PATINS PROJECT -Rapid Fire-

For some, the school year is winding down for others there is quite a bit left.  Regardless, it is a good time to look at summer camps!

Through the National Federation for the Blind students can attended the BELL Program – Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning   The goal of the program is to provide 2 weeks of Braille instruction enrichment to children ages 4-12 who are blind or have low vision.  The program runs from Monday through Friday for six hours a day and incorporates all of the great summer camp activities like:  crafts, games, projects and field trips.  All of these activities will be related to the NFB BELL curriculum.  THE DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP IS MAY 15th! 

Click here for more details!                     Link for sign-up.

Here are some other links to articles with lists of summer camps for students with disabilities in Indiana.

Friendship Circle Blog list of summer camps

Indiana Resource Center for Autism Summer 2012 Camps and Programs

I get asked all the time, “What is your favorite app?”  In general it depends on what is supposed to be accomplished.  That said, I try a lot of apps!  I do have some that I really like.  I hope that I can highlight some that will help you.  So, to this end, I will be posting an app each time I blog.  This first one is a blockbuster!

Native Numbers  $4.99 

Native Numbers is a completely complete way of learning what a number is and what it represents.  Students will first work with rods, no numbers.  They will be asked to “touch one”.  They will then see a square white rod and will need to touch it to make it continue.  They will then see a rod called 2 (appropriately sized), 3 and 4.  Then they are given the rods in sets of 2 and asked to touch the one that is named.  This goes on through nine.  Once completed they are introduced to sets.  The next lesson reviews and then has them compare rods and sets.  Finally the 4th lesson introduces numerals.  Though the scope of the app they will work with tallies, counting up, counting down and counting on.  The final group of lessons involve demonstrating mastery.  I thoroughly enjoyed the process and would love to see it applied to foreign language, science and anything else the developers at Native Brain can come up with!

Have a great week!

I find many things on line, in blogs I read and in my email.  This is just an eclectic group of things I’ve been keeping to pass along.

A new update to the Kindle app came to my iPhone this week.  It is now compatible with VoiceOver.

Update: National Federation of the Blind comments on Amazon Kindle App: https://nfb.org/national-federation-blind-comments-amazon-kindle-app

Michigan State University is proud to present an exciting college transition program for high school students with disabilities. The Venture program invites students ages 16-18 to join us for a unique on-campus pre-college experience. Venture offers students the chance to “try on” university life through an interactive experience at MSU. This experience will benefit all students, regardless of whether they are planning on attending a 2 or 4 year college.

Students will:

• Talk directly with current MSU students with disabilities who have “been there” and understand the journey
• Consult with university disability specialists to learn skills for college
• Experience firsthand the latest assistive technology through breakout sessions during the program
• Attend a college class, stay two nights in an accessible residence hall, and build connections with other high school students with disabilities
• Become aware of self-advocacy skills and resources for a successful transition
• Develop a long-range goal that includes a vision of higher education

Learn more and apply now at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/programs/project-venture!

Do you have information you would like to see in this blog?  Let me know.  Post a comment or send me an email.   sepatins@ciesc.k12.in.us

Which is better for students, low tech or high tech?

This is not a standard question to guide your meditation, like “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” but for my mind it works just as well.   So many answers, all right or wrong depending upon the situation.  Consider this example:  A student is having difficulties accessing text.  They can’t see it well enough.  What to suggest?  Zoom Text? iPad? Large Print Texts?  In this case, a slant board was all that was needed.  The student did not have sufficient mobility to manipulate a text to the optimum reading position.  Going high tech would be overkill.  Same question different student, only now it is vision related.  The student can not decode text at the size printed in a standard text book.  Now the questions regarding high tech are appropriate.  This is where the case conference committee must look at what is the least restrictive option for that student.  What options do we have to create an environment where a student’s disabilities become inconsequential. The lowest tech option in this case would be large print, but does that create an environment with the least restrictions?  While it is hard to imagine a big book causing harmful effects, it is easy to understand where it might cause some restrictive differences.  Some to consider are:

• Decreased access to full instructional opportunities;
• Diminished access to the full range of the curriculum;
• Lack of opportunities for social interaction;
• Decreased self-esteem;
• Stigmatization; and/or
• Isolation from peers in the educational setting.

