Resources & Information

The 21 Things includes FREE personalized learning tutorials, hands-on activities, how-to videos and resources to build technology skills for the 21st century educator. Aligned to the International Technology Standards (ISTE) and the K-8 21things4students project. 

EduPaths is a FREE professional development portal for ALL Michigan Educators. EduPaths courses are designed to expand understanding on a wide variety of topics and help educators share best practices. Courses are available online and are completely self-paced and intended to help educators personalize their own learning plan anytime and anywhere.

EduPaths Accessible Materials Made Right provides resources and training to make accessible materials for all students.

GCF LearnFree For almost 20 years, the GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

AbleNet has resources that will help keep you up-to-date on professional development opportunities, free Remarkable Idea classroom activities to engage your students, and access to the Members Only portal to get more out of your curriculum.

The Alt+Shift Lending Library contains assistive technology equipment and software that is available to Michigan's PK-12 public schools for short-term use.

AssistiveWare provides links to support materials for Proloquo2Go, Proloquo4Text, Pictello, simPODD, and Keeble.

Boardmaker provides free recorded web training sessions to help you get up and running quickly to become a Boardmaker expert in no time at all!

Whether you're new to Bookshare or you are looking for a refresher, take a look at "Learn it Now" video tutorials.

Common Sense Media is a trusted guide for a fast-changing world. Media and technology are at the center of kids' lives every day. From a very young age, kids use technology at home and at school to connect with friends and family and to document their lives and create digital content of their own. With more and more of life happening online, what catches kids' attention isn't always what's best for them, and what companies do with their personal information isn't always clear.

Don Johnston provides How-To Videos and Printable PDFs made to support Snap & Read, Co:Writer, uPAR, Quizbot, Readtopia, First Author, Start-to-Finish, and Word Bank.

GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

Humanware provides video tutorials for BrailleNote products, Enabling Technologies Embossers, Mountbatten, Prodigi, SmartView, Victor Reader, and other assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision.

Inclusive Technology provides FREE Online Professional Development sessions without even leaving your desk. These are fully interactive, live events; you can ask the presenter questions just as if you were in the room with them.

The Center for AAC & Autism provides resources for Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) including using a device in a classroom, using a device at home, and core word of the week.

Browse the News 2 You Knowledge Base to learn more about News 2 You, Unique Learning System (ULS), and Symbolstix Prime. 

Novitatech provides online resources for the Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books.

Prentke Romich offers interactive self-study classes and recorded webinars at a time and location convenient for you for Prio, Accent, and LAMP Words for Life (app).

Saltillo provides practical and clinically sound product training and AAC implementation classes. These classes help you gain an understanding of their products and provide implementation tips and strategies to help communication partners support AAC learners. 

Tobii Dynavox provides live and recorded webinars and a variety of on-demand trainings for multi-access devices, eye gaze devices, Windows software, and iPad apps.  Learn more about Snap + Core, Communicator 5, Sono Flex, Look to Learn, and more.

Windows Ease of Access

 Ease of Access options can help make it easier to:

Use your PC without a display. Narrator lets you hear audio descriptions for elements on the screen, like text and buttons.

See what's on the screen. Make the content on your screen bigger using Magnifier, or use high contrast mode.

Use your keyboard. Turn on Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, Filter Keys, or the On-Screen Keyboard.

Use your mouse. Change the pointer size, or turn on Mouse Keys to use your keypad to move the mouse.

Windows Speech Recognition

Windows Speech Recognition lets you control your PC by voice alone, without needing a keyboard or mouse.

iOS Accessibility Features

Voice Control. With Voice Control, you can navigate and interact with your device by using your voice to tap, swipe, type, and more.

Use vision accessibility features. iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are filled with accessibility features aimed at helping people who are blind or have low vision use their devices.

Use hearing accessibility features. Features such as Live Listen, RTT calls, and visual alerts help people who are deaf or hard of hearing use their iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Navigate with Switch Control. With Switch Control, you can use a switch to select an item or location on your iOS device’s screen, then choose an action to perform.

Control features with Guided Access. Guided Access gives you control over potential distractions. For example, you can turn off your device’s keyboard to prevent accidental input.

