NATE Resource PageAT
Basic Information AT
Acronyms and Initials
We've included a list of acronyms and initials that
you may hear or read in the field of assistive technology. http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics.php
This portion of the Assistive Technology Training On Line website has excellent
beginning information including an introduction to assistive technology, technology
for special populations, and adapting computers. http://www.closingthegap.com
The Closing the Gap website offers excellent forums on a variety of topics
related to assistive technology. It is also has a searchable data base, but there
is an annual fee to access it. Information about subscribing to the Closing the
Gap newsletter is on the website. http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq262assisttech.html
The National Association of School Psychologists has a short explanation of
AT that is very helpful. It includes a list of questions that should be asked
during a functional evaluation of the need for AT. http://www.qiat.org
The website of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology ( QIAT ) offers
a wealth of information in its resources section as well as access to the QIAT
list serv. The list serv is an excellent forum to keep current with new developments
in AT and the latest websites and other resources. http://www.wati.org/resourceguide.htm
WATI has a free 24 page booklet explaining assistive technology. It is designed
for general education staff. It can be downloaded and copied. AT
and Learning Disabilities http://www.ldonline.org
There are many things on this website. To get to AT, select "LD in Depth"
from the toolbar across the top of the front page. Then from the alphabetical
list of topics, choose "Technology". http://www.LDResources.com
This collection of information has several unique resources, including a link
to the Confusing Words database of words that are troublesome to readers and writers.
http://www.schwablearning.org
This website offers a number of useful materials including an AT Guide that
is free. Using
Technology to Improve Reading and Writing Outcomes for Learning Disabled Students
A step-by-step guide for teachers, building administrators, district decision-
makers, and school board members to plan for implementing an AT program for students
struggling with reading and writing
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/hiat/index.shtm
The High Incidence Assistive Technology group from MCPS provides a wealth of information on tools and resources of assistive and accessible technology.
AT
and Special Education Laws http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/Laws/index.php
This section of the Assistive Technology Training On Line website contains
an overview the laws on civil rights, special education, and assistive technology
arranged chronologically. AT
and Transition http://www.edtechpoints.org
The Education Tech Points website includes a free manual to download. Hey!
Can I Try That? is designed to be used with teens and preteens to help them think
about tasks that are difficult and how AT could help them. Its purpose is to promote
self determination. http://www.isd194.k12.mn.us/se/tech.shtml
This website operated by Lakeville School District in Minnesota has a wealth
of information including an At Transition Planning Checklist. Scroll down the
page until you get to "forms" and choose "Transition Planning Checklist". http://www.wati.org/atandtransition.htm
WATI has a transition packet that can be downloaded. It contains a series
of forms to guide the assembly of information necessary to support an AT user
as he or she transitions to adult services. It includes assessment tools and planning
sheets. Advocacy and Funding http://www.nls.org/booklets.htm
Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. has written a series of booklets on legal
issues related to assistive technology. A single copy of each of them is available
at no cost. http://www.nls.org/conf2003/court-decisions-update.htm
This website includes a summary of Medicaid cases related to assistive technology
that have come through the courts. Research
about AT What Does
the Research Say?
