Not teaching with Readtopia or ReadtopiaGo, yet?
Pop into My Learning Liftoff to learn about all of the components of these two resources that deliver comprehensive literacy instruction to your learners with diverse learning needs, from Pre-K to Grade 12+.
Click the Learning Levels tab and choose the level: Elementary, Middel School or High School.
Choose Explore to see the sample resources for that level.
You can get descriptions of components and download some sample materials while you’re there, too!
New instructional modules in Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO get new teachers started, efficiently and easily. You’ll find them in the Literacy Instruction Resource Centre.
These short videos will jump-start your implementation. In two minutes or less, you’ll learn about the different components in each resource and why they are important.
Teaching with ReadtopiaGO? You may have noticed that Collections 3 and 4 of Year 2 are now available! Check out the newest engaging topics that accompany the four over-arching themes you are already familiar with: Learning About Me, Learning About Science, Learning About Life, and Learning About Social Studies.
As always, the team at Building Wings has done an incredible job creating beautiful, engaging books, containing both gorgeous artwork and breath-taking photos. We think there is a wonderful mix of fun and serious stories to support the many important topics.
For example, share the books, Grow Your Brain and A Brain Break for Elena to help young learners understand the importance of self-care for developing grit and resilience.
In the Life Cycles theme, children will learn that every plant begins life the same way, through the beautiful topic, Seed to Plant. The illustrations in One Small Seed have a unique, dream-like quality that will captivate young readers and educators alike!
In the book, The Givers of the World, children read about all the amazing gifts we receive from trees! Get lost in the forest as you explore these stunning photos of all the ways we benefit from trees.
We continue to appreciate the careful and deliberate choices Building Wings make around illustrations and photos. We think it will make you and your students smile to see and likely recognize themselves in the many different people looking out from the pages.
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One of the most exciting things our team learned at ATIA 2024 was from Building Wings, the company behind the literacy instruction solutions, Readtopia, Readtopia Go and Newstopia.
Beginning in the summer of 2024, the beloved free resource Tar Heel Reader — an online library of accessible books for beginning readers of all ages — will join forces with Building Wings, and relaunch as Monarch Reader. And yes everything educators of complex instructional needs students loved in Tar Heel Reader will still be free -- but better.
The Bridges gang with Don Johnston and Marisa Rodriguez of Building Wings at Karen Erickson's announcement of the new Monarch Reader at ATIA, 2024.
A Brief History of Tar Heel Reader
Founded in 2008 by Dr. Gary Bishop and Dr. Karen Erickson at UNC-Chapel Hill, Tar Heel Reader is a free online library with a vast collection of easy-to-read books for individuals with diverse learning needs. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces. Named as a nod to the university’s nickname, it is both a repository and easy to use creation tool for simple ebooks, accessible by switch, touch screens, eye gaze or other alternative access methods. Teachers, students, parents, therapists, friends and caregivers have created thousands of books in multiple languages, shared worldwide.
Karen Erickson chatting with Christy, Leanne and Kim from Bridges at ATIA 2024.
The Transition to Monarch Reader
With Building Wings, the site will be rebranded as Monarch Reader. What does this mean for users?
What’s Next?
As the summer of 2024 approaches, keep an eye out for the fresh look and feel of Monarch Reader that will make fostering inclusive literacy for all easier. A subscription with enhanced content and authoring tools ie expected to follow sometime in late 2024 – early 2025.
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As another year quickly comes to a close, we'd like to send a huge Thank You to all of our customers, partners, friends, and colleagues. It’s because of you that we can continue to deliver technology solutions, instruction, and support to individuals with diverse needs.
It’s been an extremely busy year at Bridges and our team will be taking a well-earned break too!
We'd also like to remind you that our offices close EOD (end of day) Thursday December 21st and reopens on Tuesday, January 2nd 2024. While we're away, you can continue to browse, shop, and enjoy our online resources. We will begin shipping orders as of the second week of January.
We wish you a wonderful Holiday season, and look forward to working with you in 2024!
]]>Just ask Perla Rodriquez, who saved the life of a 2-year-old who fell into a lake, by quickly administering CPR. Ms. Rodriguez is a graduate of Project SEARCH www.projectsearch.us , which focuses on helping and training young people with a range of different learning needs to find employment.
For individuals with cognitive challenges, learning and being certified to use an AED and the techniques of CPR can be difficult with traditional methods. In addition, many good jobs have CPR certification as a requirement. That’s why Cincinnati Children’s Hospital www.cincinnatichildrens.org with Project SEARCH created CPR and AED Basics.
As Erin Riehle, RN, MSN, director of Disability Services, founder of Project SEARCH, and co-inventor of Attainment’s AED toolkit explained, “this was a hurdle our members kept encountering. It’s just not that easy for everyone to achieve, not because they can’t perform CPR, but rather because the one-size-fits-all instruction and test requirements are a challenge for a number of people.”.
Performing CPR is a skill that almost anyone can learn. But most CPR courses are not designed for people with different learning needs. To earn CPR certification, a student must sit through hours of classroom instruction, understand written concepts, demonstrate chest compressions and take a test.
For those with special learning needs or for whom reading is difficult, passing this type of course can seem overwhelming.
The spark that ignited the project came from Angela Jackson, R.R.T., retired Cincinnati Children’s employee and a chance encounter with a genuine hero. “I met Perla Rodriquez… a Project SEARCH (PS) graduate from Georgia. She took an ‘adapted’ CPR course in her PS program to save the life of a 2-year-old.”
How many more people like Perla could also save a life?
Jackson collaborated with Riehle and other Project SEARCH staff (Tina Martin, M.Ed., and Maryellen Daston, PhD) to create the competitive board game with mannequins, game pieces and sorting cards that is a key component of the kit. This game helped users learn and practice CPR skills in preparation for certification in a fun, low-pressure way.
The Project SEARCH team brought their concept to Cincinnati Children’s Innovation Ventures, which helps employees develop ideas that have commercial potential. The goal -- license them to companies that can take them to market to benefit children and adults.
(Read more about the innovation process in this Cincinnati Children’s Inspire Magazine article at CPR kit - Inspire, June 2021.)
With inclusivity in mind, the team tested the design with many end users. Refinements to the final design included photos and graphics representing many races and abilities and cards are in large print for those with visual impairments. “What I like about it,” Riehle says, “is that the kit makes CPR concepts accessible to everyone.”
Attainment Company, an educational product company dedicated to helping people with disabilities succeed in school, work and life, recognized the potential of this innovative game.
“When we received the prototype, Attainment wanted to find a way to keep costs down and get the kit into as many hands as possible,” says Autumn Garza, president and CEO of Attainment. “To do so, we had the idea to put the AED device in an app format. However, our software team insisted that the entire toolkit become digitized to improve accessibility.”
The app now includes all aspects of the kit:
The kit is distributed in Canada by Bridges as CPR + AED Basics.
]]>Eye gaze just got a super fun upgrade!
Smartbox has just released Look Lab, a brand-new, comprehensive collection of 38 eye gaze accessible games and creative activities -- perfect for any user building and improving their access skills, even older students or adults!
