Adaptations

Children can hear a story read to them on the computer by pressing a switch to turn the page. With customization of the software, they can also interact with characters and objects on the screen through their switch.

For children who use a touch tablet, picture overlays can be made which correspond to parts of a book. Children can retell a story by indicating the sequence with a press on the appropriate picture. Original stories can also be created through picture choices on overlays. In this way all children are able to participate in literacy activities in the classroom.

• Discover:Kenx

  An adaptive interface for the Macintosh available from Don Johnston, Inc., which allows touch tablet and switch access through customized setups

  
  
  

• IntelliKeys

  An adaptive touch tablet available from IntelliTools, which can be used with Macintosh or IBM computers to allow access to software through customized overlays.

Assistive Technology Resources

CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology

http://www.cast.org/
Excellent resource site for special education technology with links in the areas of organizations, shareware,articles, vendors, publications, and web authoring information.

Apple - K-12 Education - Disability Resources

http://www.apple.com/disability/text.html
Links to a variety of information on assistive technology products, software, chat rooms, and Web access for people with disabilities.

Integrate Computers in the Early Childhood Curriculum

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/integrate.computers.html
Article by Bernadette Caruso Davis and Daniel Shade which discusses integration issues and gives curriculum examples; links to educational forums and related articles.

DREAMMS for Kids: Directions- Technology in Special Education

http://www.dreamms.org/news.htm Variety of articles and information on adaptive equipment and applications for young children.

Don Johnston, Inc.

http://www.donjohnston.com Product information and classroom and home tips for using technology with children with disabilities.

IntelliTools

http://www.intellitools.com Product information, an area for sharing IntelliTools activities and overlays, and links to other on-line resources.

RJ Cooper's Software, Hardware, and Services

http://www.rjcooper.com/ Descriptions of software and adaptive equipment products for children with disabilities.

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