BEST Special Needs Websites-2014

Our weekly blog article is coming to you a bit later this week, as we have been busy presenting and exhibiting at the 2014 Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo over the past weekend. What a wonderful event it was for homeschooling families---and for us, too!

We always look forward to this event each year and have participated since 2009. Once again this year, we were impressed with the enthusiasm of the many parents (and grandparents!) so motivated to teach their children in the best ways possible and with the best resources.

Over the past several years, we have been noticing a significant increase in the number of families searching for practical resources for their children challenged with special needs. This year was no exception. Again and again, parents visited our exhibit table for consultation about their children's learning struggles, particularly with reading. We provided many with relevant resources and strategies to help. At the same time, more than the usual number of parents and children wanted to interact with our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) to experience firsthand the tools' focusing and sensory features. We were happy to help them and enjoyed doing so.

For those of our readers who were unable to attend the conference but also need helpful resources for special needs, we thought we would provide here our most current list of websites for their children or students. If you are such a parent or teacher, we hope you will find these resources helpful in enriching the life of your child, your family or that of your students as a result.

Happy reading and learning, everyone!

BEST Websites for Special Needs-2014

Tax Strategies for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
https://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/tax-strategies-for-parents-of-kids-with-special-needs/

Top 100 Special Needs Resources on the Web
http://phdinspecialeducation.com/special-needs/

SEN Teacher
Many FREE resources for teachers can be found here. There are numerous downloads and printables for immediate classroom use!
http://www.senteacher.org

Autism Buddy
Aims to provide a FREE user-friendly website that provides high quality pintables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children with special educational needs
http://autismbuddy.com/categories

WatchKnowLearn
FREE life skills videos categorized by age of viewer and content area
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=640

ADHD Blogs: Meet the ADDitude Bloggers
ADHD blogs from ADD adults, parents of ADHD children, and ADHD experts -- helping you cope with the challenges of and delight in the benefits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).
http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/index.html

Do2Learn
FREE resources for teachers and parents of children on the autism spectrum that include thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills.
http://www.do2learn.com/

Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
FREE resources with lesson plans for teaching with technology
http://www.freetech4teachers.com

Best Free Children's eBooks Online
Link to 233+ sites for FREE children’s e-books
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-ebooks-online.htm

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

We’re saying “good-bye” to October and LD Awareness Month. At the same time, we’re also concluding the busiest month in our company’s history! More Reading Focus Cards were ordered by parents, teachers and catalog distributors in the past month than in any other month on record for Brennan Innovators. There is increasing evidence that many children, teens AND adults continue to struggle with reading.

For this reason, we thought we would begin this month’s articles with one that includes resources for a variety of challenged readers. Because we receive many requests for Android tech resources to help these readers, we are providing here a current and sizable list of Android apps for struggling readers of various age groups.

From the many parent phone calls, emails and orders we receive for our research-based Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), most involve a request or concern for a young, challenged reader that is between the ages of 8 and 11 years. As stated in a previous article in this blog, prior to this age range, children are “learning to read”. From age 8 or 9, children are “reading to learn” and must utilize skills (hopefully developed earlier) to learn the content and information presented via printed media. However, if those reading skills have not been developed properly---or at all, focusing and tracking issues can be just two of the ramifications. For this reason, the first resource listed below here should be helpful to some of these readers (Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com)

The other links provided here may be helpful to other age groups. The second resource listed will provide an extensive list of some of the very best Android apps for challenged readers in various age levels, including those for adults. Many resources throughout the listing are FREE.

We hope that what is provided here will help you or someone you know who struggles daily to read with more success. Happy reading---EVERYONE!

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com
Reading apps for children (up to & including the Grade 3 reading level)
http://www.appszoom.com/android_developer/bugbrained_cmcef.html

100+ Top Apps for Struggling Readers (Android)---from AppCrawlr
Excellent listing of the top 100+ Android apps for challenged readers of all ages
http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-struggling-readers

Blackberry Playbook and BB10 Android Apps---from Good e-Reader
Good e-Reader has over 6,000 apps and games for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook. Download the latest BAR Files for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook
http://apps.goodereader.com/playbook/playbook-android-apps/?did=348

FREE Kindle App for Android Devices---from Amazon (NO Kindle device required!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=165849822 (via Amazon.com + FREE e-book links!)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.amazon.kindle (via Google Play Store link)

Go Read (Android)---from Bookshare
A FREE, accessible e-book reader for people with print disabilities; based on the open-source FBReader project.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: techradar.phones at http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/70-best-free-android-apps-2013-687252 and Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

NEW Helpful Resources for Dyslexia Challenges

As mentioned in last week’s blog article, we have been attending and presenting seminars at several educational conferences over the past several weeks. Last week was no exception, as we visited and briefly presented for a third time at the Patrick Henry Downtown Academy’s Parent Symposium here in St. Louis.

Just like attendees at the previous educational conferences, interested parents and teachers at the school expressed their concerns about struggling readers, asking questions about various reading challenges that included dyslexia. Some of the young students from the school were also present. These parents and teachers (and even some of the students) told us what it’s really like for some students who struggle to read just like conference attendees over the past several weeks had mentioned. The following are some of the reading symptoms described:

1. Eyes get tired when reading for just for a few minutes.
2. Florescent lights in the classroom seem to cause a glare and make it hard to focus, much less read and understand what is read.
3. Can’t focus on the line to be read. Eyes are all over the page.
4. My child loses his place all the time when he tries to read.
5. My daughter says that the letters on the page look like they are moving or waving.

With these symptoms described to us more than a few times, we shared information about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and the value of using our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). At the same time, we also provided literature that included tips and strategies to help challenged readers of all ages.

