There’s a Solution for That! Apps, Tools, & Strategies to Ensure ALL Children are Successful!

Goals of the Day Overview of MITS Introduce a variety of Strategies and Tools to improve learner outcomes Discuss iPad Accessibility Features Expose participants to various Apps to address learner variability

Resources: Freedom Stick Software MITS Resource DVD (including FS Tutorials) MITS Lending Library Membership Info MITS Critical Elements No/Low Tech iPads!

During the 2009–2010 school year, Michigan students with IEPs lost days of instruction due to suspensions and expulsions.

Assistive Technology – What is it? Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

District Obligations: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. Each public agency must ensure that assistive technology be considered for every student who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If the IEP team determines assistive technology is necessary, the school must provide the devices and/or services regardless of availability or cost.

Consideration in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) The IEP team must consider the following for the student (check boxes to indicate consideration): [ ] The communication needs of the student. [ ] The need for assistive technology devices and services for the student.

What are the questions that the IEP teams needs to ask when considering assistive technology? Talk to Your Neighbor:

Potential Questions the IEP Team Should Ask: What specific tasks in this area are difficult or impossible at this time at expected level of independence? What environments will the student be interacting in? What strategies (accommodations & tools) are currently being used to lower barriers? Are there continuing barriers when the person attempts the task? If the student is currently using AT, is the AT adequate to address the new goals and objectives? Does the student need AT to access and progress in the general education curriculum? Could AT help the student work more independently

The MITS Lending Library contains assistive technology that is available to Michigan’s PK-12 public schools for short-term (8 weeks) trial use for students with disabilities.

Universal Design for Learning: Critical Elements: – Clear Goals – Inclusive, Intentional Planning – Flexible Methods & Materials – Timely Progress Monitoring

Freedom Stick Literacy Teacher Tools No/Low Tech Tools Math Pre-School

To panel board main Open Office – Writer; Math Firefox Browser Utilities – Virtual Magnifier; Desktop Zoom Curriculum Supports – Periodic Table; Typefaster Reading & Writing Supports – Balabolka; X-Mind; Sage; Audacity

How would you use the tools you just saw to assist students in your classroom? Talk to Your Neighbor:

To panel board main Voice Thread DropBox WatchKnowLearn iPevo Camera Rubistar

To panel board main Sugru Wikki Sticks Whiteboards Tabs – Books ; Stop & Go File Folders

How would you use the tools you just saw to assist students in your classroom? Talk to Your Neighbor:

To panel board main Read Outloud Inspiration/Kidspiration Ghotit Natural Reader TextAloud

To panel board main Virtual Manipulatives Shodor iTunes U

How would you use the tools you just saw to assist students in your classroom? Talk to Your Neighbor:

To panel board main Preschoolprintables.com Kindersite.org Pogoboards.com Icontalk.com Dotolearn.com Tarheelreader.com