Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Great website accessibility guide
The University of Illinois has a great website with resources on website accessibility. If you write web pages, or need to direct someone who does, this is a great resource!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
AIMSweb ready for 2010-11 School year
The AIMSweb system is ready for the 2010-11 school year. Have at it!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New SpEd Forms User and Startup Guide
SpEd Forms has reworked the user guide. It's available via Google Docs and now contains a Teacher Startup Guide. Have a look!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
SpEd Forms Updated
I've updated the SpEd Forms server. Here's a selected list of highlights:
Service plans
1. Unlimited reporting periods may now be added to the Progress Report. A new reporting period automatically appears after the existing reporting period is entered and saved.
2. The IFSP has been updated per changes released by the state.
3. In IFSP validation, a "Finalize IFSP DNQ" button to now allows users to finalize partially completed IFSPs for students that did not qualify for ECSE.
4. A field has been added to the IFSP "Student Information" page to "Document reason if the 45 day time line was not met".
5. Users can now order goals on the 2008 IFSP "Outcomes/goals" page.
6. The "Primary disability" is now required for the current IEP/ISP/IIIP validation.
7. On the current IFSP, "Document reason if the 45 day time line was not met:" has been added to the "Student Information" page and "Description of Outcome Progress:" has been added to the "Outcomes/goals" page.
Additional forms:
1. The current "Parental Consent/Objection" form can now be finalized.
2. The "Part B" and "Part C" check boxes have been removed from the "Parental Consent/Objection" form, the statements will only reflect wording for special education.
3. A new form has been added for "Medical Documentation: ADHD".
4. The "Manifestation Determination" has been updated.
5. The "Emergency Health Information Card" had been updated.
Evaluation report:
1. The "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" template has been updated.
2. "Sensory Integration" appears as a new category under SpEd Forms test templates and the "Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile" has been added to this category. "Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)", "Sensory Profile", "Sensory Profile School Companion" and "Short Sensory Profile" have also been moved from "Early Childhood" to this new category.
3. "Visual Puzzles" has been added to the (Intelligence) test template: "Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale - 4th Edition (WAIS IV)".
4. A new test template has been added to the "Achievement" category: "Weschler Individual Achievement Test - 3rd Edition (WIAT-III)".
MA forms:
1. The "Physician Statement of Need" has been completely updated.
2. The Physicians fax number has been added to the "MA Parental Consent".
3. Options have been added to the "Description of ACTUAL SERVICES provided" drop down list on the "Activity Log".
4. On the "Edit Claim" screen and on the "Activity Log", the "MA Setting" can be set for each individual claim/activity.
5. The electronic signature feature has been added to the supervisor's name of the "Activity Log". Once the supervisor has "signed" the log, users will no longer be able to add or edit activities.
6. The "MA Parental Consent" has been updated.
Other improvements:
1. The description of "Status" code [1] has been changed to "SpEd: Not Evaluated (New Referral, not EC)". To help administrators distinguish "Status" code [2], a new code of [93] ("SpEd: EC Evaluated") has been added just above the existing code of [2] ("EXIT: SpEd: Evaluated: does not need special education services"). When a MARSS extract is created, [93] will be automatically converted to [2] (the proper code for MARSS reporting).
2. The "Team member list" in "Your setup" has been updated to include fields for address, city, state, zip and email. A new "Select" pop-up link then makes use of these team member fields. This new "Select" pop-up appears on all pages that include a field for the case manager and their contact information.
3. Users will no longer see the "All students" checkbox on the "Special education" tab of the "Work with students" page. All students will be shown by default and users still have the option to select "Inactive" (students assigned to the user who are not currently in special education), "MA eligible" (those that have been marked as "Eligible" for MA services) and/or "Managed by me" (only those students that are directly managed by the user).
4. On the "Work with students" page, warning are available for students that are 21 years old. An orange face appears 90 days before their 21st birthday and a red face appears when they are 21 or over.
5. "Race/Ethnicity" information has been added to the bottom of the "Student Setup" page.
Service plans
1. Unlimited reporting periods may now be added to the Progress Report. A new reporting period automatically appears after the existing reporting period is entered and saved.
2. The IFSP has been updated per changes released by the state.
3. In IFSP validation, a "Finalize IFSP DNQ" button to now allows users to finalize partially completed IFSPs for students that did not qualify for ECSE.
4. A field has been added to the IFSP "Student Information" page to "Document reason if the 45 day time line was not met".
5. Users can now order goals on the 2008 IFSP "Outcomes/goals" page.
6. The "Primary disability" is now required for the current IEP/ISP/IIIP validation.
7. On the current IFSP, "Document reason if the 45 day time line was not met:" has been added to the "Student Information" page and "Description of Outcome Progress:" has been added to the "Outcomes/goals" page.