Finally, we thought this might be a good time to provide these parents and teachers as well as our readers here some new resources for symptoms like those listed. The descriptions above could be possible indications of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is a reading challenge for which accommodations are not provided in student IEPs (in most states). In fact, an IEP is not even provided for students with a singular diagnosis of dyslexia (again, in most states). At the same time, dyslexia is a reading challenge that can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall success in life. As a result, we wanted to provide the following new resources we hope will be helpful to many:

New Resources for Dyslexia and Other Reading Challenges

Teaching Resources (from TES)
(Last updated on April 19, 2013)
Over 600,672 free teaching resources for dyslexia and other learning challenges to use in your classroom and school today. TES Teaching Resources is where teachers share and download free lesson plans, classroom resources, revision guides and curriculum worksheets. Whether you are looking for SEN teaching strategies and approaches, VCOP activities, or secondary classroom activities, you can choose from 1000s of teacher resources, download them for free and adapt them to suit your classroom activities.
http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources/

Supporting Spelling (from TES)
(Last updated on October 11, 2012)
TES provides a selection of strategies and ideas to help your students improve their spelling. The range of free resources includes lesson plans and worksheets on mnemonics, spelling guides, games and strategies helpful for supporting pupils with dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6258399

Understanding Dyslexia: Infographic---Visual diagram describing dyslexia from the WeAreTeachers Blog (Published April 03, 2013)
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/04/03/understanding-dyslexia-infographic

Top Tips to Start Supporting Students with Dyslexia (from TES)
This colorful diagram provides teachers and parents with strategies to use immediately with children and teens challenged with dyslexia.
http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068341286459/

OpenDyslexic---A new, open-sourced font created by Abelardo Gonzalez to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution.
http://opendyslexic.org/

Reading with COLOR---What a Difference It Can Make!
(Published March 10, 2013)
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at http://www.focusandread.com/blog

BEST Apps for Children with Down Syndrome

Updated January 2015

We received such a response from last week’s article entitled Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome that this week, we wanted to continue to offer assistance and support for teachers as well as families by providing them with some helpful apps for children and teens with Down Syndrome.

We did some research during the past week and found quite a few lists in special needs' blogs and elsewhere that should provide a wide variety of apps to address various needs in a number of content areas. We also added a short list of other resources (not apps) to follow near the end of the article.

We hope you’ll agree that these apps and resources will be helpful to teachers and families challenged with the special needs of Down Syndrome.

Apps & Resources for Children with Down Syndrome

App List for Young Children with Down Syndrome (October 30, 2014)
by Julie Melton Smith
There are many good apps that can be beneficial for young children! BridgingApps has put together an app list for young children with Down Syndrome. Use these apps to not only make the smart device fun but beneficial to the child’s development.
http://bridgingapps.org/2014/10/app-list-young-children-down-syndrome/

Apps for Middle and High School Students with Down Syndrome (October 8, 2014)
by Julie Melton Smith
BridgingApps has put together an app list for people with Down Syndrome that could be helpful during these years.
http://bridgingapps.org/2014/10/apps-middle-high-school-students-down-syndrome/

Desktop APP---Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779)
This desktop app for Macs, Windows PCs & Microsoft Surface tablets accommodates low vision or unfocused readers by covering text NOT to be read and channeling the eyes to 1 or more lines of text that ARE to be read. Users can manipulate all features of this digital tool available for download to help them better decode words and improve focus, comprehension and retention. This app allows for customization to meet the needs of individual readers and can also accommodate very large text or fonts as needed.
To learn more, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590.
Direct links to access app download:
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

Technology Use for Children with Down Syndrome: The iPad
by Dr. Thomas L. Layton
This article contains information on using iPads with children challenged with Down Syndrome. Various apps and their links are provided throughout the article that addresses needs in the area of phonics and reading, writing, speech and more.
http://www.talkandtotal.com/2011/05/technology-use-for-children-with-down-syndrome-the-ipad/

Down Syndrome Awareness Month App List (iPad & Android Apps)
by Amanda Schaumburg, M.S. CCC-SLP
This link will provide access to a pdf file for download. The file contains a list of apps for work on language skills compiled by a speech & language pathologist. Ms. Schaumburg prefers to think “functional!” and always tries to find ways to transfer skills learned in these apps to real life.
http://pandaspeech.blogspot.com/2012/10/down-syndrome-awareness-month-app-list.html

National Down Syndrome Congress 2011 BridgingApps App List
This list of apps was created for the convention by BridgingApps co-founder Cristen Reat, with contributions from Tricia Brinks (educator), Bonita Merrill (parent) and Betsy Furler (speech language pathologist). The apps address skills and topics related to school, independence, communication, leisure and more for parents of children with Down Syndrome.
http://bridgingapps.org/2011/08/national-down-syndrome-congress-2011-snapps4kids-app-list/

Apps for Kids with Special Needs (for iPad, iPhone, and iPod)
This link will provide access to various lists of apps to help our kids learn and possibly improve their quality of life.
http://www.downsyndromedaily.com/2011/03/apps-for-kids-with-special-needs.html

Other Resources (not Apps)

The Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome (RLI) (2 DVDs & 1 CD-ROM)
Authors: Kelly Burgoyne, Fiona Duff, Paula Clarke, Glynnis Smith, Sue Buckley, Margaret Snowling and Charles Hulme---Publication date: December 13, 2012
Intervention (now available in the U.S.) designed to teach key reading and language skills to children with Down Syndrome. Found to be more effective than ordinary literacy instruction in a randomized controlled trial in the UK. Adapted to meet the specific learning needs of children with Down Syndrome aged 5 to 11 years. An evaluation of RLI is also now underway in schools in San Antonio, Texas.
http://www.dseusa.org/en-us/news/2013/01/16/down-syndrome-reading-language-intervention-shipping/

Educational strategies for children w/Down syndrome—A “closed” Facebook Group (Request to join)
A place to share educational ideas for your child with Down syndrome, including but not limited to things you can do at home to reinforce what's happening at school.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/139259556143320/

42 Great Down Syndrome Resources You Should Know About
by Tzvi---Published on 3/20/13
Check out these informative and supportive resources from the web, various books, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest---all in one place!
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/03/20/42-top-down-syndrome-resources-you-should-know-about/

For information on customizable reading tools for children and adults with additional needs:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators,LLC

Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome

When a special needs child becomes part of a growing family, we know that a very “special” kind of dedication will be “needed” of the parents of that child as well as of the other family members.

When new parents receive a diagnosis of Down Syndrome for their new little one, their level of dedication may be particularly "special". At the same time, the rewards for the family could be exceptional as the child will become capable of giving much love and affection. She will also be able to celebrate with her parents as she learns important skills and reaches significant milestones along the way.

