Exploring AT Options? Check Out These Apps!

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Exploring AT options or looking for good apps for your kids?  Effectively finding and utilizing the best technology is easier said than done.

Luckily, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has recently stepped in to alleviate the problem, releasing a number of time-saving resources to help you locate the best apps for your students.

To get started, use these articles.

Assistive Technology: 10 Tips to Help Your Child Work Around a Learning Disability

There’s an app for that! But is it right for you?

Learn what to consider. Familiarize yourself with the latest available technology. Share your recommendations or reviews in comments.

Explore the Tech FInder at Understood.com

Check out the NCLD’s top mobile app picks for specific learning disabilities:

Apps to Help Students With Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties

Apps to Help Students With Dyscalculia and Math Difficulties

Apps to Help Students With Dysgraphia and Writing Difficulties

Apps for Students With LD: Organization and Study

From the International Dyslexia Association, IDA:

Dr. Elaine Cheesman’s App Chat: Word Games and Logic Puzzles

More Apps

(Not an endorsement) – just a listing for you to check out.

50 Best iPad Apps for Users with Reading Disabilities

Apps for Literacy Support – Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities – University of Michigan Dyslexia Help

13 of the best special needs apps of 2012

A comprehensive listing of  iPad apps and iBooks from the Texas Computer Education Association TCEA.

Another listing: 10 Free iPad apps for Children with Special Needs

Top 10 ipad Apps for Special Education

Apps, digital games, and other technology products promise lots of skill building. But are those products any good? “Academic experts say teachers and parents are often left to determine educational value.” Learn more about Evaluating Quality in Digital Reading Products from Education Week.

Smart Apps for Special Needs

More Apps for Children with Special Needs

Recommendations or Reviews

Do you have a recommendation or a review of apps you or your kids like – or don’t like?  Why? Why not?

Please share your comments.

  1. My son has dyslexia and dysgraphia. We have a 504 which I think is sufficient if he has proper accommodations since we have him independently one-on-one tutored by a Barton tutor twice a week. It has taken the school a long time to approve and actually get him our requests (over 2 months for Co:Writer and still waiting). I’ve asked for and been ignored for the process of parents requesting assistive tech. I’ve recently asked for a list of already approved software so I don’t have to wait on a lengthy approval process. We’ll be asking for more (text-to-speech options). How do I get the school to provide information on the process, and do they have unlimited time to meet these requests?

    • Unfortunately, students, & parents have fewer rights under 504. Every district is to have a 504 coordinator. If you have not already contacted them you can do so. You can also take complaints, concerns up the chain of command.

  2. Taking an iPad out of the equation for a moment, are there any software packages out there for Assistive Technology devices such as Touch Screen Desktops that are Windows 7. 8, or 10 based?

    • I think the best places to check are the disability services offices mostly at state schools- especially the larger schools that service more students. You will see the many options and resources available in AT.

    • When my child needed AT support, we first explored AT support at large state colleges with well staffed disability support programs at large colleges. My child was introduced to the top of the line AT and had free access or mostly free access to AT devices, technology laptops, etc. The local school district had no knowledge of best practices with AT support. We had to do the legwork and take the “steering wheel” with AT. We attended AT workshops and conferences. Most school districts do not keep up with AT or train or have qualified staff. I was told this by the AT person at my child’s school. I had to educate the AT person in the school district on AT for my child. I focused on my child’s goals toward college with appropriate AT support towards that goal.

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