The following is a direct link to the form a case conference committee must fill out prior to the determination of large print as the needed specialized format(s) is appropriate for the student.

http://www.icam.k12.in.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28&Itemid=34

Helping educators to make these decisions by allowing students to try some of the higher-tech solutions available is one of the services the PATINS Project provides.  The Coordinators are always willing to work through meditative debates with educators so that the students receive the education they deserve.

Are you an educator who is using technology to support innovative inquiry-based teaching and learning activities in their classrooms.

Matthew Callison, who helps run the Jacobs Educator Award Program at Indiana University, Bloomington recently posted this opportunity:

The Jacobs Educator Award Program at Indiana University Bloomington recognizes K-12 teachers across the United States who are using technology to support innovative inquiry-based teaching and learning activities in their classrooms.

Each selected Jacobs Educator will receive:

• $1500 stipend at the end of their one-year appointment,
• $1000 to be used to purchase technology resources to support their teaching,
• funds to support travel to Indiana University in order to participate in periodic events throughout the year.

Applications are now open and we are accepting applications until July 15.

Learn more: http://education.indiana.edu/jacobs

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Are you a family member, teacher, therapist or other service provider struggling with the complexities of autism? Need help solving the puzzle? This series of autism trainings was designed for you!

Know Your ABC’s + Technology and Autism

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 8:30 AM – to - Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 4:00 PM (EDT)

Indiana Wesleyan Education and Conference Center
3777 Priority Way S Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Registration and More Information 

There is a new switch access device for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch from RSL Steeper in the PATINS library.  The Pererro is very small, but has some great features (per RSL Steeper)

• Works with almost any VoiceOver enabled app
• Plug & Play
• Two scan modes; Auto Increment & Press to Increment, enabling you to continue using your preferred scanning method
• Direct input so no Bluetooth battery drain
• Powers directly from your device
• 3.5mm mono jack socket for universal switch input
• ‘Charge through’ ability to charge your device without disconnecting
• Just 36 × 29 × 9 mm

By downloading the free Pererro app (iTunes Store) you can customize the features and settings so that when the Pererro is moved from device to device it will interact with the app to apply individualized settings.

A couple of teachers and I tried it on an iPad and had success in navigating both on the home screens and within some apps.  If it sounds like something you would like to try, contact your PATINS coordinator.  We have them to lend out!

Did your district receive a special ed improvement grant?  Contact your Coordinator regarding your specific training needs.

See you at the EXPO!

Productivity is one of those words thrown around in society that act like a non-specific band-aid for fixing whatever is wrong.  If we increase student productivity…  Teachers need to use their time more productively…  and so on.  Sometimes increasing productivity requires increasing stimulation.  While researching this week’s tip I came across the focus@will site.  www.focus@will.com    The site streams music that is picked to increase productivity.  It has tips running along the bottom, and 8 different genres of music to run in the background.  Listening to music without lyrics works really well for me.  The trick in a classroom is to find a music style that suits the students that need it while not disturbing the ones that don’t.  In this way it becomes yet another tool in your UDL tool box!

This is what I was listening to while writing.

I started out researching “SpeakIt”, a free app on the Chrome Web Store.  For those using the web browser Chrome, once installed, this app will translate all highlighted text to speech while on the internet.  SpeakIt adds a speaker button to the right of the bookmark star just outside of the URL address box on the Chrome browser.  The user just needs to highlight the selection to be spoken and press the speaker symbol.  The pictured box will appear and read.  To get this app, go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/home  search SpeakIt in the search window and follow the instructions.  While I would not recommend this app for all text to speech needs, it is free, easy to download and can be used in some non-essential ways.  One of my favorites is for proofreading.  I will let the computer read what I have written while I listen for content.

So how did one thing lead to the other?  I pulled up this article http://edudemic.com/2013/04/cycle-of-productivity/ ”This Is The Modern Cycle of Productivity” by Katie Lepi on Edudemic.  I was testing SpeakIt for this post.  It is a quick fun article and lead me to focus@will.  Try the app on the article and you will notice that the graphic will not read.  That is because it is just a picture of the original graphic.  This is an issue that has been discussed and will continue to be discussed when looking at truly accessible reading material.

Don’t forget that it is Autism Awareness Month.  The Appy Mall as well as Appolicious have been listing several free and reduced autism apps!