For the best possible outcomes, the parents and families of children with Down Syndrome will need all the help, support and resources available in their communities. This week, as we approach World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (Thurs., March 21), our blog article is dedicated to these families, providing this needed information to help them best care for their children, especially in the areas of health care, vision and literacy.

Options for Health Care

For optimal health care of their child, families may wish to locate a developmental pediatrician, a specialist knowledgeable about Down syndrome or a Down syndrome clinic. A pediatric hospital can guide you in this search for such a specialist as well as provide you with a support team of other medical professionals to help you and your child. These specialists can work with your primary care physician. However, it is not always necessary or possible to find an expert on Down syndrome. The most important thing is that the doctor is willing to learn about the condition and collaborate with the family and individual with Down syndrome (also called Trisomy 21).
(Source: National Down Syndrome Society: https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Health-Care-Providers/.)

In addition, local parent groups can also be an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome.

To enable parents to care for and help their child with Down Syndrome in the best ways possible, we have gathered together this week a collection of resources to help support these families in the best ways possible.

Vision and Literacy

Also, parents will want to know that Down syndrome can affect the developing eye, which could impact the proper development of vision. Eye disease is reported in over half of patients with Down Syndrome, from less severe problems such as tear duct abnormalities to vision threatening diagnoses, such as early age cataracts.
(Source: National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/.)

As particular this attention should be given to vision in people with Down syndrome, we have also included in our resources list below here a group of links related to vision and literacy for parents of children with DS who are challenged with such issues. Please scroll down to see Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome in the second half of the list to follow here. We hope that these will provide a starting point in the development of reading skills for these children.

Resources for General Information about Down Syndrome

List of Down Syndrome Resources
List includes national organizations, medical resources & more
http://www.downsyn.com/resources.php

National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS)
Organization that offers a special welcome to new parents. Since its inception in 1961, NADS has always believed that parents helping parents is a very powerful concept and most parents find that some of their greatest resources are other parents. NADS is funded by private and corporate donations, fundraising events and by membership dues.
http://www.nads.org/

Health Care Providers and Locator Map
From the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
For optimal health care, families may wish to locate a developmental pediatrician, a specialist knowledgeable about Down syndrome or a Down syndrome clinic. These specialists can work with the primary care physician. Local parent groups are also an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome. (Please see NDSS Affiliate Local Support with Locator Map to follow.)
https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Health-Care-Providers/

Affiliate Local Support with Locator Map
From the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Local parent groups are an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome.
https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Local-Support/

University of Michigan Health System Website
General overview of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) with basic statistics, information about development and more.
http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/downsyn.htm

Down Syndrome Education Online
Website offers a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/guide/

Down Syndrome Blog
Blog written by the father of a son with Down Syndrome. An EXCELLENT read with regular posts!
http://noahsdad.com/

List of Other Down Syndrome Blogs
http://noahsdad.com/down-syndrome-blogs/

Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome

Vision and Down Syndrome
Information on how vision may be impacted by Down Syndrome and resources to help
http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/

Reading Interventions for Children with Down Syndrome
by Kelly Burgoyne
Research with typically developing children has identified successful methods of teaching reading, and recent work has begun to evaluate these methods for individuals with Down syndrome. The aim of this paper is to review this work, and to highlight areas in need of further research.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/reviews/2128/reviews-2128.pdf

Tools for Challenged Readers
Brennan Innovators, LLC provides customizable Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) for struggling readers of all ages. The company can create special Reading Focus Cards for children and adults who require large fonts (1 to 2 inches in size) for vision issues. Those interested are invited to call the company for specification needs and individual pricing (see website for phone number, please).
www.FocusandRead.com/products

Desktop APP---Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779)
This desktop app for Macs, Windows PCs & Microsoft Surface tablets accommodates low vision or unfocused readers by covering text NOT to be read and channeling the eyes to 1 or more lines of text that ARE to be read. Users can manipulate all features of this digital tool available for download. This app allows for customization to meet the needs of individual readers and can also accommodate very large text or fonts as needed.
To learn more, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590.
Direct links to access app download:
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

Emergent Literacy in the Homes of Children with Down Syndrome
by Thomas L. Layton, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University
http://triangledownsyndrome.org/cmsmadesimple/index.php?page=literacy

Reading and writing for individuals with Down syndrome - An overview
by Sue Buckley
http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/reading/overview/

The influence of reading instruction on language and memory development in children with Down syndrome
by Glynis Laws, Sue Buckley, John MacDonald and Irene Broadley
This paper reports evidence for the importance of reading instruction for memory and language development in children with Down syndrome.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/reports/52/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://rlv.zcache.com/down_syndrome_butterfly_3_1_mouse_pads-p144494819243887027eng3t_400.jpg

A Basket of Special Needs Apps-2013

It has been some months since we provided a good list of apps for children and adults with special needs. In April 2012, we posted an article entitled A Basket of Special Needs Apps, which is still accessible at http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/03/basket-of-special-needs-apps.html. Since that time, the article has been accessed more than 2,000 times by our readers. We thought that now would be an appropriate time to provide an updated list of apps, especially as the technology continues to rapidly improve.

So for this week, we have gathered lists of apps and related resources to bring you up-to-date in the world of special needs applications. We hope that those presented here will improve the quality of your life or someone you care about in a significant way. As always, if you know of other recent, technological applications not listed here that may be helpful to others, do please let us know in the comments boxes below here. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Lists of Special Needs Apps & Resources for 2013

Great Apps for Students with Learning Disabilities---Blog article from Prufrock Press that includes website resources for apps to help with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and other learning challenges
http://blog.prufrock.com/blog/2013/2/1/the-best-apps-for-students-with-learning-disabilities

13 of the Best Special Needs Apps of 2012---Blog article from TeachThought published January 1, 2013
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/1-of-the-best-special-needs-apps-of-2012/

Guide to Special Needs Apps---Presented by the Kaufman Children’s Center---Provides a number of helpful resources for accessing special needs apps
http://www.kidspeech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=778&Itemid=638

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 1---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 40 FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. General Special Needs---14 Apps
2. Autism---12 Apps
3. Basic Skills---14 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/free-special-needs-ipad-apps-part-1