Look Lab activities cover 12 different eye gaze skills, encouraging new users to engage with the screen in different ways.
Activities are organized into 5 different categories so users can find the perfect activity every time.
Activity options support all abilities and ages.
Easy mode provides a relaxed, exploratory experience.
Whereas Standard mode incorporates time and difficulty constraints for users with a competitive edge!
Either way, Look Lab makes learning the challenging skill of eye gazing a fun and enjoyable experience!
While Look Lab is designed for users of any age, the more mature look and feel of games and creative activities will be particularly appreciated by teens and adults .
This takes Look Lab beyond skill building. Entertaining games and mindfulness activities provide users with a variety of entertainment options for years to come!
Analysis tools and custom workbooks make recording evidence easy for care partners. Heat maps show progress and achievement by highlighting areas of access as well as responses to screen activity and verbal prompts.
The Look Lab Workbook and Activity Worksheets provide a structure for recording progress, setting objectives, and assessing engagement, independence and success for each session. Together, they provide support persons with vital information that can be used to develop meaningful and targeted programs for every user.
Accessibility considerations include improvements to user experiences as well as adaptations for any USB access devices like head pointers.
Look Lab has also provided increased autonomy to users by building in the ability to independently modify settings for control, appearance, restrictions, sound and display. It also allows for seamless access to the Grid 3 communication software.
Look Lab is available in a variety of languages including both English and French.
“Look Lab has helped me to focus, my looking has improved. I am quicker than before!” – Tolu
Meet Tolu and read about his experience with Look Lab!
Want to see Look Lab for yourself?
You can check out one or more of these short videos from Smartbox that introduces Look Lab, overviews the activities or demonstrates how Look Lab is used to build eye gaze skills. Or, just contact us for a free demo!
]]>At Bridges, we want to make sure every family has what they need to ensure they can ALL enjoy playing together this summer!
Whether it’s getting lost inside their own imagination in the backyard or passing the time in animated adventures with friends, we’ve got accessible toys for all kinds of different play!
Johnny the Tractor
No outdoor project is complete without Johnny the tractor! Durable enough for bumps and bounces, Johnny is equipped to accompany young farm lovers on their next garden adventure.
(Not suitable or recommended for wet environments.)
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What child doesn’t love summer bubble fun? Our oversized Blue Whale Bubble Machine generates tons of bubbles to chase, pop or watch float away at the press of a switch! Giggles guaranteed! |
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Host epic Dino Wars battles outside in their natural habitat! Our Stegosaurus and T-Rex are sure to delight any dino lover! |
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Take the raceway outdoors with our remote-controlled McLaren Senna and Lamborghini Sian. Car lovers are sure to get excited about showing off these classic beauties! |
All our switch adapted toys come with a 1-year warranty and boundless entertainment!
Creative outdoor play is limitless with Powerlink!
Powerlink 4 provides access to any electrical device with a single switch. Open a lemonade stand, cool off with a fan, play with pinwheels, help with the gardening or start a water fight for the ages! The summer fun possibilities are endless!
Check out this article with great ideas and directions for accessible summer activities with the Powerlink
These, incredibly durable switches are available in a variety of sizes, colours, resistance levels. The Piko’s can take a lot of abuse and can stand up to the rigours of outdoor use. There’s even a waterproof option! |
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This compact switch comes in a variety of colours and provides an auditory click and tactile feedback when activated. |
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With a large surface area, tactile and auditory feedback and colourful switch plates that allow you to customize with the colour of your choice, the Big Red Switch is a perfect choice for accommodating kids with all kinds of abilities! |
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A fantastic proximity sensor switch, available in 2 sizes. Both are highly sensitive switches that do not require physical touch to activate. |
To Download and Share this blog: CLICK HERE
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The Holiday Season is upon us !
As another year quickly comes to a close, we'd like to send a huge Thank You to all of our customers, partners, friends, and colleagues. It’s because of you that we can continue to deliver technology solutions, instruction, and support to individuals with diverse needs.
It’s been an extremely busy year at Bridges and our team will be taking a well-earned break too!
We'd also like to remind you that our offices close EOD (end of day) Thursday December 22nd and reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd 2023. While we're away, you can continue to browse, shop, and enjoy our online resources. We will begin shipping orders as of the second week of January.
We wish you a wonderful Holiday season, and look forward to working with you in 2023!
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Bridges has developed a series of inclusive coding kits to ensure that ALL students, including those with complex learning needs, are meaningfully involved in the important learning experiences that coding offers.
Our most recent kit, debug’d for Cubelets, has a particular focus on STEAM education skills.
Debug’d Inclusive Coding kits were born from what we, at Bridges Canada, believed to be a very big problem in classrooms across the country. Even though coding is increasingly recognized as an important part of the curriculum, not all students are being included.
Unfortunately, the design of many applications limits meaningful participation of many students:
And so, teachers often assign these students to passive roles where they watch their peers engage in fun coding activities, playing the role of the ‘end user’. In too many cases, these students were excluded entirely from the fun and learning.
But we believe that ALL students deserve to be creators and can be!
Another challenge we noticed, was that many teachers, themselves, were new to coding and were feeling ill-equipped to deliver instruction to all students.
Add to that, the need to adapt materials and strategies to include all students, and it quickly became clear that teachers would also benefit from some scaffolding.
We were determined to tackle these problems. We believe that, with the appropriate supports, strategies and scaffolding, ALL students can learn to code and their teachers can feel comfortable delivering this type of instruction.
We developed a series of inclusive coding kits that incorporate the principles of universal design so that the needs of all students are considered right from the beginning.
We developed a series of inclusive coding kits that incorporate the principles of universal design – debug'd! With debug’d the needs of all students are considered in the design of the curriculum, itself .
Cubelets are chunky magnetic blocks that can sense, think and act.
A way for all students to engage in STEAM activities, through hands-on experimentation, Cubelets provide an alternate way to approach learning by utilizing new tools and resources to tackle challenges and reach solutions.
Cubelets provide important opportunities for students to develop:
When students create and learn through hands-on experiences, they feel empowered and see themselves as inventors, builders, and creators. Such experiences provide increased confidence and a wide range of other benefits.
Cubelets size and magnetic connections make it possible to build countless robot creations. The debug’d kit has lots of elegant solutions for increasing accessibility.
Using a cookie sheet for storage (with or without braille labels) and/or for stabilizing robots as they are built.
The debug’d kit resources are the product of a UDL approach, and the Cubelet set includes cubes with auditory feedback as well as concrete, visual displays for measuring data strength.
debug’d lessons support connections to or building of background knowledge prior to introducing new skills.
Some lessons challenge students to build robots that mimic technology they experience in their lives (vehicles, light houses, alarms).
The reflection at the end of the lessons, as well as the extension activities, link new coding concepts to activities of daily living and to real world technology.
Through planning, testing, evaluating and modifying (known as debugging in coding) participants learn that failure is a fun and essential learning experience!
Debug’d kits concrete planning blocks and reference materials help with this essential process. Activity sheets in each lesson support documentation of students’ thinking, facilitating their debugging and finally, reflecting and sharing.
These materials support students to think critically and effectively problem solve as they practice and apply new concepts.