See you at the PATINS Tech Expo!

PATINS 2013 Tech Expo

Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Fountains
502 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN  46032

In the case of a zombie apocalypse it would be important to have a stockpile of things you would need to survive.  The school year is no different.  Time and money are limited commodities.  According to apple.com there are over 300,000 *apps.  It is getting hard to sort through them.  There are several ways to search for the app you need.  Here are some sites that are categorizing and rating apps (android too) that can help you save time finding what you need.

• http://www.appolicious.com/
• www.freeapps.org/
• http://www.appymall.com/#
• http://theappyladies.wordpress.com/
• http://appadvice.com/appnn

17 Days until PATINS Tech Expo!

Check out the CIESC Newsletter here:  http://www.ciesc.k12.in.us/

Let me know some of your favorite sites for searching for apps!  I know I missed some good ones.

See you at the Expo!

Sandi

 * as of 3/26/2013 Mac User Magazine reports - Apple’s iOS App Store passes 800,000 available apps by KENNY HEMPHILL on MARCH 26, 2013

mrrrrr apps! (Zombify Me – app used for picture)

There are several adjectives that describe March, the one I’m going to use today is…BUSY!

Tuesday, State Project Director, Daniel McNulty and I will be hosting PATINS TV at 11:45 – 12:00.  This week we will be talking about PATINS conferences.  They are two very different conferences.  The Tech Expo is just around the corner on April 18th.  The program description is posted here, http://www.patinsproject.com/images/stories/vendorpresentationdescriptions.pdf in pdf form, and as a downloadable epub on the PATINS Project home page www.patinsproject.com  The fall conference is scheduled for November 4th and 5th.  For more information check out the PATINS Project home page and take a look at the flyer and call for presentations at http://www.patinsproject.com/images/stories/2013stateconf.pdf  This episode will hopefully illuminate the different aspects of Assistive Technology (AT) and the role that it plays in creating a curriculum rich in Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) which as we know is critical for the achievement of all students.

As many districts continue to research and prepare proposals for the Indiana Special Education Improvement Grant the PATINS Coordinators are excited about the role we get to play.  One of the things I love to remind corporations is that PATINS’ services are always FREE.  That includes training.  The only thing that costs is the admission to the fall conference.  We have been doing lots of iPad training recently.  With so many teachers using this tool, I’d love to hear some of the great uses you have found for it.  Maybe it is a quick tip, like how to take a picture with the volume control on the earbuds or a way they have worked within your classroom.  Send me a quick note, sepatins@ciesc.k12.in.us I’ll pass it on!

With ISTEP, spring break, basketball, mid-terms, 3rd quarter report cards and the regular daily activities taking up your time, you may be wondering, “How much more can we cram into one month?”  My feeling is, “We will never know if we don’t try!”  Hang in there!

For more on utilizing your iPad as a tool in your classroom go to: http://smahlworldindustries.edublogs.org/2013/03/17/what-is-this-madness/

PATINS TECH EXPO 2013!  REGISTRATION is OPEN!   This year’s Tech Expo will take place on April 18, 2013 at the Fountains in Carmel, IN.  Once again, there is NO REGISTRATION FEE for Attendees!  AND, your lunch is on PATINS and your parking is FREE.

• Register to attend: www.surveymonkey.com/s/TechExpo2013
• Registers for Vendor or Not For Profit Booth Space:  www.surveymonkey.com/s/TechExpo13Booths

Parent/Family iPad Accessibility Evening:  Are you or do you know of a family in the South Bend, Indiana area who could benefit from an evening of Accessibility Training on the iPad?  Check into this free training opportunity on Feb. 26th at LOGAN, co-hosted by the PATINS Project and INSource.  Flyer Here: Parent iPad Night Flyer 2 26 13

iPad: Larger Text: Do you always or occasionally need to see your text larger on your iPad or iPhone or iTouch?  There are a couple of really simple options.  Check out this quick Video: Larger Text on iPad Video 

Follow PATINS on Facebook!  Our SW Coordinator, Sandy Stabenfeldt, does an awesome job of posting great articles, links, videos, and tools to the PATINS Facebook page!  Check it out and “LIKE” it today!   Just click here!   www.facebook.com/pages/PATINS-Project/355404557479?fref=ts

OK, so there’s no hiding the fact that I’ve been a nearly-hopeless blogger this Fall 2012.  But, I’m here today.   I’ll do my best to be here next Friday as well.  I hope that most readers/subscribers have stuck with me and in return, I’ll try hard to make up for lost posts in the coming weeks.