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 2---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 18 Additional FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. Behavior---8 Free iPad Apps
2. Books (regular, audio, and interactive)---2 Apps
3. Choice Board and Schedulers---1 App
4. Early Language Development---2 Apps
5. Taking Turns---2 Apps
6. For the Teacher---4 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/subjects/general/item/347-list-of-free-ipad-apps-for-children-with-special-needs-part-2

Phonics Genius---by Innovative Mobile Apps---Individual iPad app that helps teach phonemic awareness (FREE)
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/phonics-genius/id461659980?mt=8

Sound Literacy---by 3D Literacy---Price: $24.99 (A portion of all proceeds benefit the International Dyslexia Association.)---The first iPad app that brings your letter tiles in to the 21st Century. Now being used in 19 countries across the globe. Named one of the 12 Best Apps for Special Needs of 2012 by Teachers with Apps.
NOTE: The tiles of Sound Literacy do not create audible sounds, but do represent the spellings of the English phonemes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundliteracy/id409347075?mt=8

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Apps for Autism & Asperger’s-2013

Over the past several weeks, we have been receiving more requests than usual for new apps to help children and adults on the autism spectrum. So, we thought that this week’s article might be a good vehicle for providing our readers with an answer to these many requests. What is new in the world of apps for autism/Asperger’s?

We hope you will find a few new resources here to tap into for yourself or for the person in your life challenged with an autism-spectrum disorder. Please tell us what you think of these apps when you have had an opportunity to try them. We would love to receive your VERY valuable input (as always)!

New Apps for Autism/Asperger’s

Autism Apps for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad---FREE (Updated: Jan 10, 2013) ---Educational Autism Apps is simply a comprehensive list of apps that are being used with and by people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome and other special needs. It also includes links to any available information that can be found for each app. The Apps are also separated into over 30 categories, and the descriptions are all searchable, so any type of app is easy to find and download.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autism-apps/id441600681?mt=8

Autism Apps from Autism Speaks (for Android & Apple)---Long list of autism apps that provides app titles, platform compatibilities, prices, content categories and online app access (click links)---an excellent online resource from a most reputable organization. (Some are FREE apps)
http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps

MySocius Model (Released: Nov 13, 2012) by BehaviorApp --- MySocius is an iPhone and iPad app designed for parents who want to help their child with autism communicate. This app uses evidence based, Naturalistic Teaching Procedures that “embeds teaching within the activities of everyday life.” Naturalistic Teaching Procedures have proved to be effective in clinical practice. Price: $24.99 (Expensive, but for what it claims to provide, this may be worth the price.)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mysocius-model/id572554727?ls=1&mt=8

Autism Apps List from the TCI Tech Review Blog---–Short list of Apple-compatible autism apps from last half of 2012 to January 2013. Individual reviews provide pricing, summaries, iTunes access links and more. (All have prices that are from $1.99 to $99.00)
http://www.tcischool.org/techtips

For information on sensory-appealing reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Study Tips, Tricks & Resources for ALL Readers & Learners

Now that the New Year 2013 is well underway, students are returning to classrooms. Teachers are resuming the assignments of class work and homework. Parents are once again facing the sometimes daunting task of motivating their children to complete challenging, long-term projects or helping them prepare for tests.

That is why today’s article will provide teachers and parents with resources to help with the successful completion of school work and study. We have listed below here some FREE options to assist students of ALL ages and abilities with time management, organization and study tips and tricks, the key pieces for academic success. We hope you will find each resource to benefit someone you know who needs a little extra help in the “homework & study department” for the new year.

Time Management Tools

Basic Blank Monthly Calendars---FREE printables for easy customizing to individual needs and notes (2 versions)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/Assortment-01/Graphic-Organizers/Blank-Monthly-Calendar-Directions.html

More Blank Monthly Calendar Templates---More FREE printables for customizing to individual needs on a monthly basis (includes templates through December 2015)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/calendarmain.htm

High School and College Assignment Planner--- FREE printable for College and High School Course Assignment Semester/Year Planner (can be used for middle school students as well)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/Assortment-01/Graphic-Organizers/High-School-College-Assignment-Planner.html

APPS--5 Time Management Apps for the iPhone---by Eric Baxter and HowStuffWorks.com---A short list of a few iPhone apps that have been designed to help you better manage your time.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-apps/5-time-management-apps-for-iphone.htm

APPS--15 Awesome Time Management Tools and Apps---You will find that most of these tools are browser-based and can work on any computer whether it is Windows, Mac or Linux. By the way, , you will also notice that ALL of these tools are FREE!
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/04/15-awesome-time-management-tools-and.html

Organizational Tools

Graphic Organizers (for Primary Students)---Many kinds of FREE graphic organizers for primary teachers and parents of younger students can be found here. These graphic organizers are great for teaching lessons to elementary children. These can also help to organize thoughts for writing and retention of information.
http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/graphic/graphic.htm

Graphic Organizers (for Elementary Students)--- Help your students or children classify ideas and communicate more effectively. Use these FREE graphic organizers to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

Graphic Organizers (for Middle & High School Students)---Middle and high school as well as college students can benefit from the FREE graphic organizers on this site. Templates for Brainstorming, a Classroom Weekly Newsletter and others can be accessed via this site.
http://www.studenthandouts.com/graphicorganizers.htm

APPS--Top 5 Apps for Organizing School Work---From Edudemic---Here are a few apps geared specifically towards organization for the student.
http://edudemic.com/2012/01/top-5-apps-for-organizing-school-work/

Study Tips

Why Your Good Study Habits Are Wrong---Article from WebMD with a list of new tips to include in a young student’s study routine (includes a “listening” option for the article)
http://fit.webmd.com/kids/move/article/good-study-habits

Homework & Study Skills---A compilation of articles from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, each containing information and many study resources for both young AND older students (teens, too), especially for those with reading and learning challenges
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/homework-study-skills

9 Awesome Study Tips For College Students---Article from the Huffington Post that presents “new” study tips that work for college students (some information shared from the New York Times)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/08/study-tips-for-college-_n_709096.html#s136089&title=Alternate_Study_Spaces