Students work in small groups, sharing Cubelets and some of the debug’d resources.
Lessons include individual, small group and large group activity. Tip sheets support communication challenges such as:
These, as well as the student activities, come in a variety of formats, both digital and print, to ensure that all students have access.
While working with Cubelets, students learn about important STEAM and learning to code skills, such as:
But they also learn vital coding to learn skills, such as perseverance, collaboration, the use of positional language, problem solving, categorization, communication and more!
Teachers new to Cubelets will appreciate:
To learn more about how you can include ALL students in STEAM education, check out our webinar, STEAMing into the School Year with Debug’d Coding.
Visit debugd.ca and request a set of sample materials.
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Widgit symbols have been used in Canada for education and health to support communication in English and French for more than a decade.
]]>We know that visual representation of ideas is an effective way to communicate new concepts and important information. We also know that using visual representation along with other formats such as verbal or text explanation increases the likelihood that the idea or information will be understood and remembered. This is true for people of all ages, but it is even more important for students who are non-readers and for those for whom English is a second language.
The Problem:
Finding just the right copyright free image is time consuming and is often not satisfying. Pictures found in internet searches:
How We Use Visuals:
In a childcare or classroom setting, there are many different opportunities for enhancing engagement by using visuals:
Visuals are also useful for communication with parents, especially when English is not a first language. Examples include:
Easy Access to Visuals:
Widgit Online, available through Bridges Canada, allows for the creation of visual materials in a web browser using over 20, 000 Widgit Symbols and hundreds of easy-to-use templates.
Download this free material on Feeling and Emotions Charts & Fans from Widgit Online.
Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, September 28th at 5:30 pm with staff from the Centennial Childcare Centre to learn about how they are using Widgit Online and about the positive impact it has had on their staff, their parents and their children.
]]>Many of these recommendations align with the Readtopia reading program.
We believe the important recommendations from RRIR have implications for ALL students’ right to learn to read. While decades of research have shown us what we need to do to give all students equal opportunity to learn to read, this knowledge rarely translates into classroom practice.
Implementing Readtopia, the comprehensive reading program for upper elementary, middle and high school students with complex needs, can help deliver the significant and important changes to early reading education the RRIR calls for.
Bridges has created a summary document that breaks down how the Right to Read Inquiry report recommendations for students who need Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction are aligned with Readtopia.
CLICK HERE to Download the Summary.
The Right to Read Inquiry report states that:
“A comprehensive approach to early literacy recognizes that instruction that focuses on word-reading skills, oral language development, vocabulary and knowledge development, and writing are all important components of literacy" (p. 9).
We understand that literacy is a lifelong skill that allows people to function and thrive in both school and in life. ALL students, including students with complex learning challenges, need to develop literacy skills that:
Two of the key requirements identified in the report are of particular importance for students with complex learning needs and their teachers:
It is critical to adequately prepare and support teachers to deliver this instruction.
And ongoing interventions for all readers with word reading difficulties.
Readtopia is a comprehensive instructional program developed for students with moderate to severe learning challenges of all ages who do not yet read and write.
Readtopia employs evidence-based approaches to teach literacy as part of integrated curriculum units that are rooted in engaging and meaningful social studies and science topics.
Delivered through an on-line subscription, Readtopia provides a comprehensive reading curriculum to develop foundational literacy skills for upper elementary, middle, and high school students with complex needs, including autism.
Students develop all the components of reading, including:
Lessons are structured to provide both whole and small group instruction. Students participate in activities involving speaking and listening to develop knowledge and acquire and use new vocabulary.
Readtopia includes the following lesson components:
Lessons have been written to support educators. Explicit instructions, with ideas about what to say and what to do, ensure that teachers who are new to teaching early literacy feel supported.
Bridges provides the critical support and professional development educators require for successful delivery of this instruction.
Contact Bridges to learn about how we’ve supported classrooms implementing Readtopia remotely and face-to-face.
To download the summary document that shows how the Right to Read Inquiry report recommendations align with Readtopia .
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Find here our schedule for closure over the holiday season.
The Holiday Season is upon us !
As another year quickly comes to a close, we'd like to send a huge Thank You to all of our customers, partners, friends, and colleagues. With your ongoing support, we continue to provide technology solutions, instruction, and support to individuals with diverse needs.
It’s been an extremely busy year at Bridges and our team will be taking a well-earned break too!
Our offices close EOD (end of day) Thursday December 23th and reopen on Tuesday, January 4th 2022. While we're away, you can continue to browse, shop, and enjoy our online resources.
We wish you a wonderful Holiday season, and look forward to working with you in 2022!
]]>
Re-engage students with math instruction that’s age-respectful, interesting and fun.
Act now and get Equals Mathematics or Debug’d Coding BEFORE December 15th and get the training you need for immediate implementation and results for savings from 22-37%.
]]>Equals Mathematics and Debug’d Coding curricula teach students math concepts and problem solving by using an array of tools and applying concepts to real life. Re-engage students with math instruction that’s age-respectful, interesting and fun.
Act now and get Equals Math or Debug’d Coding curricula at a special price. Plus the training you need for immediate implementation and results.
Equals and Debug’d: Dash and Dot feature group instruction and small group work that fosters the community, connection and communication so needed after months of isolation.
Our training program of short, responsive and incremental web workshops gets teachers immediately started with new curricula and supports them as their implementation grows.
1 Complete Equals Canadian 3rd Edition Curriculum Kit: $2995
Teacher Training:
“Equals Overview and Organization” interactive web workshop (up to 5 participants). Value: $375
Package Value: $3,370
Special Package Price Until December 15th: $2,695*
Save 22% or $675!
3 Complete Equals Canadian 3rd Edition Curriculum Kits:
Teacher Training:
Complete Equals Web Training Series; 4 sessions of 90 minutes each (see below for details). Value: $1500.
Package Value: $10,485.00
Special Package Price Until December 15th: $7,636*
Save 28% or $2,849
Debug’d: Dash and Dot Curriculum Kit : $350
Online Course 1 participant, one year. Value: $100.
=$450
Special Package Price Until December 15th: $350*
Save 23% or $100
5 Debug’d: Dash and Dot Curriculum Kits: $1,750
Online Course, 10 participants, one year. Value: $1,000
=$2,750
Special Package Price Until December 15th: $1,750*
Save 37% or $1000
Up to 12 participants
Value - $1500.00 ($375.00/90 minute interactive web workshop)
Value - $100.00/person/year
Bite sized web training modules:
*Not including shipping and applicable taxes.
]]>In this post we share real world experiences of ReaderPens deployments in elementary school to grade 12. Often this is when reading challenges first become apparent or a dyslexia diagnosis is applied. For young learners the timeliness and discretion of an intervention are critical factors to success.
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In this post we share real world experiences of ReaderPens deployments in elementary school to grade 12. Often this is when reading challenges first become apparent or a dyslexia diagnosis is applied. For young learners the timeliness and discretion of an intervention are critical factors to success.
Handheld devices that scan books or worksheets of text have been around for a very long time – since the mid 1990’s or so. But even scanners that have the form factor of a highlighter, can be a challenge for young users, with small hands, still building fine motor skills.