Discover Apple Support on YouTube. The official Apple Support YouTube page has accessibility tips, tricks, and how-tos, straight from Apple. Go deeper with videos on VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, and other technologies built in to every iOS device.

Mac Accessibility

The MacOS offers many accessibility features for users with a variety of disabilities.  These features are built-in and do not require additional purchase nor activation. Furthermore, the accessibility features have been designed to appear and operate similarly to accessibility features on an iPad or an iPhone.  Accessibility features on a Mac are divided into three main categories: Vision, Hearing and Mobility Supports.

Chromebook Accessibility Features

You can make your Chromebook easier to use by turning on accessibility features that work best for your needs including the following:
Text-to-speech: Turn on the screen reader or Select-to-speak.

Display: Turn on high contrast mode or screen magnifier, or change screen resolution or text size.

Keyboard: Turn on sticky keys, on-screen keyboard, keyboard focus highlighting, keyboard repeat rate, or word prediction. Learn how to type with your voice.

Mouse and touchpad: Turn on automatic clicking, tap dragging, cursor highlighting, or change the cursor's size.

Audio: Play all sounds together through all speakers or play sound on startup.

  Boardmaker 7: Transition from Boardmaker Online to Boardmaker 7 (Webinar)                            

  Learn how to transition from Boardmaker Online to Boardmaker 7. 

 Boardmaker 7: Getting Started with Boardmaker 7

 This course contains a collection of resources designed to help you use Boardmaker 7. View quick guides and videos to review and learn features in the Boardmaker 7 software.

Boardmaker 7: Set Up Your Classroom with Interactive Activities (Webinar)

Learn how to create interactive activities for the new school year.

Boardmaker 7: Set Up Your Classroom with Print Activities (Webinar)

Learn how to create print activities using the Boardmaker 7 editor.

Boardmaker 7: Share, Assign, and Collect Data (Webinar)

Learn how to find and share activities with the Boardmaker Community, play activities, and analyze data in Boardmaker 7.

Boardmaker 7: What is Boardmaker 7 (Webinar)

Learn about the primary components of the new Boardmaker 7 software coming soon.

 Boardmaker 7: Getting Started Guide      

  Combined step-by-step guides for new Boardmaker 7 users

Boardmaker 7: Interactive Template Guide

Learn about interactive Boardmaker templates and get new ideas for how to use them.

Boardmaker 7: Quick Guides

Use these quick guides to learn more about Boardmaker 7 coming soon.

Find and Use Boardmaker Curriculum

Use this quick guide to find and use the Boardmaker Curriculum.

CoughDrop is a simple, modern AAC communication and support tool that empowers individuals and the teams around them. ... The built-in reporting and messaging tools also help the support team have a consistent strategy and know what's working across locations and times.

GO TALK NOW is an easy-to-use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that allows kids to communicate by tapping images representing words on the device. Communication books can be customized using photos, text, voice, and video.

LAMP Words For Life™ is a full English vocabulary augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) language app that combines the power of the PRC Unity® language system with Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP™) principles and strategies.

PECS IV+ is the solution for transitioning from PECS® to high-tech AAC. For learners who have mastered Phases I through IV of the Picture Exchange Communication System® using traditional PECS books, PECS IV+ is the high-tech next step!

Pictello is an interactive storytelling app that lets students and kids make virtual storybooks with their own titles, photos, videos, and captions.

Proloquo2Go is an award-winning symbol-supported communication app providing a voice to over 125,000 individuals who cannot speak. It is designed to promote growth of communication skills and foster language development through research-based vocabularies.

Proloquo4Text™ is a text‑based communication app that gives a voice to literate children, teens and adults who cannot speak. The app is designed to enable easy conversation and full participation in society. ... Free voices in 18 languages are included to enable natural-sounding communication.

simPODD is an app for the popular PODD system that makes communication more simple for those who can't speak. Built in collaboration with Gayle Porter, it's the only PODD app for iPad to bring digital page sets and a printing interface into one app.

