player (iPad), this app allows students to hear their test questions read aloud to them on their iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-exam-player/id673349857?mt=8Audio

Audio Exam Player, By Michael Matv, gives students a superior way of independently hearing test questions read aloud with human speech or mechanical speech

http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/audio-exam-player-ipad-free

UDL Lesson Plan

What Makes UDL Lesson Plan Different?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is different in that it is a flexible approach to learning that provides each learner with total and equal opportunities to learn. This lesson is customized so that each learner will learn the way that suits them best. According to the National Center on the Universal Design for Learning, "UDL seeks to minimize barriers and maximize flexibility". The Universal Design for Learning provides flexibility in the way information is presented and how students responds to the knowledge and how they are engaged. The Universal Design for Learning also reduces barriers to the instruction and also provides accommodation, support, and high expectations for students, even those with disabilities and language barriers.

 UDL is based on three principles:

1. Multiple means of representation which means that the teacher provides the learner with different options to learn the information that is being presented for example using video, slideshows, lectures, graphic images - no single method is always best, as opposed to "chalk and talk". 

2.  Multiple Means of Expression which gives learners an alternative for demonstrating that which they know. Students will be required engage in numerous activities in expressing what they learn for example composing and editing essays on the computer instead of composing it on paper; they are also allowed to used text to speech to express themselves if they have speech defects. Using the UDL framework, every student is allowed to express themselves despite their ability.
3. Multiple Means of Engagement is when you tap into the learners interest, challenge and motivate them appropriately. Students' diversity should be taken into consideration when engaging students.For example, when teaching a math lesson about place value, instead of teacher presenting the lesson in a lecture form, the teacher could use a smart -board and allow students to demonstrate and interact using the smart-board instead of just drawing objects on a white board.
The UDL lesson caters to the different learning styles, enables students to understand which means of presentation, expression, and engagement are best for the learner.

How to Determine a Lesson Assessment

Just as the Universal design for learning lessons are designed to be flexible and accessible to all students, so should the assessment method be. The main goal of the assessment should be the students - what are the abilities, are their language barriers, visual disability ect. In a UDL all students work towards the same goal but they use different methods to achieve them so is the assessment, where students are assessed to see how much they have learned but by using different assessment tools. For example, in a 2nd grade class, students are learning about measuring tool, the goal is for students to be able to identify at least 3 measuring tools and their functions. Some students will be required to draw and label at least 3 measuring tools, some will be required to highlight them on their iPad by just a touch of a button, others may be required to make a model using clay; this is dependent on the students varying abilities.

 

Resources for UDL Lesson Planning 

National Center on Universal Design and Learning
http://www.udlcenter.org/

The Iris Center on UDL Lessons
 http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/cresource/q2/p08/udl_08_link_lpudl/

Mutliple Means of Representation - Amazing Space
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu

Cast UDL Curriculum Self Check
http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php

How to Plan UDL Lesson
http://blog.brookespublishing.com/6-steps-to-planning-udl-lessons-3-teacher-stories/