Soft Clothes

Recently I saw a post on the QIAT list about an interesting piece of low-tech AT.  While I guess not specifically AT, it is interesting and might be useful to students with sensory issues.


Soft Clothes are a brand of clothes that are stylish and fun with super soft fabric, no labels, and special tailoring like seamless underwear.  Here's what the designer says about the line:

Itchy, clingy, stuffy clothes are a nightmare for any little one—but when a child is Autistic, has ADHD or is extra sensitive to texture, the discomfort can be debilitating. Enter Soft Clothing. Using specially developed fabrics and tailoring, this label makes kids happy with comfy apparel that looks great, too. 

I like that there are quite a few choices including dresses and a blazer for a boy.  Definitely worth checking out if you have a child with sensory issues.


Patrick

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Easy Book Adaptations

I picked up a PDF recently on how to adapt books. It's a simple, low-tech way to create more accessible books for all students. All it requires is a copy of the book, some zip-top bags, a stapler, and some tape. Have fun adapting books!

Adapting Books

Patrick

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Word Walls - for students with disabilities

I've mentioned before that I'm pretty much a geek (and yes I'm OK with it!), so my blog definitely takes a more technological edge, but AT does not have to be high-tech. There are many examples of low-tech ways to increase student participation, and interest. One such way that I use in my classroom is the Word Wall.

Word Walls are a great low-tech way to increase literacy and sight word recognition for all students. I've found that students with disabilities actually enjoy many of the activities associated with working with word walls. The action of spelling words in different ways, the games you can play and the thrill of "reading" a book for possibly the first time.

Creating a word wall for students with disabilities does require some work. Just like any word wall you need to prepare the words. I prefer to print out the words, cut around them, and paste onto construction paper. I like the way it highlights the different parts of the words, but you can create them any way you would like.













I also include a picture from Boardmaker on each of the words. Many of the words you can't find in Boardmaker, so I found the closest idea. Here's a Boardmaker file of the words that I use in my word wall lessons: Word Wall Words & Word Wall Words 01. The words are based off the ReadingA-Z websites high frequency word books.

There is one final modification that I do to make sure students have an opportunity to show understanding. In creating pictures that represent the words, it's easy to see what students know and understand. I can show students the word if they pick the correct picture it shows they can "read" the word. It allows students to read a sentence by picking the correct pictures. I've even created folders for students to store their learned words.

Here are some links to lesson ideas for creating activities for word wall. And it is very easy to find activities on Google.

Word Wall Ideas

More Word Wall Ideas

Please feel free to share any of your word wall ideas in the comments!

Patrick

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PODD & Partner Assisted Communication

Partner Assisted Communication is a technique developed and promoted by Linda Burkhardt and Gayle Porter. The basic idea behind the system is receptive vocabulary. A student is asked a series of questions about a page and the partner looks for a affirmative response. This type of system is perfect for students who are physically challenged and cannot use a dynamic display device, or for any student who is non-verbal. It is low-tech, requiring only paper, and a binder to hold it.

One such system is Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) developed by Gayle Porter. This system is a very organized way to use Partner Assisted Communication. The partner systematically asks the student a series of questions to navigate from page to page. The page numbers are listed on every button, as well as color coded to assist the partner.

This is a great communication system for all students who are starting out, and need a system fast. Here are several more resources about PODD:


Partner Assisted Communication Strategies for children who face multiple challenges

PODD Communication Books


Patrick