FREE Webinar - App Smackdown!

Do you want to learn about apps to assist people with disabilities? Sign up for the ISTE SET-SiG webinar this Tuesday, 4/16/13 @ 7PM.

The webinar is FREE - registration is required. I will be presenting along with:

• Alex Dunn - @smartinclusion
• Karen Janowski - @KarenJan
• Brian Wojcik - @bwwojci

Click HERE to visit the SET-SIG page to register

Hope to see you there! Don't forget to follow me @mmatp

The week in tweets!

Want to know what was happening in the Twitter universe last week? Here are some interesting tidbits.

Don't forget - follow me @mmatp

Enjoy!

How We're Turning Digital Natives Into Etiquette Sociopaths | Wired Opinion | Wired.com wired.com/opinion/2013/0…

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 27, 2013

5 MOOCs Teachers Should Take As Students ow.ly/2vKCyj

— Ian Huckabee (@WeejeeLearning) March 27, 2013

Chrome App: Connected Mind. Create mind maps and store them in the cloud for free. chrome.google.com/webstore/detai… #njed #edtech #assistivetech

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 27, 2013

Had somebody ask for this today so I thought I would share! How to make a free iPad stylus cnet.co/nxnixz #assistivetech #njed

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 27, 2013

Controlling the ‘Smart Home’ With Tablets and Smartphones nyti.ms/XHNXE9 #assistivetech #atchat

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 28, 2013

Friday Fact: more than 80% of reasonable accommodations cost less than $1,000, 50% of accommodations cost less than $500, and 19% are free!

— DoD CAP (@DoDCAP) March 29, 2013

A Great Project Based Learning Checklist for Teachers ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning shar.es/d2ium #atchat #njed

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 29, 2013

iPad Use in the Classroom - EduTalk Podcast

For your listening pleasure - this episode of the EduTalk Podcast focuses on iPad use in the classroom. The interview is with Maribeth Lowe from Monroe HS in Virginia.

Listen to internet radio with EduTalk on Blog Talk Radio

The week in Tweets!

Here for your viewing pleasure are my "Top 10" tweets from the last week. I hope you find something valuable here. Enjoy - and if you are on Twitter make sure to follow me @mmatp !

Subtext: Interactive App to Turn Any Book or Document into a Digital Classroom. technologybitsbytesnibbles.info/archives/9540
— Subtext (@readwithSubtext) March 18, 2013

Thx to the great participants in our AT for Supported Employment training! Want to sign up? assistivetechnologycenter.org/profd/atcert.p… twitter.com/mmatp/status/3…
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 18, 2013

How to download an ebook using the Overdrive application for iPad and iPhone [slide tutorial] ebookfriendly.com/2011/10/08/how…
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 19, 2013

How To Start Using Google Apps In Education edudemic.com/2013/03/how-to… via @edudemic
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 20, 2013

iPads Are Not a Miracle for Children With Autism | GeekDad | Wired.com wired.com/geekdad/2013/0… #assistivetech #atchat
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 20, 2013

30 Incredible Ways Technology Will Change Education By 2028 teachthought.com/trends/30-incr… via @teachthought #njed #assistivetech
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 20, 2013

Send ebooks from Project Gutenberg to Google Drive in just one click ebookfriendly.com/2013/03/20/sen… via @ebookfriendly #assistivetech #njed
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 20, 2013

30hands. Free app to create picture story / presentation with audio. Great for social story. #assistivetech itun.es/us/Vt8dK.i
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 21, 2013

Apps to turn your phone into an ECU to control home devices. gizmodo.com/5982909/5-apps… #assistivetech
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 21, 2013

Powerful post! @timbuckteeth: Digital Natives? The natives are revolting bit.ly/TL1Dv1 #njed #assistivetech
— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) March 22, 2013

TLC Spotlight - Blue2 Bluetooth Switch

Blue2 Bluetooth Switch

With the Ablenet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch, you will have access to your favorite compatible iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch applications. You simply sync the Blue2 switch with your Apple® device and activate the switch scanning mode.

With two built-in switches, the Blue2 supports both single and dual switch access. Additional switches can be used with the Blue2 Switch by plugging them into the available ports.

Additionally, Ablenet's Blue2 Bluetooth Switch also comes with a USB Bluetooth dongle so you can use it for computer access.

Features:
Bluetooth wireless access up to 30 ft.
No-touch access to compatible iTunes AAC apps
Single or dual switch access
Long battery life
Computer access with the included Bluetooth dongle
Supports five modes of keyboard/mouse commands
Compatible with iPad, iPod Touch (3rd & 4th Generation), and iPhone (3GS & 4).