Additional forms:
1. The current "Parental Consent/Objection" form can now be finalized.
2. The "Part B" and "Part C" check boxes have been removed from the "Parental Consent/Objection" form, the statements will only reflect wording for special education.
3. A new form has been added for "Medical Documentation: ADHD".
4. The "Manifestation Determination" has been updated.
5. The "Emergency Health Information Card" had been updated.
Evaluation report:
1. The "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" template has been updated.
2. "Sensory Integration" appears as a new category under SpEd Forms test templates and the "Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile" has been added to this category. "Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)", "Sensory Profile", "Sensory Profile School Companion" and "Short Sensory Profile" have also been moved from "Early Childhood" to this new category.
3. "Visual Puzzles" has been added to the (Intelligence) test template: "Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale - 4th Edition (WAIS IV)".
4. A new test template has been added to the "Achievement" category: "Weschler Individual Achievement Test - 3rd Edition (WIAT-III)".
MA forms:
1. The "Physician Statement of Need" has been completely updated.
2. The Physicians fax number has been added to the "MA Parental Consent".
3. Options have been added to the "Description of ACTUAL SERVICES provided" drop down list on the "Activity Log".
4. On the "Edit Claim" screen and on the "Activity Log", the "MA Setting" can be set for each individual claim/activity.
5. The electronic signature feature has been added to the supervisor's name of the "Activity Log". Once the supervisor has "signed" the log, users will no longer be able to add or edit activities.
6. The "MA Parental Consent" has been updated.
Other improvements:
1. The description of "Status" code [1] has been changed to "SpEd: Not Evaluated (New Referral, not EC)". To help administrators distinguish "Status" code [2], a new code of [93] ("SpEd: EC Evaluated") has been added just above the existing code of [2] ("EXIT: SpEd: Evaluated: does not need special education services"). When a MARSS extract is created, [93] will be automatically converted to [2] (the proper code for MARSS reporting).
2. The "Team member list" in "Your setup" has been updated to include fields for address, city, state, zip and email. A new "Select" pop-up link then makes use of these team member fields. This new "Select" pop-up appears on all pages that include a field for the case manager and their contact information.
3. Users will no longer see the "All students" checkbox on the "Special education" tab of the "Work with students" page. All students will be shown by default and users still have the option to select "Inactive" (students assigned to the user who are not currently in special education), "MA eligible" (those that have been marked as "Eligible" for MA services) and/or "Managed by me" (only those students that are directly managed by the user).
4. On the "Work with students" page, warning are available for students that are 21 years old. An orange face appears 90 days before their 21st birthday and a red face appears when they are 21 or over.
5. "Race/Ethnicity" information has been added to the bottom of the "Student Setup" page.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Proloquo2Go - AAC for $190 for iPhone or iPod
Proloquo2Go is an augmentative communication (AAC) app from AssistiveWare for the iPhone or iPod touch. At $190, it's competitively priced and seems like a serious player in the AAC space.
Don't want to lug around that brick of an AAC device? How about an iPod touch or iPhone instead. The app and the iPod for under $400!
Don't want to lug around that brick of an AAC device? How about an iPod touch or iPhone instead. The app and the iPod for under $400!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dragon for no cost?
Dragon Dictation is a new app for the iPod touch and iPhone. It does voice dictation, allowing you to correct the text, then send it on by email or text message.
The cost, you ask? (Wait for it) It's a freebie folks!
I've used it on my iPhone and it works remarkably well, even with zero training. Well worth the try if you have an iPod touch or iPhone.
The cost, you ask? (Wait for it) It's a freebie folks!
I've used it on my iPhone and it works remarkably well, even with zero training. Well worth the try if you have an iPod touch or iPhone.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New UDL materials
I just got some new Universal Design for Learning (UDL) materials that may interest you.
The first is this UDL brochure from the Region 5/7 AT committee. It's a good overview of UDL with information coming from CAST.
The second is a document that covers UDL and Direct Instruction from NCAC.
The third is a Powerpoint presentation (in PDF format) on UDL provided by the Region 5/6 AT committee.
The first is this UDL brochure from the Region 5/7 AT committee. It's a good overview of UDL with information coming from CAST.
The second is a document that covers UDL and Direct Instruction from NCAC.
The third is a Powerpoint presentation (in PDF format) on UDL provided by the Region 5/6 AT committee.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Is Pogo Boards a Boardmaker Killer?
Pogo Boards is a new product available to do communication and symbol boards. It's totally internet based so it runs most anywhere without an install program.
It has over 20,000 unique picture symbols (Symbol Stix, AbleNet Symbols, PiCS) along with access to Google images.