Unlike other pen scanners the C-Pen ReaderPens work easily and reliably. Where other devices, the speed of motion, angle of device, paper, lighting, bend in the book, all create issues for success, the C-Pen ReaderPens, just work.
Stacy Falconer a teacher at the Halton District School Board has observed:
"The pens are very intuitive, it was so fun to watch them open up a whole new set of opportunities. I have students who will offer to read aloud during a shared novel and it’s because they have got the ReaderPen, they can scan a word that they think might be difficult prior to having to share their thoughts, they just listen to it and continue going. There is not one student in my classroom who hasn’t improved in their reading levels dramatically, it’s just that tool that travels with them all the time and they have so much confidence in it that they don’t see it as an extension beyond their own brain, they see it as a part of their ability to read"
Simplicity of design makes this a robust solution in real world settings. Other portable tools on tablets or phones often rely on a connection to the cloud. The purpose built ReaderPen has all its functionality on board and ready in an instant at any time.
"I have utilized the ReaderPens with students in my school and love the fact that we don’t need Wi-Fi to use them. Their use has alleviated student anxiety, is a great tool to boost students’ confidence, and has allowed them to obtain a level of independence by using the text to speech ReaderPen to access printed content."
Susan Deley a SERT at Pelican Falls First Nation High School
Versatility and portability are very important to reduce the friction of using an intervention. An AT specialist in Calgary Alberta sees the ReaderPen as a complimentary tool to computer-based text to speech.
"It is not unusual to spot a student using text to speech software on their computer at our school. But, some content is difficult to present to students in a digital format.
Scanning textbooks, worksheets and novel studies is time consuming and not always feasible, not to mention that the formatting is not always kept intact. Using the ReaderPen at our school has given students greater independence and frees up Educational Assistant’s time for other students.
Cathi Graveline, Assistive Technology Specialist Foothills Academy
Jeff Hockett, a Resource Consultant for a school district in the Peterborough-Northumberland region of Ontario, supports students who have access to iPads, too. But his students chose to use the C-Pens to look-up definitions of words, decode larger, difficult words or even to check pronunciation because “the Scanning Pen is smaller and more convenient.”
Educators in Nova Scotia have noticed similar results.
“The ReaderPens have been a huge support to many of our at-risk students in elementary school. Students with learning disabilities are able to access content material and grade level work, that they normally would have difficulty accessing. Ease of use, portability and the durability of the ReaderPen are proving extremely beneficial in promoting student independence."
Leon Swinkels, Assistive Technology Specialist,
Halifax Regional Centre for Education
No matter how powerful, no tool can work if the user themselves, doesn’t believe in it. Students get hooked by the immediate success, that the ReaderPen delivers.
"The ReaderPen helped me while reading some books I was stuck on, I really struggled with books but now I can read books with lots of pages because of the ReaderPen”
Lily, Student, Halton DSB
"I can just scan a word on the page with the pen and it will read it to me perfectly and it sticks in my head”
Ryan, Student, Halton DSB
An educator, Kim MacKinnon found the ReaderPens “amazing” for her child diagnosed with Dyslexia. Using it just for words she found difficult the sense of pride and relief for Kim’s daughter were immediately apparent. When she told her mother, "I don't need you anymore Mommy, I can do it on my own,” Kim almost cried.
She went onto say:
I am also a teacher and Technology Integration Coach, and I only wish I had this product at my disposal to help some of my struggling readers when I was in the classroom! It would be a game changer for children who never feel success because they can't keep up with the class.
Recently, a teacher pointed out to one of our in-school assistive technology trainers that a laptop becomes very difficult to make workable in a math class.
Imagine a standard student desk. Now imagine a notebook, a big math textbook for reference and a handout with question, and a calculator or ruler, or protractor etc. then try to fit a laptop in the middle.
The ReaderPens make text to speech support possible and practicable in many school day scenarios that would challenge a laptop.
Natalie Walker, a teacher in Mississauga, has noticed how the ReaderPens have helped English Language Learners who now use it regularly in math too.
“they (the ELL students) have strong oral skills but not strong reading skills. It has been particularly helpful in math - where there is a lot of language content and once, they understand the question, they can do the activity"
We’ll leave the last word to a few of the many Canadian educators that have been a part of successful deployments of C-Pen ReaderPens as a key assistive technology to address reading challenges including dyslexia.
Our students love to use scanning pens as assistive technology for reading. They came highly recommended to us by an Educational Psychologist. The results have been amazing. Our students are now experiencing success with their reading and enjoy using ReaderPens.
Angela Levasseur & April Buck - Certified High School Resource Teachers Nisichawayasihk Neyo Ohtinwak Collegiate in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
“I had a grade 8 student, who is reading at a level 4, use the pen on Friday to access information from a Holocaust book. His grade 8 class is discussing the Holocaust and he has shown a great interest. He was excited to be able to "read" the book, and said, "That pen’s pretty cool!"
Resource Teacher - Simcoe County District School Board
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In this post we share real world experiences of Canadians using ReaderPens to support key lifelong learning transition stages: high-school to post secondary, college and university to the workplace, and adult learners upgrading skills for new careers.
Look for a future post that will profile middle-school students when often a reading challenge first becomes apparent, and the timeliness of an intervention is so important.
Even with the ubiquity of apps-in-the-cloud and laptops, computer based assistive technologies alone, might not have the flexibility high school or post-secondary students need. Particularly in programs that have work placements.
The self-contained, focused design of the ReaderPens makes it as inconspicuous as it is effective. That’s one of the key reasons we see consistently quick up-take of this assistive technology with high school students who might be resistant to any AT.
Susan Deley a SERT at Pelican Falls First Nation High School in Northern Ontario echoes observations we have often heard from educators in secondary schools who use the ReaderPens.
"…students in my school love the fact that we don’t need Wi-Fi to use them. Their use has alleviated student anxiety, is a great tool to boost students’ confidence, and has allowed them to obtain a level of independence by using the text to speech ReaderPen to access printed content."
For a student who is preparing a career with a lot of desk work, cloud or PC based assistive technology is a practical accommodation.
However, although textbooks in colleges and universities have become increasingly available in digital formats, reading materials in work placements are another story.
Common challenging scenarios include:
Toby Marritt, an accessibility counsellor at Mohawk College in Hamilton Ontario, observed that the training process required of computer based assistive technologies needs to be considered when evaluating a support for a specific student.
She found that the ReaderPen was a “very effective accommodation when working with an apprentice with severe reading challenges. The pen helped the apprentice access reading materials… as the apprentice had little time for training."
But this effectiveness could extend even to areas of study with substantial academic demands such as nursing. Jody Beresford, Learning Strategist at New Brunswick Community College observed:
"I ordered the pen for a student in the Practical Nurse program. She really liked the fact that the pen was able to accurately pronounce most of the medical terms as well as prefixes and suffixes."
Post-secondary students in university, appreciate the portability and immediate support that is inherent in the ReaderPen design. For them, their ReaderPen compliments their computer based assistive technology.
Marie McCarron, a student at Queen’s University, Kingston said of her experience with the ReaderPen:
"I like the features of being able to load your text right onto a computer, and also to speak into it, if there is added information that you want.”