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

TLC Spotlight - Apple iPad Keyboard Dock

iPad Keyboard Dock

The iPad Keyboard Dock combines a dock for charging your iPad with a full-size keyboard, which includes special keys that activate iPad features. The dock has a rear 30-pin connector, which lets you connect to an electrical outlet using the USB Power Adapter, sync to your computer, and use accessories like the iPad Camera Connection Kit. An audio jack lets you connect to a stereo or powered speakers.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

TLC Spotlight - Switch Activated Teddy Bear

Look who joined the TLC... 

Buzz, buzz! Activate your capability switch or squeeze Teddy Bear's paw and he will rock out. His eyes roll and a bee buzzes while he sings “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic”.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

APP Attack! Apps for Public Speaking

Our APP Attack for today comes from Gregory Swanson's Apps for Education Blog and focuses on Teleprompter apps for public speaking.

The main feature of these apps is the ability to load in your speech and the app with scroll the text on the screen as you speak.

Check out the list HERE.

Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Do you want to learn how to implement iPads in your school?

Contact us - we can help! We will work collaboratively with your team to determine an effective course of action for your specific situation.

Email Mike Marotta, Assistant Director, ATS Dept. at mmarotta@advopps.org

APP Attack! Switch Accessible Apps

Today's App Attack come from Clair Judas, Special Education Technology Specialist, Assistive Technology Team, Area Education Agency 267 in Cedar Falls Iowa.

Clair compiled a list of switch accessible apps for the iOS devices. While not meant to be all inclusive - this is a great starting point for apps that allow for alternative access.

Apps with switch access…

• SoundingBoard: AbleNet: www.ablenetinc.com ; (iPhone/iPod/iPad) Access devices: AbleNet Blue2

• Predictable: TherapyBox www.tboxapps.com ; (iPhone/iPod/iPad) Access devices: RJ Cooper iPad or Therapy Box

• Scene & Heard: TherapyBox < www.tboxapps.com > (iPhone/iPod/iPad) Access devices:

• TapSpeak Choice: www.conleysolutions.com; (iPad) Access devices: RJ Cooper iPad or Therapy Box

• TapSpeak Sequence: www.conleysolutions.com (iPhone/iPod/iPad) Access devices: RJ Cooper & AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth

• GoTalk Now: www.attainmentcompany.com > (iPad) Access devices: Attainment Switch app or RJ Cooper Switch Interface

• Alexicomm AAC: www.alexicomtech.com; (iPhone/iPod/iPad) Access devices: RJ Cooper Switch Interface

Thanks Clair for this list! If you would like to contact Clair, his email is cjudas@aea267.k12.ia.us

Do you know of other switch accessible apps? Leave a comment below and share your resource.

Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Do you want to learn how to implement iPads in your school?

Contact us - we can help! We will work collaboratively with your team to determine an effective course of action for your specific situation.

TLC Spotlight -Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator

NuLooQ Navigator



The NuLOOQ navigator™ from Logitech® is designed to ease the time-intensive elements of design such as navigating images, adjusting option values, and accessing menus and to help creative users work smarter. 

It allows you to adjust brush size in Photoshop, or text attributes in InDesign, timeline in video/audio applications or just control your system volume; make fine adjustments with a feather touch using the touch sensitive circular disk. With two Finger Navigation you can gently nudge the gray ring forward, backwards, up, down, twist clockwise or counter clockwise to navigate around your digital picture, illustration, documents, spreadsheets or anything you can program. Control, what, where and how fast to navigate with just two fingers!
 
A simple click or tap and quickly execute your shortcut command. The integrated sensor with 1000 levels of resolution detects even the minutest motion in multiple directions simultaneously. Move the ring a small amount to move slowly or move it all the way to get to where you want quickly.

Highlights

• Adjust brush size in one pixel increments in Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 without ever moving a slider or clicking on a shortcut key
• Fine-tune font attributes such as leading, tracking and more in Adobe InDesign® CS2 without using the option bar
• Scroll and zoom your documents, spreadsheets, digital pictures or more with the smallest movement of the gray ring
• Scrub timelines in Final Cut Pro® or iMovie quickly or slowly
• Change volume or music tracks in iTunes™ quickly while it runs in the background
• NuLOOQ navigator is user configurable for virtually any application

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Livebinders

As part of our Web 2.0 Wednesday series, today we will highlight another webinar presented by our friends at Region 4 ESC in Texas.