It is far less expensive than Boardmaker, doesn't require a CD to run, and you don't need admin rights to your computer because there is no installer.
Could this replace Boardmaker? Let me know what you think!
It has a seven day free trial.
It has over 20,000 unique picture symbols (Symbol Stix, AbleNet Symbols, PiCS) along with access to Google images.
It is far less expensive than Boardmaker, doesn't require a CD to run, and you don't need admin rights to your computer because there is no installer.
Could this replace Boardmaker? Let me know what you think!
It has a seven day free trial.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Window 7 Accessiblity Hightlights
I had a good session at the ATIA conference this morning on Window 7 accessibility. While far from perfect, here's some highlights:
1. W7 has 'high DPI' settings that allow you to make icons and controls larger without losing screen resolution.
2. The on-screen keyboard is re-sizable and movable (finally), has a numeric keypad, had word prediction (!) and a scanning mode.
3. Magnifier now has keyboard hot keys, full screen magnification, a 'lens mode' and color inversion.
4. The built in speech recognition has an improved recognition engine and a 45 second buffer that it uses to determine which word it picks based on context. Unlike Dragon, it has no scripting or dedicated libraries.
1. W7 has 'high DPI' settings that allow you to make icons and controls larger without losing screen resolution.
2. The on-screen keyboard is re-sizable and movable (finally), has a numeric keypad, had word prediction (!) and a scanning mode.
3. Magnifier now has keyboard hot keys, full screen magnification, a 'lens mode' and color inversion.
4. The built in speech recognition has an improved recognition engine and a 45 second buffer that it uses to determine which word it picks based on context. Unlike Dragon, it has no scripting or dedicated libraries.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Autism on NOVA ScienceNOW
NOVA ScienceNow did a nice 12 minute piece on Autism last week. To see the webpage and view the segment from the show, click here.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thomas the Tank Engine & Autism
I admit it. I like Thomas the Tank Engine. I watch it (from time to time) and I like it. Now, Thomas is helping out with Autism. Check out CNN's report by clicking here.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Autism and Adulthood on NPR
Cathy Pratt, Director of the Institute’s Indiana Resource Center for Autism and Chair of the Autism Society of America (ASA) Board of Directors, was featured on WMAU 88.5 public radio for NPR in the greater Washington D.C. area. Pratt, Sondra Cunningham, President, Autism Society of America, District of Columbia Chapter, and Linda H. Davis, President, SAGE Crossing Foundation, were guests on the Kojo Nnamdi Show, which offers coverage of local, national, and international events. Discussion topics addressed the status of current services and supports for persons on the autism spectrum and what those services and supports should look like in the future.
To listen to the interview, click here.
To listen to the interview, click here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April is Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. It is known as the puzzling disability and interferes with social interactions, sensory processing, and ways of communicating.
Autism Society of America statistics:
- 1 in 150-166 births
- 1 to 1.5 million Americans
- Fastest-growing developmental disability
- 10 - 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s:
- U.S. population increase: 13%
- Disabilities increase: 16%
- Autism increase: 172%
For more information, check out the Autism Speaks ASD Video Glossary at: Autism Speaks
Autism Society of America statistics:
- 1 in 150-166 births
- 1 to 1.5 million Americans
- Fastest-growing developmental disability
- 10 - 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s:
- U.S. population increase: 13%
- Disabilities increase: 16%
- Autism increase: 172%
For more information, check out the Autism Speaks ASD Video Glossary at: Autism Speaks
Monday, January 05, 2009
New Speech Language Blog
Here's a new Speech Language Pathology blog that looks pretty nice! Check it out!
Monday, December 15, 2008
December AT-FYI available
The latest and greatest December AT FYI is available now!
This issue includes info on spelling and writing aids, handheld electronic dictionaries, online dictionaries, voice recognition, spellers and future events.
This issue includes info on spelling and writing aids, handheld electronic dictionaries, online dictionaries, voice recognition, spellers and future events.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Really Cool World Map Site
Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject of interest. For example, there are maps showing literacy levels, CO2 emissions and religious distribution (christians vs muslims for example).
There are now nearly 600 maps! It's a very cool site to look at one country's subjects, or how the world sees one particular subject.
There are now nearly 600 maps! It's a very cool site to look at one country's subjects, or how the world sees one particular subject.
Monday, November 17, 2008
New AT FYI Available
The Region 5/7 AT Committee has released the November '08 AT FYI! To download the PDF, click here.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Want to download pre-made Boardmaker boards?
You can sign up at adaptedlearning.com and download Boardmaker boards that other users have uploaded for public use. If you're a Boardmaker user, it's a must see!
Monday, November 03, 2008
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