Virtual Learning for students with significant disabilities

Hey Tek-ninjas! If you live in Virginia and you are interested in assistive technology or education, likely you've heard of Old Dominion University's Training & Technical Assistance Center, aka: T-TAC.

If not, let's correct this now!

T-TAC "is part of a statewide network of assistance centers that are designed to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities (birth-22 years)". T-TAC provides training and technical assistance to educators and therapists to generate improved educational opportunities for children with developmental delays in Virginia. They do good work!

Yesterday I received an email with some really great resources to facilitate Virtual Learning for students with significant disabilities. Virginia, like many states has closed schools state wide for several weeks. 

I thought it might be useful to share these resources here. If you read this, and have other suggestions, please don't hesitate to add them to the comments section below. 

· Looking for leveled reading? Try these free resources for teachers:
· Epic!
· Newsela

· Are you using Tar Heel Reader? Need a tip for how to share selected books with your students? Create a favorites list of the books you want your students to read. Open the favorites page. Copy the link and share with students and families.

· For switch access training (students can use a switch, space bar, and/or mouse click), try these free resources:
· Priory Woods
· Helpkidzlearn (free games)
· Shiny Learning

· Online Academic Activities

· ​Sheppard Software
· CK12
· Freckle
· Brain Pop
· Mystery Science
· ABCya

· Digital Books:
· Storyline Online
· Special Bites for YouTube Videos (gives switch access)

· Remember, learning can come in many forms. Take advantage of everyday activities and opportunities:
· Read to kids
· Take a walk and talk about nature, shapes, count items, sounds, etc.
· Work on social skills during play
· Let children help write grocery lists, to do list for the day, etc.

For additional resources and information, please check out the Focus Areas pages on the T-TAC ODU website. You can also access their previous newsletter articles and other publications.

Wash your hands, and happy therapy!!