And of course, the inconspicuous, discreet design is so important. Any accommodation, no matter the potential, has zero value if it is not actually used.
Dr Allyson Harrison, the clinical director at the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre at Queen’s, who specializes in academic accommodations for ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and other challenges, connects how easy access is such an important factor to an accessibility tool’s success.
"The scanning pens are very accessible; you can bring it with you everywhere and it doesn’t necessarily look like you stand out, as opposed to having to bring your computer… (Students who have used the C-Pen) have said it’s brilliant. It has changed their life.”
The adult learners at Miramichi Adult Learning Inc. found that the C-Pen ReaderPens “opened a whole new world of discovery.” They noted six specific benefits of the ReaderPens:
At SIIT (Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies) both post-secondary and adult basic education students love the independence of the ReaderPens.
They use the pens as an exam accommodation at SIIT. With a human exam reader, students might ask to have text read, but they might not request that a question or a specific word or phrase be repeated. But with the ReaderPen students can listen to the questions as many times as necessary without feeling self-conscious.
And with the specific wi-fi free functionality of the technology, concerns about comprising a hi-stakes exams’ fidelity are eliminated.
Nicole Wagner, a SIIT Learning Specialist found that, “having a dictionary on board is especially helpful when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary.”
She went on to conclude:
“The ReaderPen has been able to increase the confidence and success of our students.”
]]>We’re excited to announce that Bridges, has again been invited to present at the biggest education technology conference in North America -- ISTE Live 2021. This is the 4th year we’ve been invited to lead presentations at this prestigious conference and this year we’re doing 3! Details for each session are below.
The ISTE annual conference is an internationally renowned forum for exploring and exchanging ideas about education technology with educators from around the world. In a typical year, attendance of 20,000 or more is not unusual.
This year Susie Blackstien-Adler, Leanne Husk and Christy McDonald will represent our team of inclusive education experts, hosting virtual presentations on coding and universal design for learning in play.
Running from June 26 to the 30th online, you can register for this year’s virtual ISTE, here conference.iste.org/2021.
Coding to Learn and Create: Design that Includes ALL Students
Wednesday, June 30, 5:30 - 6:15 PM EST
All students benefit from coding opportunities, but the design of current applications limits meaningful participation of students with complex needs. Using a UDL approach, lessons, materials, and a software application were designed to ensure all students actively participate in coding experiences. Join us to explore new resources and provide your input.
Debug'd: It's Time to Include ALL Students in Coding!
STEM Playground - Tuesday, June 29, 4:50 – 5:10 PM EST
With the right supports, it is possible for ALL students to learn to code and code to learn! This session will provide a demonstration and hands-on opportunities to explore a UDL approach to including ALL students in coding. Come and explore Debug'd - Inclusive Coding Kits. Learn about the approach, scaffolded lessons, adapted materials and strategies, plus an accessible coding interface, to support educators and ALL students in coding to learn and create!
Imagining Inclusive Play - A UDL Approach to Ensuring ALL Students Have FUN!
Early Learning Playground - - Tuesday, June 29, 3:25 to 3:50 PM EST
(image from widget website: https://www.widgit.com/success-stories/education/claverdon-nursery.htm )
Incorporating symbols (with text) within play can support the development of early language skills and play a fundamental role in ensuring ALL children are actively involved and successful during playtime. Participants will be introduced to materials - developed through a UDL lens - that support early language, communication, and self regulation.
Get in touch with our team and we’d be happy to provide you with more info about our participation at ISTE Live 21.
The need for a complete overhaul of the popular app from Inclusive was necessitated by the demise of Flash, the multimedia platform used to create CM3 and other popular web based apps. Adobe ceased support of Flash as of 31st December 2020.
The redesign and rebuild process has been in the works for almost two years. The good news is that even with the limitations and delays caused by the pandemic, the team at Inclusive were able to get the new ChooseIt Maker up and running on time.
When you log into the new CM , all original CM3 activities will be imported automatically. This process can take a bit of time depending how many apps you have and how big and media rich they are. So you might want to do this before you have a student in front of the computer. The process is totally automated and you will be notified via email when the import is complete.
In this first version of the new ChooseIt Maker, you cannot share or download newly created activities to the CM iPad app. And, for, now you cannot create an activity on an iPad. But rest assured these functionalities are coming soon later this year.
But you can download old CM3 activities that you’ve already created to the CM3 iPad App and run them.
And you can still play activities on an iPad through a web browser.
This new release, for the moment does not have the ability to record sound or speech from your microphone. That function is coming soon.
BUT you can still add recorded speech to your activities by recording audio in your web browser and then uploading it into CM.
There are lots of Chrome extensions for this (e.g. https://voice-recorder.io). Windows 10 comes with a Voice Recorder app preinstalled.
Look for updated documentation, help videos and other materials in English and French for ChooseIt Maker in the coming months.
]]>FREE Holiday themed activities ChooseIT! Maker 3
Ready to use for ALL!
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ChooseIt! Maker 3 -- the web based choice making activity creation app for PC's, Chromebooks and iPads -- is offering free Holiday themed activities for a limited time.
Simply download the free iPad app (or go to your account if you have a subscription), redeem the sharecodes below, then get started!
Ready To Use For All
An activity to practice prepositions using a favorite holiday tradition: Elf on the Shelf. Match the preposition to the corresponding picture of the elf and the shelf.
Sharecode: PYEYVD
An activity made up of WH- questions. Who helps Santa make the presents? Where does Santa live? What snack do you leave out for Santa? When does Santa deliver the presents?
Sharecode: WDNVRJ
Read the Hanukkah story! No choice making, simply click the picture to "turn the page" and continue the story. Follow the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted 8 days and 8 nights.
Sharecode: HCMPRK
A targeting activity to practice access skills! On each new page, Santa is in a new location. Student must use their mouse to click him, target on a touch screen, look with eye gaze, or select him with a switch, using either single or two-switch scanning.
Sharecode: QRQMCM
Sing The 12 Days of Christmas! No choice making required - simply click the image to finish the verse. Each page is the next day of Christmas and the reward is the next gift in the song.
Sharecode: GAMWET
Build a snowman! Two different versions of the activity based on Cause and effect: No choice making. Simply click the image on each new page to add another item to the snowman, building him one item at a time. Choice-making: Correctly choose which items to add to the snowman next. Add all of the items correctly to build the snowman!
Cause and Effect Sharecode: JDPHMT
Choice-Making Sharecode: XCWXDA
Practice counting skills by counting Santa's reindeer! Three activities differentiated by skill level. Beginner: No choice making, follow along as the reindeer count up in number, from 1 to 8. Intermediate: Count up, finding the picture that represents the number. The amount of answer choices increase with the count. For example, For counting 3 reindeer, choices are 1, 2, or 3. For counting 6 reindeer, choices are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Advanced: Find the picture with the correct amount of reindeer. All 8 answer choices are available for each number.
Beginner Sharecode: BUBMDW
Intermediate Sharecode: RHMBFL
Advanced Sharecode: XYTRVW
Download and Personalize (subscription required to edit)
Listen to your favorite Holiday hits! Use the jukebox as is, or customize it to include personal Holiday favorites. A single, repeating page. Simply click the desired song, and the reward sound will play that song. Then repeat, repeat, repeat! *TIP* In settings, change your reward length to 20 seconds, to make the song play for longer!