AcademicTips.org’s College Study Tips---This web site contains college study tips, guides and tricks to help you manage your time, take better notes, study more effectively, improve memory, take tests, etc.
http://www.academictips.org/

APP--Study Tips---by CoolAppsA --- FREE app for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad-Requires iOS 5.0 or later---The 365 tips and quotes included in the app are based on decades of research in the fields of education and psychology and on field tests with a broad spectrum of students from middle school to post-graduate level, including many with attention and learning issues.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/study-tips/id528269160

Happy reading and studying in this New Year 2013!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"--- Better Listening Skills with ADHD

It’s that time of year when everything is hustling and bustling---it's the holidays! Whether you are celebrating a Happy Hannukah, Kwanza or a Merry Christmas, this is a busy, busy season. If you, your child or your students are challenged with ADHD, then the season may be more chaotic than busy. In some cases, organizational skills may be lacking more than usual, focus and attention could be more significantly diminished, and the ability to listen well might be even more compromised with all the sounds of the season and the activities that accompany them.

So what is a parent, teacher or adult with ADHD to do during this busiest season of all when it comes to helping yourself or others properly attend to conversations, effectively listen to a discussion or absorb instructions for an activity? At other times of the year, these tasks may already be a struggle for those with attention deficiencies, but right now, those challenges can be intensified with the excitement and busy-ness of the holidays.

During the past week, one of our Facebook fans wrote to us and requested tips for listening and remembering facts in a conversation when one is challenged with ADHD symptoms. This same fan inspired us to write this blog article that we thought might help her and other readers during the busiest season of all. We have included some resources here to help ALL readers who experience these listening issues, especially for those children and adults with ADHD or Asperger’s.

Learn to LISTEN so that YOU can experience success---in the classroom, in relationships, on the job and in life! Happy Holidays and Happy Listening, everyone!

Listening Resources for ADHD

Not Paying Attention? Improve Listening Skills in ADHD Children at Home and School
Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5934.html

Advice for ADHD Wigglebottoms
Blog article from ADDitude Magazine
Book review of selection written by Howard Binkow for ADHD preschoolers, who don't have to sit still to enjoy some basic listening lessons.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/4/4929.html

Improving your Child's Poor Listening Skills
Learn the best ways to help your child improve poor listening skills, attention and memory with positive behavior supports.
http://www.child-behavior-guide.com/listening-skills.html

Pay-Attention Tips for ADHD Adults
by Lynn Weiss, Ph.D---Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5716.html

Listen Up: 9 Ways to Help ADHD Kids Follow Directions
by Sandra Rief--- Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5152.html

10 Rules of Listening
by Linda Eve Diamond (excerpts from Linda's book, Rule #1: Stop Talking: A Guide to Listening (LP, 2007)
http://www.1000advices.com/guru/listening_10rules_led.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5934.html

BEST Tools for Dyslexia

There is no doubt that our blog visitors are always looking for resources and tools for dyslexia. These are the number one, sought-after items according to our blog analytics' reports. This continues to be the case week after week.

Many of these visitors are teachers who seek practical and usable information about dyslexia not provided by their school districts and professional organizations. Others are parents who desperately want to help their children succeed in school, despite the struggles with reading those children face daily in their classrooms. Still others are adults who have been challenged with reading issues most of their lives and continue to search for tools and strategies to improve focus, concentration, comprehension and retention.

Because of this continuous demand and the increasing number of phone requests we consistently receive, we have gathered again a new list of tools (both low- and high-tech) to manage the symptoms and effects of dyslexia, allowing challenged readers to focus and read with more success. Additional resources for dyslexia are listed immediately to follow. These tools, resources and information are from both Yale University and the University of Michigan.

Low-Tech & High-Tech Tools for Dyslexia

Technology for Dyslexia
Review of several tech devices specifically helpful to persons with dyslexia
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Technology.html

Software and Assistive Technology
Description and information about various technologies to help accommodate for challenges and increase self-confidence at home, in the classroom, or on the job
From the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

Assistive Technology at School (Info about Low- and High-Tech Assistive Technology)
A Charter School's Journey into Assistive Technology ---article by Joshua Jenkins
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_schooltechnology.html

The Reading Focus Card to Help Students with Dyslexia & ADD/ADHD (Low-Tech Tool to Help with Dyslexia)
Review from University of Michigan’s University Center for the University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/latest/reading-focus-card-help-students-dyslexia-addadhd

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities-(Collection of both Android and Apple-compatible apps)
List compiled by the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Other Resources for Dyslexia

Tips from Dyslexic Students for Dyslexic Students
by Nancy Hall
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html

Book Scanning Services
As dyslexics struggle with reading, pouring over pages of small, tightly-printed text may not be the best option. Luckily, book scanning has become a viable option for transferring printed text into PDFs and e-Book formats to help dyslexics read.
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/book-scanning-services

Learn About It—What is Dyslexia and Debunking the Myths—Quiz
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/primary-links/learn-about-it%E2%80%94what-dyslexia-and-debunking-myths%E2%80%94quiz

Press Release - Patented ADHD Reading Tools Can Help ALL Kinds of Readers
http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/patented-adhd-reading-tools-can-help-all-kinds-readers

Happy reading, everyone!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://bookivoremidwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/sustained-silent-reading.html

Android Apps for Special Needs

We want Help for Struggling Readers to be your go-to blog when you need reading or learning resources, strategies, apps and other help for all kinds of learners, especially those who struggle to read and learn.

That is why this week, we’ve decided to provide you with a short list of 3 collections that contain great Android apps for special needs---all kinds of special needs! You’ll find some apps that are FREE and others that are available at various price points.

Choose the apps that will meet your needs and those of your child or your students. You just might want to bookmark this page so that you can refer to it again and again as needed. Help yourself to some awesome special needs apps for your Android devices---a combined total of 78 apps in all!

