Amy Ratajczak, a speech-language pathologist, explains how assistive technology helps students with reading comprehension, decoding, and fluency so they can access grade-level text independently.
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Published August 29, 2019
Tag: assistive technology
Published May 14, 2019
EXPERT INSIGHTS: Assistive Technology Personalizes the Learning Environment
Scott Richards, Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist, shares the low-to-high tech solutions and strategies that help students with disabilities reach their potential.
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Published March 14, 2019
“You Name It, We’re Using It”
Kim Mountjoy, lead teacher for vision services in Metro Nashville Public Schools, is an itinerant supervisor who supports teachers who serve students directly. She shares how teachers in her district help students with reading barriers and other challenges.
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Published February 27, 2019
How Bookshare is Closing the Literacy Gap in Alaska (Part 2)
In Part 1, we learned how Mystie Rail, Executive Director of Assistive Technology of Alaska, provides resources for Alaskans with disabilities. In Part 2, we learn how high school student LenaMarie leverages Bookshare, Voice Dream Reader, and other resources to succeed in her classes. LenaMarie is seventeen and lives in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) which lies 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle. She was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia and also experiences anxiety. School was very challenging, and she often felt like a failure. Her parents urged the school to provide more accommodations like assistive technology (AT) and accessible instructional…
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Published February 25, 2019
How Bookshare is Closing the Literacy Gap in Alaska (Part 1)
This two-part blog describes Alaska’s approach to providing assistive technology resources to support reading and the positive effect on people with disabilities In 2000, Mystie Rail moved to Anchorage, Alaska, for what she thought would only be one year. Nineteen years later, she still resides in Alaska administering assistive technology support services throughout the state. Mystie is the Executive Director of Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), a nonprofit organization that provides accessible and cost-effective technology solutions that promote independent living and success for residents with disabilities “from twinkle to wrinkle,” says Mystie. Alaska’s geographic, linguistic, economic, and cultural diversity present challenges to…
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Published April 18, 2018
The Secret to Getting Reluctant Readers Hooked on Books
In Part I, “The Crazy Reading Ladies” explained how they turned Horace Mann Middle School into the school that reads, and in Part 2, they discussed how assistive technology enhances the reading experience and delivers social and academic benefits. In Part 3, “The Crazy Reading Ladies” share tips to get kids reading, favorite books and authors, and more student success stories. Teachers are incredibly resourceful and creative when it comes to helping students thrive in school. Erin and Mary, affectionately known as “The Crazy Reading Ladies” by their students, have honed their tried-and-true techniques for converting reluctant readers to bookworms. Top…
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Published April 11, 2018
Ebooks and Assistive Technology Are Gateways to Reading
In Part 1, “The Crazy Reading Ladies,” Erin O’Leary and Mary Cotillo, explain how they turned Horace Mann Middle School into the school that reads. In Part 2, “The Crazy Reading Ladies” discuss how assistive technology (AT) enhances the reading experience and delivers social and academic benefits. This blog is part two of a three-part series. Which reading tools and devices do your students prefer? Erin: We are incredibly fortunate that our school has implemented a 1:1 Chromebook program. This has allowed our kids to remain logged in to their Bookshare and Capti accounts throughout the day without having to…
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Published February 23, 2018
Heard it Through the Tweetvine
Teachers and parents share how Bookshare helps remove reading barriers for students We love our members – and the teachers, parents, and other caring individuals who support our members. We celebrate every success of every student who overcomes reading barriers with the help of Bookshare and assistive technology. And, since good news is meant to be shared, here are some recent tweets that celebrate reading success. Tweets from Teachers From @allinreading: In recent days I’ve been sitting back watching my 6th graders log on to @CaptiVoice and @Bookshare independently. They are reading at home and in school. They are talking…
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Published November 15, 2017
San Diego Sets the Bar High for Serving Special Education Students
District has 700 Bookshare sponsors, over 1,800 student members, and has downloaded 10K+ books San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), the second largest in California, has a winning formula when it comes to serving students in special education. Their approach has evolved over the years as technology and digital educational resources have also evolved. Corey Straily, an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist, recently shared the secrets to SDUSD’s success. The SDUSD Landscape First, some quick facts: SDUSD has 131,252 students in 226 educational facilities, 26% are English learners, 59% are eligible for free or reduced meals, and 11%, or 14,787 students,…
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