Dave Edyburn's excellent ATIA '05 handout offers how
to access the latest research on special education technology and how research
can be used to answer important questions about the use and value of assistive
and
instructional technology. http://jset.unlv.edu
The Journal of Special Education Technology, the journal of the Technology
and Media (TAM) Division of the Council for Exceptional Children provides is one
of the best resources available on research about AT use. The editors are at the
University of Nevada Las Vegas , so it is housed on their website. Past issues
are available free to read at this site. http://natri.uky.edu
The National Assistive Technology Research Institute is currently researching
the use of assistive technology. This website offers an opportunity to participate
as well as learn what they are finding. AT
Assessment http://www.gpat.org
The Georgia Project for Assistive Technology has many excellent resources
on its website, including a full set of assessment forms. Choose Forms from the
navigation menu on the left side of the screen, then choose any of the assessment
protocols. http://www.wati.org
The Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative website provides free copies
of the WATI AT Assessment forms that can be downloaded as well as a wealth of
information on assistive technology and assistive technology assessments. Forms
are available in both English and Spanish. http://edsrc.uky.edu/www/ukatii/toolkit/index.html
The University of Kentucky AT Project has developed the UKAT Toolkit, a set
of forms and directions for AT assessment. AT
Consideration http://www.gpat.org
The Georgia Project for Assistive Technology has many excellent resources
on its website, including an Assistive Technology Resource Guide that provides
a continuum of solutions from standard tools to assistive technology. It also
includes potential modifications and accommodations for a variety of tasks. Choose
Forms from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen, then choose AT
Resource Guide. It will automatically be downloaded to your computer. http://prekese.dadeschools.net/primetime.htm
This website is a wealth of information and useful tools. It was developed
by the Miama-Dade County Public Schools in Florida . Click on Resources in the
navigation menu on the left. Then choose Pre-K ESE Assistive Technology Implementation
Plan. This form will guide your team through an excellent discussion that will
help you determine if AT is needed and facilitate the development of an implementation
plan. It is designed for young children with disabilities. http://www.texasat.net/default.aspx?name=trainmod.consideration
This website which was created by the Texas Assistive Technology Network has
excellent training modules including one on Considering AT in the IEP Process
that can be downloaded. It includes PowerPoint slides and other useful materials
for training others.
AT Forms http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/schooldistricts/forms.php
The ATTO site offers forms from three sources that can guide AT assessment
and decision making. http://www.boston.k12.ma.us/teach/technology/emmanuel.asp
The staff at the Access Center for Boston Public Schools has developed the
Student Access Map (SAM), a dynamic, user-friendly tool designed to assist educators
in aligning instructional supports with student needs. AT
Services http://www.otap-oregon.org/Publications.cfm
The sample operating guidelines are designed to be used as templates by education
agencies wishing to develop assistive technology programs that provide consistent,
effective and legal assistive technology services. Section one includes guidance
for teams that can be included in district handbooks or procedure manuals. Section
two includes sample forms that may be used to implement the model. http://www.qiat.org
The Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology ( QIAT ) services website
is a wealth of information. Two of the most important items are the Quality Indicators
themselves and the QIAT Self Evaluations Matrix. These two tools provide an excellent
picture of what assistive technology services should be regardless of size, location,
or wealth of a school district. The self evaluation matrix is a valuable tool
for getting a sense of what a specific district may need to focus on to improve
their services. http://education.state.mn.us/content/005769.pdf
This URL will lead you to the Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual in a pdf
format. It includes many useful tools including directions for AT consideration,
guidelines for writing AT in the IEP and numerous forms and checklists.
Including AT in the IEP http://www.nde.state.ne.us/SPED/iepproj/factors/assist.html
This section of the Nebraska Department of Education website includes the
legal definitions of AT, a step by step process for including it in the IEP and
several examples of IEP goals for AT use. http://www.nls.org/atiep.htm
This document from the Minnesota Disability Law Center provides a thought
provoking overview of the process of including AT in the IEP process as well as
several examples of goals. http://www.orclish.org
This website from ORCLISH, Ohio's statewide technical assistance project directed
by the Ohio Department of Education, has a very helpful manual. Select "Assistive
Technology" on the front page and then select "Noteworthy Resources".
On that page among many useful resources is their "Assistive Technology Manual".
Select that and then choose the chapter on "Writing AT in the IEP."
AT Tools http://www.abledata.com
Abledata contains information on thousands of AT products. It is Sponsored
by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department
of Education. It is a good place to find information on both current and discontinued
products. http://www.abilityhub.com
This website offers information about adaptive equipment and alternative ways
to access a computer. It is a searchable web site that can reduce the time it
takes to locate a potential tool. AbiltyHub.com is created and maintained by Mr.