Android Special Needs Apps

14 Special Needs Android Apps on Google Play-from Friendship Circle Blog
http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2012/09/04/14-special-needs-android-apps-on-google-play/?goback=.anb_684677_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

37 Special Needs Apps for Android Devices-compiled by Melanie Vitovsky (Twinkie Babies website)---Titles, prices & links to excellent special needs apps for Android devices---Many of the apps are for children on the autism spectrum, but other special needs apps are also available here.
http://www.twinkiebabies.com/37-special-needs-apps-for-android-devices/

Android Apps for Our Kids—from the Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs blog---Here is a list of 27 Apps for Android devices, visual supports and other resources (especially for children with multiple special needs). Also provides a second short list of app collections at the end of this list.
http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/08/android-apps-for-our-kids.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clipart courtesy of:
http://downextra.eu/mobile/1755283-best-mega-pack-android-apps-and-games.html

ADHD Tools & Resources for This School Year!

It’s Labor Day Weekend, and at its end, students will begin a new school year, if they have not already done so. With this new year, there will be new issues for the families of children and teens challenged with AD/HD.

We already know that the rate or prevalence of AD/HD is increasing. We also know there is technology to help the children and adults affected. However, what about the availability of reliable information, resources and other tools to help manage this condition? Also, how does one know which information is really current, credible and potentially beneficial to those who greatly need it?

Once again, we are here to help. We have assembled the best and most up-to-date information to assist parents, teachers, and other adults needing this critical information that can make a real difference in the life someone challenged with AD/HD.

We hope you find these tools, resources and supportive organizations to be beneficial for a child, student or adult you know with an attention deficit disorder.

ADHD Tools to Help with Daily Life

FREE Graphic Organizer Templates-Use this collection of visual organizers to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming. Select a specific graphic organizer from the list to suit the needs of a particular task, job, or other project.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

TeachTimer-Time-Management Tool
http://orton-gillingham.com/frmShoppingCatalog.aspx?intCategoryID=17&intProductID=207

The MotivAider-An ingeniously simple electronic device that enables people of all ages to stay focused and change behavior and habits quickly, easily and privately. (A 30-second flash video is available at link to follow here.)
http://habitchange.com/

The “Invisible Clock”-Reminder device for setting up to 12 reminders per day. Choose silent vibrate or different beeps.
http://www.thrivewithadd.com/products/useful_resources109

TIME SENSE EXERCISE©-A simple pen and paper tool that can help individuals use time more effectively.
http://www.thrivewithadd.com/products/useful_resources109

Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)-Customizable and sensory-appealing solutions for struggling readers of all ages. Especially helpful for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, as well as low vision, stroke recovery and TBI issues.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

ADHD Resources for Help & Support

CHADD-The leading, non-profit national organization serving people affected by AD/HD
http://www.chadd.org/?gclid=CK344_H-krICFYkWMgodeXUAiQ

National Resource Center for AD/HD (A Program of CHADD)-The nation's clearinghouse for science-based information about all aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
http://www.help4adhd.org/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-Information such as symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis, etc. provided on this site. A FREE copy of a detailed booklet describing ADHD symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping) is provided through this link (FREE download OR hardcopy available.)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-This official site offers resources, statistics, and other information about AD/HD.
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/adhdresources/

ADDitude.com-Site with many articles, information, and resources (printables and downloadables, too) realted to AD/HD (official site for ADDitude Magazine)
www.additudemag.com

The ADDitude Directory-A complete resource for living with AD/HD & learning disabilities
(provided by ADDitude Magazine)
http://directory.additudemag.com/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ace-clipart.com/school-clipart-03.html

Ultimate Apps for Dyspraxia

The odds are such that you probably know someone with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is a disorder in gross and/or fine motor skill development that affects 1 in 10 people. For some affected individuals, simple tasks such as using a knife and fork are problematic. Walking, skipping or catching a ball can be very difficult. For others, fine motor skills like writing or typing can cause frustration and a feeling of dejection.

Although dyspraxia is a life-long disorder, there is certainly some hope. Organizations such as the Dyspraxia Foundation (USA & UK) and others can help provide the latest information and research along with a social community for those interested in dyspraxia.

Early Symptoms of Dyspraxia
(From the Dyspraxia Foundation UK)

There are numerous early indications that a child may have dyspraxia. The following are some of the possible early symptoms:

• Irritable and difficult to comfort (from birth)
• Feeding and sleeping problems
• Delayed early motor development
• High levels of motor activity
• Repetitive behaviors
• Sensitive to high levels of noise
• Continued problems with development of feeding skills
• Toilet training may be delayed
• Avoids constructional toys such as jigsaws and Lego
• Delayed language development: single words not evident until age 3
• Highly emotional: easily distressed, frequent outbursts of uncontrolled behavior
• Concentration limited to 2 or 3 minutes

Adult Symptoms of Dyspraxia
(From the Dyspraxia Foundation UK)

Adults challenged with dyspraxia often find the routine tasks of daily life such as driving, household chores, cooking and grooming to be considerably difficult. They can also find coping at work might be hard. People with dyspraxia usually have a combination of problems in the following areas:

• Problems with gross motor co-ordination skills
• Issues with fine motor co-ordination skills
• Poorly established hand dominance
• Speech and language difficulties
• Problems with eye movements
• Perception issues (interpretation of the different senses)
• Challenges with learning, thought and memory
• Issues with emotions and behavior as a result of difficulties experienced

Many of the symptoms exhibited are not unique to people with dyspraxia, and even the most severe case will not have all the above characteristics. However, adults with dyspraxia do have a tendency to experience an unusual number of co-ordination and perceptual difficulties.