Sharecode: LCNHAA
An errorless activity for students to give ther opinions about the holiday season. Personalize the questions and responses to best suit your students! Questions can be things like: what do you want for Christmas/Hanukkah? what's your favorite Holiday activity? what's your New Year's Resolution?
Sharecode: DPFKLY
CLICK HERE to download the free iPad app
CLICK HERE to subscribe or start a free 2 week trial
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So far, despite the pandemic, the Brandon curriculum project has been a wonderful experience and a great success]]>
In 2019, supported by Bridges Professional Learning, 10 classes in Brandon Manitoba consisting of teams of 4 teachers each, implemented curricula for students with complex learning needs (i.e. AAC users, cognitive, sensory challenges, physical disabilities):
So far, despite the pandemic, the Brandon curriculum project has been a wonderful experience and a great success.
A teacher involved in the 2019 Readtopia implementation and is continuing this year, took the time to share some of her experiences:
“I'm really seeing a lot more confidence in my Readtopia students this year. They are taking more risks by sharing their ideas and yesterday two different students asked "I wonder why..." questions. I nearly cried!
I can definitely see improvement in their reading strategies as well - more monitoring and self-correcting behaviors. Everyone is reading more fluently.”
Through a combination of in person, web delivered and ongoing professional development the implementation has expanded: 5 more teams or 20 people have been added this year, plus some new teachers who joined last year’s teams.
The professional development for educators in Brandon has included:
Between webinars teachers applied what they learned and provided feedback: successes, challenges, and lots of questions etc. This feedback informed the development of the next webinar.
Jan Pilling (SLP) and Christy Macdonald (OCT) presentation about this implementation approach was accepted for the 2021 edition of the prestigious Closing the Gap international virtual assistive technology conference. You can register to view this and many more presentation from now until November 11th by registering here.
The Bridges team has worked very closely with the education community to effectively respond to evolving needs. With the limitations imposed by the pandemic reality, this year’s face-to-face workshop has been divided into two virtual interactive half-day sessions.
But nonetheless this commitment to ongoing support and professional development is a key to success. Teachers need to share their experiences, build on past challenges and grow to get the most out of a curriculum initiative as ambitious and inspiring as Brandon’s.
This teacher goes on to say:
“I think I am likely doing a better job of teaching the unit, as well. I'm more familiar with the structure and the resources, so I feel that I am maximizing the resources that are provided, while also integrating materials to reinforce learning.
For example, we are doing the "Ancient Egypt/Roman Empire unit" and we read about pyramids. We also visited a few websites about different pyramids around the world. Then, students had to write facts they learned about pyramids, onto on a pyramid graphic organizer, cut it out, and glue the 3D pyramid together. Each student presented one "fantastic fact" they learned about pyramids.
I'm really excited to see the engagement and increased skill level of the students."
In this Brandon Manitoba classroom the phrase “increased skill level” can be applied not just to the students but to the teachers, too.
Interested in finding out what Bridges remote training can do for your educational community? Click here to learn more and connect with Bridges Professional Development.
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Here are some tips and strategies we’ve heard from teachers of how they are enhancing hygiene standards in special needs classrooms and resource rooms.
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Keeping classrooms clean and hygienic has always been vital in order to avoid immune system comorbidities in the special need’s classroom. The advent of the COVID 19 pandemic means even more effort must be taken to keep children with complex needs safe.
The challenge is how do we protect children and teachers where physically intimate interaction is routine and, manipulatives and assistive technology are so essential to effective teaching?
Here are some tips and strategies we’ve heard from teachers of how they are enhancing hygiene standards in special needs classrooms and resource rooms. We’ve pulled them together under the headings Sanitizing/Washing, Individualizing and Rotating and Distancing.
You can also check out our new Sanitization, Hygiene and Distancing range for more product ideas.
As you'll see, these are generalized strategies based on what we know at the time of writing. Standards vary across Canada and our knowledge of COVID-19 is constantly changing. Please look for guidance from your local public health authority for specific up-to-date recommendations on routines and tools that will help keep educators and children safe.
Good old fashioned soap and water, is effective and can be used for a variety of manipulatives and the Water Resistant versions of the Piko switches can also be washed.
If sink space is at a premium in your center or classroom portable sinks are available with hot water supply here.
Including a model designed to accommodate wheelchairs .
A low cost, simple tech solution is the new Manipulative Cleaning Tub Kit. These are Nesting tubs with a mesh bottom for complete washing and drying.
A natural option for cleaning is Benefect,. This is a line of hospital grade sanitizers and super concentrated cleaners that are made from botanical, biodegradable ingredients and use no chemical masking agents, fragrances, petrochemicals or phosphates. Even their spray-on disinfectant is a food grade sanitizer and does not require any cautions or warnings on their labels
Benefect All Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner | Benefect All Natural Disinfectant | Benefect wipes |
Benefect Spray on disinfectant
|
Benefect Disinfectant has a safety rating suitable for schools, child care and health care settings, and is made from plant essential oils -- specifically a high concentration of thyme.
UV sanitizers use C-ultraviolet light to kill viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. An excellent option for sanitizing fabrics and soft toys like Pudgy the Piglet Classic Toy and other similar toys or hard materials like switches mice, trackballs, joysticks and other mouse alternatives.
Tech Tub2 Trolley with UV Tub – USB charges and syncs 10 iPads |
The new UV Tech Tub (available in December) has a large area, big enough for not only iPads and tablets, but even laptops/Chromebooks when open. That means you can sanitize the keyboard and screen as well as the outside. And its super fast -- it’ll sanitize in just 60 seconds.
The lower cost Touch Panel UV Sterilizer & Dryer has a smaller area inside and takes an hour for full sterilization.
Handwashing is one of the easiest, more cost efficient and effective way of combating the spread of germs. Shop our portable sinks here, which include electrical options with hot water as well as cold water manual pump options. Move them anywhere, where access to running water isn’t available, inside or outside the classroom.
And of course you can always add more hand sanitizer stations.
One of the adjustments we have to make during the pandemic is to rethink sharing. Passing around switches, or communication aids between students is not advisable in a pandemic situation.
In the special needs classroom, designating individual communication aids or alternative access tools and storing them separately reduces the need for sanitation and the risk of infection.
Bridges has created 5 pack bundles of our most popular switches: Jelly Beans, Buddy Buttons and Big Red Switches.
We also have storage solutions such as the Student's Personal Tub. These have labels making it easier to separate and specify manipulatives, communication boards or AT for individual students.
Some teachers have implemented rotation strategies for their materials, storing items for several days.
We know that if the virus is left on a surface without a host, it cannot survive. Lockable storage units like the Tech Tubs can be purposed for rotating system to keep classroom materials or even switches, mice, joysticks safe.
Physical barriers allow positive face-to-face interactions between children and educators while reducing exposure to airborne droplets and moisture produced by sneezing, coughing and talking.