3rd Grade Braille Challenge Winner Video Interview:  This past August, I enjoyed the distinct privilege of interviewing Drew about his accomplishments, his use of AT and AIM in school and at home, his personal drive and his inspirational attitude!  There are two parts to this video interview, each approx. 25 min. in length.  Not only does Drew discuss the importance of assistive technology and accessible materials in his life, but he provides some fascinating insight into some aspects of being blind that many people may not think about on their own.  Drew has a passion for life that is unmistakable and a drive to succeed that is inspirational.  I want to be like Drew when I grow up!  

• Watch Part I & II Here:  http://bit.ly/patinstv
• Just choose “AIM & AT in Action!” from the Channels Drop-Down Menu!

AND, while were on the topic of Video:  Have you been watching the LIVE PATINS TV?   Jeff Bond and I are live for 15 minutes over lunch on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month (less holidays).  We’ve covered such topics as ePub Conversion of documents for iPad, AAC  Basics, UDL, Read:OutLoud, iBooks, VoiceOver and more!  We are currently in the middle of a multi-episode series on Video Modeling, Self-Modeling and Self-Operated Prompting.  HOWEVER,  The next episode on Dec. 18th will feature two very special guests as Jeff and I cheer from the sidelines!    On Dec. 18th, two VERY SPECIAL guests will take over!  Sandi, PATINS SE Coordinator and Kelli, PATINS SE Assistant: 

‘Tis the season for toys!  This episode will show viewers how to use assistive technology to meet the needs of their student or child by modifying every day toys. We will use low cost, no-tech to low-tech items on books and toys to allow children to find the JOYful independence that they constantly seek and deserve!  Today will be a temporary break from our mini-series on modeling, VSM, etc.

• Watch LIVE at 11:45 EST on Dec. 18th here: www.patinsproject.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=41
• Check out Archived Episodes of the past here as well:  www.patinsproject.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=41
• Send us suggestions for future Episodes Here:  www.patinsproject.com/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=3&Itemid=42   Challenge US!  Send us your most difficult questions.  Jeff can handle them!  ;)

ICAM Blog: Have you checked out Martha Hammond’s (ICAM Lib. Services Consultant) blog?  The ICAM Dispatch typically posts on Thursday afternoons, is well written and contains great information about all things ICAM, AIM, NIMAS, etc.  Check it out and subscribe to it for free, just like you do to this one.

• ICAM Dispatch: http://icam.edublogs.org 

UDL Tool: This isn’t a new tool.  In fact, many of you should be familiar with the paper version of it.  This is pretty neat, except that it is designed in FLASH, which makes it non-accessible!

• http://udlwheel.mdonlinegrants.org

Sp.Ed. Teachers & Evaluations:  Here’s a quick article on CEC’s  view of special education teacher evaluations:

• http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2012/10/states_must_tread_cautiously_o.html

Using Twitter: …to analyze presidential debates in your classroom:

• www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=5016 

Top 200 Special Ed. Apps: www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/10/top-200-special-education-apps.html

 See you next Friday!   

JUST A FEW HOURS left to register for the PATINS State Conference 2012 on Nov. 8-9. 

• The Presentation Schedule: http://bit.ly/PresentationGrid 
• Full Conference Booklet: http://bit.ly/FullBooklet 
• Register Online:  http://bit.ly/PATINSStateConf2012

National CASE Conference Highlights: I had planned to share some points from the CASE Conference today, but the conference is still going on the  2nds half of today and tomorrow, I will wait until next week.

iOS 6 Features Explained: Here’s a short video made by our friend Joseph Lee, demonstrating Text To Speech and Guided Access in the new iOS6 software for the iDevices.  Guided Access can be used to restrict a student to one app.  Generally speaking, I’m fairly anti-restriction, but I recognize that there are conditions which may required it.  Here’s the video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3hzwht1uoka9av7/Guided%20Access%20and%20Text%20to%20Speech.m4v

Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) “Simply Said” Video:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPIMlOJJkc

Sushi Monster Math App!  FREE:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sushi-monster/id512651258?mt=8