Today's episode of 1001 Super Tools for Teachers focuses on Livebinders.

Listen to the recorded webinar by clicking HERE.

Download the handout by clicking HERE.


Don't forget to sign up for the live webinar today on Kerpoof.
October 26th @ 11:45 AM

Here is the link: http://www.esc4.net/udl

The Webinar is FREE so sign up today!

APP Attack! ePUBs and iBooks

Today's post will highlight resources shared by Katie Krueger ( @KHirt )
Meg Wilson ( @iPodsibilities ) at EdCampNYC. These resources focus on ePub books and apps that allow you to create engaging materials for students of all abilities.

Let's Talk ePub and iBooks

Enjoy!

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Glogster

As part of our Web 2.0 Wednesday series, today we will highlight another webinar presented by our friends at Region 4 ESC in Texas.

Today's episode of 1001 Super Tools for Teachers focuses on Glogster.

Listen to the recorded webinar by clicking HERE.

Download the handout by clicking HERE.


Finally, are you in the New Jersey area and want to experience some of these Web 2.0 tools in action! Then you should join NJCART on October 6, 2011 from 12PM to 3PM at the Middlesex ETTC for our meeting: "To the Cloud: Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom"

For more info on NJCART visit the website at www.njcart.org

TLC Spotlight - AMDI iAdapter Case

AMDI iAdapter Case

Protect your iPad  with the NEW iAdapter complete with rubberized corners and handle to help protect your iPad from damage. A small slide cover on the front of the housing will hide the home button from roaming fingers that will close running applications.  The iAdapterTM is also an amplifier with dual speakers that will deliver clean crisp sound that can be heard in the noisiest of settings.


What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Voice Thread

As part of our Web 2.0 Wednesday series, today we will highlight another webinar presented by our friends at Region 4 ESC in Texas.

Today's episode of 1001 Super Tools for Teachers focuses on Voice Thread.

Listen to the recorded webinar by clicking HERE.

Download the handout by clicking HERE.


Don't forget to sign up for the live webinar today on Voki.

September 14, 11:45-12:00 is our next Super Tools webinar.

We will be sharing Voki: what it is and how to use it.

This is going to be fun. Hope to see you there.

Here is the link: http://www.esc4.net/udl

The Webinar is FREE so sign up today!

Finally, are you in the New Jersey area and want to experience some of these Web 2.0 tools in action! Then you should join NJCART on October 6, 2011 from 12PM to 3PM at the Middlesex ETTC for our meeting: "To the Cloud: Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom"

For more info on NJCART visit the website at www.njcart.org

TLC Spotlight - Big Keys Keyboard

Big Keys Keyboard

• BigKeys keyboards are simplified computer keyboards.
• BigKeys LX has 60 extra-large keys and retains all the functions of a standard keyboard.
• All keys are easy to see: 1-inch square!
• Familiar QWERTY alpha key layout. ABC layout is also available. Note that key order (ABC or QWERTY) can be switched on all BigKeys keyboards!
• Easy-to-read key labels: large black printing on bright-white, bright-yellow, or multi-color keys -OR- bright-white letters on black keys! 

 
Contains all essential characters: 97 character keyset. Compatible with all major software packages.
No special software required! Just plug into your PC in place of the regular keyboard..
No run-on! Each key press generates only 1 character, no matter how long the key is held down.

If you need a keyguard - No worries.. we have them..
BigKeys Keyguards are made of clear, rigid, break-resistant plastic.  The keyguard attaches easily to your BigKeys keyboard and helps to stabilize fingers on the right key while minimizing errors. Allows the user to rest hands over the keys.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

APP Attack! PCS Apps from Mayer Johnson

Mayer Johnson has jumped into the APP market with a series of FREE apps that highlight their PCS (Picture Communication Symbols). These new APPS will enable your students to access the PCS on the go - on an iPad, iPod or iPhone.

PCS Vocabulary Bingo - This app features more than 30 boards. According to the website, the app features:

theme-based Bingo boards, built around themes like food and holidays, that are various sizes. As each PCS™ is revealed, the student looks at their board to see if they have the PCS™ shown. Then, they drag a slideable token over to the image to mark the spot. Get three in a row or fill the whole board to see a fun animation!

PCS Word Scramble - This app allows you to unscramble 3 to 8 letter words with approximately 200 PCS in each letter count.

PCS Vocabulary Memory - This app consists of a memory game with boards ranging from 4 PCS up to 20 PCS per board. Tap the pieces to reveal the PCS underneath, then find its match.