In other areas, visual prompts can be extremely effective and can be essential in teaching students the new additions to our new community landscapes influenced by COVID.
Bridges has now added a variety of floor and wall stickers to prompt for social distancing, in English, French and Bilingual versions, too.
Check out these and more in our social distancing range.
Have you come up with other strategies? Please share in the comments or send your suggestions to info@bridges-canada.com
]]>Students Can Use Reading and Writing Supports with Readtopia!
Readtopia’s levelled, digital curricular content makes it so easy for teachers to support students’ language arts instruction at home, with text-to-speech too.
]]>Readtopia’s levelled, digital curricular content makes it so easy for teachers to support students’ language arts instruction at home, with text-to-speech too.
This is the second in a series of blog posts where we’ll look at how you can support students with complex needs when learning at home.
Readtopia is a comprehensive reading program for students with complex needs integrating English language arts with social studies and science. With a levelled text, graphic novels and videos, delivered entirely online - Readtopia has proven to be a popular option in the home based learning forced by the pandemic.
Reading to understand information is an important life skill for all students and can be a particular struggle for students with complex learning challenges.
Delivered in pdf format, additional text to speech can be easily added to Readtopia for even more support for reading and writing tasks. Whether they are learning at school or at home, students benefit from using a variety of reading and writing supports to access material, make sense of what they are reading and learning, and then demonstrate their learning through writing. Using such supports also allows students to do so independently!
When reading the levelled Informational Text in Readtopia, students can open their text to speech tool to listen as they read. Watch an example of how easy it is to use Snap & Read to listen while reading a piece of Informational Text from Readtopia.
After reading, students are often required to write about what they read. Again, those digital materials provided in Readtopia make it seamless for students to access helpful writing supports, both at school and at home.
Students can use text to speech tools to read questions and use annotation tools to select multiple choice answers, or type written answers. Other tools like word prediction and speech to text, may be needed to support students with writing. Using these tools can help students to show their learning in an independent way. Students can use the writing supports they have available. Here’s an example using Snap and Read annotation tools and Co:writer.
Having digital material already available in Readtopia allows teachers to share materials easily and students to independently use the reading and writing tools they require to read and respond to their reading.
It’s a win for everyone!
]]>Do you work with students with complex learning needs? Do you struggle to find age-appropriate, engaging material at different levels?
As children were forced into at home learning this past spring many Canadian educators and parents discovered that Readtopia may be the solution they were looking for.
]]>As children were forced into at home learning this past spring many Canadian educators and parents discovered that Readtopia may be the solution they were looking for.
Designed for upper elementary, middle, and high school students with complex learning needs, Readtopia is a comprehensive literacy curriculum, integrating learning in science, social studies, math, and functional life skills.
All materials in Readtopia are provided online, so whether students are learning at school or at home, materials can be easily shared, using your sharing platform of choice.
Teachers appreciate the detailed lesson guides, filled with evidence based instructional strategies; the levelled graphic novels and informational text; engaging audio and video that builds and activates their students’ background knowledge; and range of phonics and word study activities that meet their students where they are at. Teachers no longer need to spend hours of work, creating and re-creating materials at different levels.
Students who have struggled with reading for many years, are excited to learn with Readtopia. They engage with the wide range of leveled text, make connections to themselves and to other areas of the curriculum, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Here’s what teachers say about Readtopia and how their students respond:
Get the most out of Readtopia with our step-by-step video tutorials:
Use Snap & Read With Readtopia - watch now!
Combine Snap & Read reading tools with the digital materials provided in Readtopia for support students struggling with reading and reading comprehension.
Use Writing Support With Readtopia - watch now!
Reading materials in Readtopia are often followed by writing activities for students. This video goes over the tools available in Snap & Read and Co:Writer to support students with writing.
As you begin this new and unusual school year, consider making Readtopia part of your plan for delivering high quality, engaging, comprehensive literacy instruction to your students with complex learning needs.
]]>The current pandemic situation has impacted life on campus and Kurzweil 3000 -- the tool of choice for post-secondary students for reading, writing and studying support -- has responded with a new 3 year subscription to the web license for one student.
For many years, individual students have been asking for access to Kurzweil web license and all the powerful anywhere, any platform features:
Bridges is now able to offer a 3 year subscription to the web license for one student for $1,015.00 + tax. This is a savings of $1,085.00 on the normal single web license price.
Students can now choose between owning the desktop version of Kurzweil 3000 or subscribe to the web license for 3 years to the web based version of Kurzweil.
Explore all the features of web licensing here - and check out our new videos for Post-Secondary students: Accessing Digital Text for Use with Kurzweil. And Study Tools in Kurzweil.
]]>
Plus, right now Widgit Online has expanded and extended its free trials for the duration of the pandemic crisis (READ THIS blog post for more information).
]]>Actually, you can create and edit Widgit Online documents and grids – worksheets, symbolized stories, communication boards, visual schedules -- with any device using iOS 13 – iPhones as well as iPads.
Simply log into your Widgit Online account through the Safari web browser (iOS 13 or above) to make changes to your existing symbolized materials or create new ones.
By the way, Widgit Online right now has expanded and extended its free trials for the duration of the pandemic crisis (READ THIS blog post for more information).
Widgit Online still has the dedicated app for reading and playing symbolized text (in French too), that is great for sharing, for instance, a student’s schedule for the day. But now you can create and modify texts. This creates a variety of new useage scenarios:
Kim Mitchell, one of our lead Bridges instructors, has already been putting Widgit Online through its paces on the iPad and gives the experience two thumbs up.
She’s even been experimenting with combining apps.
In the picture below she was using Co:Writer for symbolized writing in Widgit Online.
Would this be a functional supported writing option for some students? The power of contextual word prediction in Co:Writer combined with Widgit’s symbols could be very motivating for reluctant writers while clarifying meaning.
We’d love to hear how you get on with this and other possibilities.
Please reach out to us and let us know how the new Widgit Online on iPads has worked out for you. Including if you’ve tried it in combination with Co:Writer or any other apps.
And one more thing…
The new Widgit Online is now fully supported on Microsoft’s Edge browser. A lot of school districts and home users have adopted the Edge for a variety of reasons such as reportedly faster speeds, and greater privacy. And now they can use Widgit Online on Edge, too.
]]>The proven, engaging easy to use tools – ChooseIt Maker 3, Attention and Looking, and HelpKidzLearn and others – deliver to children with a range of cognitive or physical challenges at home learning opportunities.
Made for switch, touch and even eye gaze access these tools and apps are available for parents to use at home during the COVID crisis period and beyond.
Inclusive has introduced a new 'Home Access' licence that allows parents to subscribe for a low monthly fee and continue their child's learning at home. This new licence can be cancelled at any time and is available for the following HelpKidzLearn services:
Games and Activities - Sign Up!
ChooseIt Readymades - Sign Up!
Parents can register for a free trial and access these services for 14 days free of charge:
Games and Activities - Sign Up!
ChooseIt Readymades - Sign Up!
Games and Activities also offers a freemium account with access to 20x free games for parents wishing to try HKL Games.