Dan J. Gilman. http://prekese.dadeschools.net/primetime.htm
For a handy list of AT tools with pictures and resources, go to this website
which was developed by the Miama-Dade County Public Schools in Florida . Click
on Device Gallery in the navigation menu on the left. Each item in the Device
Gallery has a link to more information by clicking on the blue bubble that precedes
each item. Note the items listed were selected because they would be appropriate
for young children with disabilities. http://www.setbc.org/setbc/library/library_home.html
The website of the Special Education Technology Center in British Columbia (SET-BC)
has many excellent resources including an overview of technology for individuals
with vision impairments, supports for learning the writing process and supporting
augmentative communication users. AT
Training http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/trc/cluster.asp?mode=browse&intPathID=3352
This portion of the Georgia Learning Center website offers useful information
on integrating technology into the classroom. http://www.gpat.org
The Georgia Project for Assistive Technology has over 100 video clips that
show children using assistive technology. These were developed in a collaborative
effort with Valdosta State University. http://www.lburkhart.com
This website by Linda Burkhart has a focus on Technology Integration in Education
with many excellent examples and suggestions. AT
Tutorials http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/Tutorials.php
This section of the Assistive Technology Training On Line website contains
tutorials on Reading and Writing tools (Clicker 4, Co:Writer 4000, IntelliKeys,
IntelliTalk II Part 1 and 2, Overlay maker, Microsoft Word, and Write:OutLoud),
Tools for Visually Impaired (JAWS for Windows, BrailleNote, and ZoomText Xtra),
and Tools for Creating Talking Books (Clicker 4, HyperStudio 4, and PowerPoint).
There are also links to many other websites that offer tutorials. http://www.aea6.k12.ia.us/att/tutorials.html
This section of the Iowa Area Education Agency 267 website contains tutorials
on BoardMaker, Co:Writer 4000, Inspiration, Scan n Read 1.06 (Mac), Scan n Read
7, and Write:OutLoud 3.0 Augmentative Communication http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/aac/index.php
This section of the Assistive Technology Training On Line website contains
an overview of augmentative communication (AAC). It is an excellent starting place
to begin learning about AAC. http://aac.unl.edu/yaack
This excellent website was developed by Ruth Ballinger as a project for her
Master's Degree in Special Education. It is a great place to get a good overview
of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). YAACK stands for AAC connecting
Young Kids. It has three main sections, Getting Started, Choosing and System and
Teaching Tips. http://www.aacintervention.com
This is the place to get great tips on AAC. Bookmark it and check back regularly.
It has many, many practical ideas including a Tip of the Month. It is operated
by Julie Maro and Caroline Musselwhite and is a delight.
AAC Resources for Families - 2005
Families know how important it is to keep up with what’s available and new in the
world of AAC. Information compiled by Pam Harris includes AAC best practices, new technology, and readings.
Literacy
Literacy Tool Links (
Jeannette Van Houten)
Websites of literacy activities, lesson plans and materials for teachers
Beginning
Reading http://www.starfall.com
This site offers free over twenty free interactive stories with a variety
of tasks for the emergent reader. It is phonics based and requires the child to
be able to click and drag. http://www.bcps.k12.md.us/boardmaker/adapted_library.asp
This website which was created by the AT Team at Baltimore City Public Schools
has symbols and boards to be used to adapt 723 children's books. Titles are arranged
alphabetically and there is also a search engine. http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/
Scholastic sponsors this site which has stories about Clifford that include
buttons to have lines of text read and the ability to select words to add to the
story. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/menu.shtml
This site from British Broadcasting Company has several interactive opportunities.
Text can be read aloud, but it has a British accent! http://www.childrenstory.com/
Mary Cavanaugh's Children's Stories has a variety of stories. They vary in
quality. Many can be read aloud if Real Audio Player is on the user's computer. http://www.lil-fingers.com/storybooks/index.html
The Lil Fingers website has several great stories for young children that
focus on recognizing letters and numbers, potty time, parents, making faces, animals
at the zoo and more. This is a fun site. Adapted
Levels of Text http://www.marcopolo-education.org/home.aspx
Marco Polo provides a wide variety of resources including text adapted for
a wide range of reading levels on a variety of topics. | 
