Xtranormal Introduction to Shelley, Paul and Catherine's Blog

The Writing Process - Barb Welsford, M.Ed, Assistive Technology Specialist

SQUIBBLE

Learn more about Squibble - portable braille!

Read a review from Engadget about of one of the coolest 'gadgets' - Coming Soon!!

 " We've been seeing some interesting devices aimed at making life easier for the blind recently, but none that have captured our attention quite like the Squibble from UK designer Andrew Mitchell. The pocketable Braille interface allows users to operate mobile phones and other technology over Bluetooth, using 779 ultrasonic motors to lift illuminated caps against a silicon cover and form Braille letters and other easy-to-understand icons. There's also audio feedback, and a grip that allows for use without having to set it down flat like other Braille readers. Pretty ingenious stuff -- and Andrew says development is "advanced," so hopefully this will go from concept to real product relatively soon.

NEO 2 word processor

Don Johnston - Assistive Technology Guru & 1980's TV Hero

Don Johnston  develops assistive technology tools for students with dyslexia, autism, dysgraphia, down syndrome and other diverse physical and learning disabilities.  He has helped create many wonderful products that help students with disabilities gain access to reading and writing.  We suggest taking some time to peruse his blog, please the see link below.

Don Johnston's Blog

Please play the following video while you investigate the wonderful products Mr. Johnston has produced.

iPhone, iPad and Apple VoiceOver

Is It Time to Only Teach Keyboarding over Handwriting?

by Zeintz - Jan.2008 

There is a conflict between writing and keyboarding. The question is which needs to be taught and when? Does keyboarding overshadow handwriting to the extent that handwriting should no longer be taught?

Handwriting is an essential skill. There are many times that we need to write so it is imperative for students to learn to write in elementary school. Do students need to be taught both manuscript AND cursive? I don’t think so. It doesn’t make sense to teach them how to “print” their ideas in 1st and 2nd grade and then how to “handwrite” them in 4th and 5th grade. Teaching cursive writing is merely a way to teaching students to write quickly. Perhaps keyboarding has taken the place of cursive because it enables students to enter their thoughts even faster than they would if they were using cursive.

Read the full article.