HelpKidzLearn also offers a range of downloadable software available as a 14 day free trial designed specifically for and accessible on Windows by eye gaze:
Looking for iPad Apps? We have a wealth of motivational Apps created specifically for children and carefully designed to meet a range of special educational needs including switch access for those with physical disabilities:
Get the FREE ChooseIt Maker 3 iPad App and download a number of activities pre-created using the redeem codes below.
Redeem Codes
JDDVAG - And Explore a World of Dinosaurs
XJAPHY - To Explore the vast Solar System
XGPVTM - Discover and Explore Minibeasts
FUTYQU - Learna and Explore Modern ArtDear HelpKidzLearn Resellers,
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Can you imagine how much worse your anxiety and frustration would be if you could not talk about the COVID-19 crisis? This is the second in a series of posts that tackles AAC issues in the context of the global pandemic.
]]>The following communication resources are a great addition and compliment to Widgit’s Health printed communication tools:
An easy-to-follow symbol-supported set of documents. We've modified some of them slightly with Canadian English.
In a variety of formats, printable from a downloadable PDF, these information sheets and posters can be used to start conversations with children about hand washing and personal hygiene.
They can also be used as prompts and reminders in a school, office, home or workplace for adults as well. Whether they have an identified communication issue – AAC users, English language learners, aphasia, dementia, cognitively challenged, on the autism spectrum etc. – or not.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE Washing Your Hands PDF
Low tech, print-friendly versions of the Super Core Coronavirus resources we highlighted in an earlier post by Smartbox, developers of the Grid 3 and GridPads AAC devices featuring the Widgit Symbol set.
Download the PDF for core vocabulary and useful language for talking about coronavirus, symbolized with the Widgit Symbol. Laminate the boards for a portable, tech free communication aid that can be cleaned and disinfected.
These low tech boards are a really useful tool for illustrating language to help introduce unfamiliar vocabulary and model effective AAC use.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE Super Core PDF
A resource made with the Widgit Symbol, designed to reassure children and adults with a cognitive challenge who have to process upsetting news. News of the COVID global pandemic that can upset and generate anxiety, is everywhere and seems to be ratcheting up in drama moment by moment.
The Upset by the News Symbol Book is an educational resource that tries to explain why these things happen and why they are reported and communicated in the way that they are.
Learning to understand what has happened and also how to deal with different emotions can be difficult. This resource has been designed to reduce anxiety and identify feelings and can be used in the context of any upsetting news item.
]]>Can you imagine how much more your anxiety and frustration would be increased if you could not talk about the COVID-19 pandemic? This is the first in a series of posts that will tackle AAC issues in the context of the global pandemic.
.
Whether for physical, emotional or mental health, being able to dialogue about this critical issue is essential to all of us getting through it.
So providing AAC users with access to the language they need to communicate about the crisis is also critical.
In the coming days, over a series of posts, we’ll be highlighting a number of strategies and AAC tools from our developer partners that addresses this need.
Smartbox, makers of industry standard Grid 3 communication software and GridPad AAC devices have just introduced new free grids to support communication on the subject of the COVID pandemic.
These Coronavirus topic grids were created using the Super Core 30 and Super Core 50 topic grid templates. Built using the same styling as Super Core, there is also space to personalize the grids and add more words.
You can add the Coronavirus grid into your Super Core grid set. Here’s a quick video to show you how:
Here’s a quick video to show you how to add the coronavirus grids.
For more information on how to get coronavirus Grid sets CLICK HERE or copy/paste the link below into your browser.
https://thinksmartbox.com/news/coronavirus-super-core-resources/
]]>This offer is available to every household in the US and Canada.
]]>This offer is available to every household in the US and Canada.
That includes not just post-secondary, high school or elementary students, but any blind or low vision user in any household in North America.
If you or you know an individual who needs sight enhancement or sight substitution technology at home CLICK HERE or share this link to get access to these solutions at home:
https://portal.freedomscientific.com/SponsoredSoftware
In the prompt Freedom Scientific makes reference to college/university email addresses, however you can sign-up without being affiliated with a post-secondary institution.
]]>For parents suddenly adding “homeschooler” or “virtual teacher” to their many roles, K3000, is an easy to use support for turning reading into active curricular instruction:
To sign-up just CLICK HERE
Sometimes solutions can be as overwhelming as the problem. So to make things easier, Kurzweil is making free online training available too; free webinars and even a personal 30 minute online coaching session with a Kurzweil Education expert!
VISIT THE Kurzweil Education home page
So just to recap here are seven next steps to make your at home instruction effective and easier:
For the subscription or to sign up to the free webinars and coaching.
Or
Paste this link into your browser: https://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html
]]>With Widgit Online easily create visual schedules, communication boards, worksheets, calendars, symbol supported stories with Canadian symbols in English or French.
Print or read outloud on PC’s Chromebooks even iPads.
Already have a Widgit Online account? Use the same code to upgrade your existing individual account or trial for full access to Widgit Online's ready-made materials.
Setting up your individual account takes 2 minutes.
Or copy this link into your browser www.widgitonline.com/offer
Fill in the signup form using the code WIDGIT30. Select "English/French Canada" for your "Widgit Online Language and Location" to get access to Canadianized symbols -- including place names, historical figures, vocabulary and more -- plus French symbols too!
Widgit Online also has a huge vocabulary of curricular vocabulary from science, social studies, math and more. Plus the Canadian version lets you switch between English and French. So its a great way to keep up with grade level home learning of a variety of K-5 subjects including Core French and French Immersion.
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Recognizing that some of the most vulnerable students are going home for eLearning, Don Johnston (developers of Co:Writer, Snap & Read and Readtopia) and Crick (makers of Clicker) have both offered special programs in response to the current crisis. Read below for details.
Other of our partner developers, publishers and manufacturers have or are announcing special offers, relevant to the current situation. Please, stay connected on our social media feeds – Facebook, Twitter and email list – for updates from our other software development partners.
Crick, the publishers of Clicker are offering any school that is affected by coronavirus closures free access for every student and teacher on their home devices to:
and
These applications deliver child-friendly word processing support, and engaging resources on a wide range of curriculum topics to kick-start writing. With easy sharing options, these apps can be used on and offline.
Visit Crick page here to apply. Crick will be in touch with access codes and installation information.
Don Johnston Inc is providing access to Co:Writer, Snap&Read and other essential supports for accommodated learning. Occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physio therapists, educators etc. can apply for access to these web based apps that support students with reading writing challenges for whatever reason i.e. dyslexia, on the autism spectrum, English language learners, brain injuries, and/or other physical/cognitive or sensory disabilities.
Whether you’re part of a school district that is a current subscriber or are new to these tools, you can apply. Don Johnston will pass information from Canadians to Bridges and we’ll then contact you with next steps. Keep in mind that this is a manual process in an utterly unprecedented set of circumstances. We’re not certain how long it will take to process and respond to requests – please be patient.
Note that this offer is designed for professionals. So parents should work though their schools or district to make a request to access these tools.
You can also get a free Readtopia thematic unit around the theme Working Together. This unit provides four weeks of content—all accessible from a central website. It’s a great way to have resources in place that can be shared with parents and caregivers.
Get Access to free Readtopia Unit
Read the updates from Don Johnston here.
You can request access here.
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