Today, there is the growing need for technology in helping those with dyspraxia. We have gathered together a list of apps that could help many affected children and adults as well. Here is a list of the most popular currently available at this writing:

Apps for Dyspraxia

Brightstar Reader---A computer application designed to bring about significant neuro-plastic changes in the brain networks associated with the process of reading. These changes optimally impact the temporal & motor organization and coordination of sight and eye-hand movements, resulting in improved reading fluency. Helpful for dyslexia, for reluctant readers, for ADHD with reading deficits, for dyspraxics with reading deficits and for those who suffer from Visual ADD.
http://www.brightstar-learning.com/the-science/brightstar-reader-whitepapers/

Talking Tom Cat–by Out Fit 7 Ltd. (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.1 or later-Price: FREE with ads)
Tom is your pet cat that responds to your touch and repeats everything you say with a funny voice. (Some children love saying things to Tom for him to repeat back. Great for encouraging speech!)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-tom-cat/id377194688?mt=8

Dexteria – Fine Motor Skill Development (Apple version)--by BinaryLabs (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.2 or later-Price: $4.99)
Great for fine motor skills
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dexteria-fine-motor-skill/id420464455?mt=8

Dexteria – Fine Motor Skill Development (Android version)--by BinaryLabs (for Android-Minimum Android version: Android 2.3.3 with Minimum screen width: 240 dpx -Price: $1.99)
Great for fine motor skills
http://slideme.org/application/dexteria

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox (Apple version) –-by THUP Games (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later-Price $.99)
A collection of six exciting educational games for your preschooler (ages 2 to 5)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/monkey-preschool-lunchbox/id328205875?mt=8

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox (Android version) –-by THUP Games (for Android-Price $1.99)
A collection of six exciting educational games for your preschooler (ages 2 to 5)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thup.lunchbox&hl=en

Resources and References

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
This website provides a description, symptoms, treatment options and other related information about dyspraxia
http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/writing/dyspraxia/

Dyspraxia Foundation-USA
Organization providing information, resources and support for persons with dyspraxia in the U.S. Includes a complete list of dyspraxia symptoms for children and adults.
http://www.dyspraxiausa.org/

Dyspraxia Foundation-UK
Organization providing information, resources and support for persons with dyspraxia in the U.K. Includes a complete list of dyspraxia symptoms for children and adults.
http://www.dyspraxiauk.com/

A Practical Manual for Parents and Professionals by Madeleine Portwood and the Developmental Dyspraxia Foundation UK

Blog article: My iPad review… by A Mum's Journey with Dyspraxia (Blog title)
http://amumsjourneywithdyspraxia.wordpress.com/

Two great websites that review apps for special needs (including dyspraxia) are:
http://www.a4cwsn.com/ Provides video clip reviews
http://www.spectronics.co.nz/article/iphoneipad-apps-for-aac

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ace-clipart.com/kid-clipart-01.html

Helpful Apps for Dyscalculia

The NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) describes dyscalculia as “a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. And, it can affect people differently at different stages of life.

Two major areas of weakness can contribute to math learning disabilities:

• Visual-spatial difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success.”

As with many learning challenges, specific strategies, accommodations, tools and other resources can enable affected students to experience more learning success. It is no different with dyscalculia. Because of this, and as a result of several inquiries at Brennan Innovators for teaching materials and resources for dyscalculia, we thought this would be a very good time to provide a few apps for teachers and parents of children with this learning challenge.

Apps for Dyscalculia

Math Teacher by Gianluca Puggelli (for iPhone---price $.99)
This is an application that helps kids work with basic mathematical operations. It supports multiplication, division, addition and subtraction tables. The app can be of particular benefit to those challenged with dyscalculia.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-teacher/id419156026?mt=8

Telling Time by My Turn Mobile (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later---price $1.99)
This app has three levels allowing students to advance their skills. It compares the analog clock to the digital clock.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telling-time/id346913342?mt=8

Coin Math by Recession Apps (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later---price $1.99)
This app begins with identification of coins, counting coins, making change, and shopping. This app allows users to advance levels.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/coin-math/id296596459?mt=8

A Math App: Multiplication Simplified – HD by App-Zoo (for iPad--Requires iOS 3.2 or later--price $.99)
This is a visual app that uses skip counting and is particularly good for those students who have difficulty with memorizing facts.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-math-app-multiplication/id392185727?mt=8

Algebra Touch (for Phone, iPod Touch, iPad--- Price: $2.99)
ALGEBRA TOUCH allows kids to manipulate and solve single-variable algebraic equations and terms in a very creative way. Kids drag their finger on the screen to move terms from one side of the equation to the other, or they can tap to factor or solve. A list of other algebra apps is also under development via this same link, so stay tuned!
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools/apps-4-math/math-apps

A Collection of Multiplication Apps (for Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, & Nook devices-prices vary)
http://www.rocknlearn.com/html/multiplication-apps.htm

Other Resources for Dyscalculia

LDOnline Definition of and information on dyscalculia
http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) Additional information on dyscalculia (includes warning signs and symptoms, treatment options, parent/teacher forum comments and other information)
http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

Dyscalculia.org Website with “Math Learning Disability Resources”
http://www.dyscalculia.org/

References
1. LDOnline http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/
2. NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia
3. Dyscalculia.org http://www.dyscalculia.org/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

Able Apps for Dysgraphia

Updated November 2016

Do you know a child or adult with dysgraphia? Do you know what it means to have this disorder? Perhaps it is related to the approaching new school year, but we have been noticing more keyword searches on both our website and blogsite here that include the term dysgraphia.

NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) describes dysgraphia as “a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction.

Children with dysgraphia may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.”

In simpler terms, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and challenges with putting thoughts on paper. In addition, dysgraphia is often common in children with ADHD and related disorders. The disorder affects approximately 10% of the population. Some medical professionals and educators recommend that children and adults with dysgraphia use computers and other tech devices to avoid the problems of handwriting.

Here are some of the symptoms of dysgraphia:

• Illegible writing
• Cramped or unusual pencil grip
• Writing from the wrist instead of dynamic hand
• Mixing uppercase and lowercase letters in the same word
• Omitted words, unfinished words or misplaced words
• Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time
• Talking to oneself while writing
• Random or non-existent punctuation
• Difficulty with syntax and grammar
• Writing that may be legible but is laboriously produced

With the apparent and noted need for information on this topic, we thought it might be helpful to provide our readers with a list of good apps for dysgraphia, especially as we quickly approach the new fall semester. After some research, we located the following apps that we hope will help a child or adult you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Apps for Dysgraphia

1. A collection of 6 apps specifically for dysgraphia---Ecosystems and Interactions blog
http://wandadawnleanne.blogspot.com/2012/06/useful-apps-for-students-with.html

2. Text Grabber-Version 5.4.7 -- This app allows the user to take a picture of a document with text, the app performs OCR, activate Voice Over, and it will read it to the user---by ABBYY -- Price is $4.99 - Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textgrabber-+-translator/id438475005?mt=8

3. mobile112 This app is a full-featured Android app for users with dyslexia, literacy or word finding problems, aphasia or dysgraphia. It can also be used to capture (OCR) and translate any written text in any European language (and soon also Cyrillic/Japanese/Chinese/Korean). (Trial edition available from Google Play---free for 30 days.)
http://mobile112.net/download.html

4. Apps to Help Students with Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties---Academic Therapy Center
https://academictherapycenter.com/2014/05/apps-to-help-students-with-dysgraphia-and-writing-difficulties/

Special Note: It has been found that individuals with dysgraphia can often benefit from regular use of the Pages application on an iMac to complete most “written” work. Also, it can be helpful to use the speech recognition features built into the Mac OS to navigate the screen, because the fine-motor movements required to use the mouse can often be hard to control. As a student moves into higher grades and the number of written assignments increases, using the iMac will save time and make it easier for teachers to review the student’s work than if written by hand.