Download these today and leave a comment below and let us know what you think.



Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Then sign up for our APP Attack workshop on October 5th at our Ewing NJ office.

We are limiting the registration to the first 20 people, so sign up today!

For more info, click HERE.

APP Attack! iPAD Academy

For today's APP ATTACK, we are going to do something a little different!

How about a website that provides tutorials and tips on how to use your iPAD?

Well then...... look no further than The iPad Academy!

What do you get there?? According to the website:

iPad Academy will help you master the Apple iPad. Get valuable iPad tips and tutorials. Find easy-to-follow instructions for making the most of the iPad, apps and accessories. Learn how to turn your iPad into a practical and purposeful tool. iPad Academy, helping you get schooled and skilled on the iPad.

Check it out and improve your iPad skills!



Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Then sign up for our APP Attack workshop on October 5th at our Ewing NJ office.

We are limiting the registration to the first 20 people, so sign up today!

For more info, click HERE.

Guest Contributor - Access to Cell Phones

Today we have a guest contributor - Kimberly Hreha. Kimberly is an Occupational Therapist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

Access to Cell Phones

The ability to successfully access a cellular phone is an essential part of life for both able-bodied individuals, and for those with functional mobility deficits following an injury or illness. Being an occupational therapist that works in an inpatient acute rehabilitation hospital, I am frequently asked the question “can you help me use my cell”???

I have made many adaptations (some small, others large) to cellular phones based on the functional movement my clients have. I try to use the least extensive modifications and utilize commercial options however at times I do need to use other means secondary to poor design features, product complexity, or because of very limited upper extremity function.

A company entitled, SAJE Technology, has two products called Easy Blue and Zoomate, that I have had good results with. These adapted Bluetooth devices allow the user the ability to access the device (Bluetooth or speaker phone) with any kind of ability switch. Thus, this option gives more clients the ability to access the phone because once it is on, the Bluetooth system will allow one to navigate through their contact list and make a phone call with the click of a button.

To learn more on the Easy Blue or the Zoomate, click HERE.

I believe it is the responsibility of a trained clinician, like an occupational therapist, to assess a client’s individualized goals and apply knowledge with clinical expertise to assist in selecting the most effective cellular phone option. To learn more about this topic and read about a specific case study that outlines the process of fulfilling a spinal cord injury patient’s individual goal for autonomous cell phone access, pleas click on the below link.

Click Here to read the article - "We All Can Call: Enhancing Accessible Cell Phone Usage for Clients with Spinal Cord Injuries", originally published in the Assistive Technology Journal, 23: 2, 76-80.

Author Posting. (c) 'Copyright Holder', 2011. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of 'Copyright Holder' for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Assistive Technology, Volume 23 Issue 2, June 2011.
doi:10.1080/10400435.2011.567373

( http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2011.567373)

Kimberly Hreha has been an occupational therapist for 5 years and works at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation as a senior clinician. She has had poster presentations at NorthEast Cerebrovascular Consortium (NECC) in 2009, on her work on unilateral spatial neglect and at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in 2011 on medication management. Kimberly spoke at the Pennsyvlania & New Jersey Occupational Therapy Annual Conferences (POTA/NJOTA) in 2009 & 2010, both on the topic of cell phone adaptations for the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population. She has been published in Advance for OT Practitioners & the Assistive Technology Journal. Kimberly held office as public relations chair for NJOTA from 2006 to the present time. One of her most proud moments was this past year when she was presented with the Service Award at the NJOTA conference. The award recognized her efforts in developing a 5K run for occupational therapy awareness. She raised $4000 dollars at the event, which went toward Chernobyl Children’s Project International. Kimberly is also currently enrolled and pursuing her doctorate in Movement Science and Occupational Therapy at Teachers College, Columbia University


Thanks Kimberly! Would you like to be a guest contributor on our blog? Just send me an email at mmarotta@advopps.org with your topic idea. We are happy to highlight other professionals working in the field of AT.

TLC Spotlight - G.R.I.P. Solutions

G.R.I.P. Solutions

Enhanced independence is now within your grasp with G.R.I.P. Solutions. Each product that we offer is an ideal tool to aid in performing your ADLs.



The Switch G.R.I.P.™ is an exclusively designed “soft beanbag” that provides easy switch or electronics access while remaining in a stable location on any tray, desk, table top or G.R.I.P. Pad™. The Switch G.R.I.P.™, a versatile stability device, secures any type of switch or electronic item yet lifts off for easy removal thus eliminating table top/tray velcro.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!