Other Resources
A variety of helpful articles on dysgraphia (from Scoop.it!)
http://www.scoop.it/search?q=dysgraphia&type=post&page=1&limit=24&x=26&y=14

The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) web page for information on dysgraphia---treatment options, research, clinical trials and more
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

Sources for this article:
1. Information on the Pages application of iMas and Mac OS speech recognition features
http://www.apple.com/education/docs/L419373AUS_L419373A_AppleTechDisabilities.pdf

2. General information on dysgraphia from blog entitled A Mom’s (and Dad”s) View of ADHD
http://adhdmomma.com/2011/04/adhd-and-dysgraphia.html

3. The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) for dysgraphia definition
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

4. The dyslexia A2Z website
http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html

In Praise of Home Educators

It's the middle of summer, and for many parents right about now, the summer vacation days may be getting a “little long in the tooth.” The children have already spent many hours in the pool. Picnics in the park and play dates at friends’ homes have become the order of most days when parents can manage them. By mid-July, well, the kids often begin to take the lazy, hazy days of summer for granted.

If you are a homeschooling parent, however, your children may still be learning and doing their lessons even though it’s quite a few days after the 4th of July. That is because as a home educator, you can choose to homeschool or “unschool” your children the year round. As a result, your children are with you throughout the regular school year as well as over the summer.

There are many reasons why you may have chosen to homeschool. You may see it as a unique opportunity to address the special needs of a struggling learner or to provide a gifted child with “worthy” and challenging lessons and activities that will “stretch” him or her. You know (and love) your children best, and so you can be particularly suited---and motivated---to provide exactly what your child needs for learning to be most successful.

Patience is the virtue that you as a homeschooling parent have in abundance, and it is a good thing when you are BOTH parent AND teacher to your children---year round! It is almost a certainty that fortitude and determination play major parts in some of your days, especially when learning is not easily achieved with difficult math or science content. Creativity and resourcefulness cannot be far behind as you daily design lessons and create materials to reach and teach your child within the limits of a reasonable or low-cost budget. These are just a few of the many virtues and attributes you have to do what you do for your family.

So this article is written for the purpose of recognizing the special gifts and unique sacrifices you make daily as moms, dads, and even grandparents in the U.S. who have chosen to educate your children or grandchildren in your own homes. I tip my hat to each of you and in praise of your stamina, persistence, and enthusiasm given to homeschool your children---each day. Keep up the great work, homeschoolers!

To show our sincere appreciation of you, we have included the following educational resources that we hope will help make your good work just a little bit easier in the days ahead:

Special Needs Resources

An opportunity to level the playing field for diverse learners has arrived. With the use of mobile devices and a set of apps, barriers to learning can be removed and we can now set the stage for access to learning by all students. (by K. McClaskey)
http://pinterest.com/kmcclaskey/leveling-the-playing-field-with-apps/

A collection of resources for sensory learners
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-resources-for-sensory-readers.html

An exceptional library of resources for parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum (from AutismSpeaks.org)
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library

A variety of special needs resources all in one place (ideas, tools, publications, and more!)
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/special-needs-resources/

Gifted Resources

This all-things-gifted site is full of resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. Explore them all!
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/

Literature and other resources for parents and teachers of twice-exceptional children (gifted with special needs)
http://www.uniquelygifted.org/

Math Resources

Marvelous Math Morsels for Young Mathematicians---math resources for all age and grade levels
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/06/marvelous-math-morsels-for-young.html

Math Is Fun---Math resources for K-8 (includes Geometry, Algebra, worksheets, etc.)
http://www.mathsisfun.com/

MathBits.com---Offers fun yet challenging lessons & activities in secondary (& college level) mathematics & computer programming for students & teachers (Created by 2 math teachers)
http://mathbits.com/

Science Resources

TryEngineering.com offers a variety of lesson plans that align with education standards to allow students to apply the principles engineering, math, computer science, and physics through hands-on activities.
http://tryengineering.com/lesson.php

Links to almost 200 sites about general science, science education, and science topics for students of all ages
http://www.science-resources.org/resources/sci-links.shtml

Reading Resources

Customizable tools and strategies to help readers challenged with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, stroke recovery or TBI issues and other conditions that affect reading ability.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

From ed.gov: Includes a reading checklist, typical language accomplishments for different age groups, book suggestions, and resources for children with reading problems
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/read/resources/edpicks.jhtml

Reading resources, tools and related articles, etc. from Scholastic
http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/

Information about dyslexia
http://www.readingresource.net/

Teacher’s Blog: Help for Struggling Readers--60 articles with hundreds of reading resources ALL in 1 place! (includes info & resources for readers with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, and other issues that can affect reading ability)
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/

Other Resources for Home Educators

The Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms.
http://www.hslda.org

DonnaYoung.org---Printables & resources for home, homeschool, and classrooms
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm

FREE information and access to many homeschooling resources
http://www.homeschool.com/

This site offers articles on a variety of curriculum, homeschool ideas, statistics, and more. These include how-to articles, informative articles, and other homeschool issues. (Created by homeschooling parents to help fellow homeschoolers)
http://www.letshomeschool.com/

Current statistics on the number of homeschoolers in the U.S.---provided by Ann Zeise (2011 data--includes number of U.S. children who are homeschooled and individual state totals)
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/numbers.htm#how_many

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.letshomeschool.com/