Snap + Core First App for iPad. ... Snap™ + Core First® is a symbol-based communication app designed to be the most intuitive solution on the market. Snap + Core First lets users start communicating quickly and stay engaged as they grow and evolve on their communication journey.

Speak for Yourself is an application designed by two speech language pathologists specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with an evidence-based foundation. ... Individuals learn to use their communication device with the same principles they use to play an instrument or type on a keyboard.

TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech.

Unity® is a unique way to organize the English language and available in most PRC communication devices. These on demand classes provide information on the guiding principles of Unity, video examples of individuals who use Unity, and hands-on practice.

Verbally is an easy-to-use, comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app for the iPad. Verbally brings speech to those without and enables real conversation with its simple, intuitive design. ... Premium Features available with an in-app purchase.

Saltillo Chat Corner

Using Core Words? First, let’s start with “what are core words?”  Simply described, they are a small set of words that make up a majority of what we say every day across all settings.  This will be our target set of words for teaching and modeling. Some examples of core words: I, he, she, it, like, do, don’t,  get, give, go, play, open, stop, turn, help, more, on, off, in, out, big, small, hot, cold, etc.

Core Word Classroom

The AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom offers a large collection of learning resources, which are designed to support implementation of any communication device that is based on core words.

Tobii Dynavox Getting Started

You'll find a wide range of resources for Tobii Dynavox devices and software including Getting Started with Core First, Communicator 5, Snap + Core, and Compass.  You can also find Ideas for Therapy and Everyday Use, AAC 101, Evaluation Tools, AAC Goal Writing, and more.

AAC Language Lab

The AAC Language Lab offers real-life solutions in support of language development. Explore language stages and interactive materials designed for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), Educators and Parents. An annual subscription provides full access to all materials including guided lesson plans, a NEW activities section, a NEW language screener, implementation tips and more.

Jelly Beamer Transmitter

AbleNet’s Jelly Beamers include a wireless transmitter and receiver. Turn both components on, plug the receiver into any switch adapted toy or device, and you’re ready for wireless access. Beamers are paired with their own receiver, meaning multiple devices can be used in the same room at the same time, without interference. Effective range is up to 30 feet?

Wireless Receiver  with SLAT

Beamer Transmitters can be used with the new Connect for iPad to enable wireless switch access. 

PowerLink 4

The PowerLink 4 allows switch users to control up to 2 electrical appliances with single switches. Features 6 unique modes of control that allows you to define exactly how, and for how long, appliances will be turned on. PowerLink will accept any single switch, including Jelly Beamer wireless switches.

Blue2 Switch

Blue2 is the most widely used Bluetooth switch interface for tablets, phones, and computers. Blue2 allows you to quickly and easily wirelessly connect one or two switches with your device. 

Wireless Super Switch

The Wireless Super Switch is used to wirelessly connect one or two switches with a computer (not an iPad).  The switch emulates a mouse click. It is used with a USB dongle.

Big Talk Triple Play

Get the benefits of three communication formats in a single device. Press the large round plate to playback messages as single, sequential, or random order. Includes clear plastic cover to hold and protect icon, picture or word for visual cue.

Talkable IV 12 Levels

Communicate up to 48 messages with the 12-level Talkable 4. You can turn the level knob to choose among 12 sets of messages. The Talkable IV includes jacks to operate adaptive devices. They include one jack per button, letting you assign a device to each button. When you connect your Talkable to adaptive devices, the messages play at the same time as the device activates. It makes devices like the Talkable 4 multiple message AAC communicator easier to use for people with visual impairments.

iTalk2 with Levels

Record two messages to this dedicated speech generating device and then play back by activating the two 2.5-in/6.4-cm switch tops. Includes 4-minutes of record time, three recording levels, and supports the use of two external switches for alternative methods of access. 

Bookshare is the world's largest online library of accessible ebooks for people with print disabilities.

The BrailleNote Touch is an impressive feat of hardware and software engineering. It is an Android tablet with full-fledged Braille support, a skinned and simplified interface running custom-built accessible programs, full visual display, and the option, but not requirement, of using an external Braille keyboard.

A BrailleNote Apex is a computer made by HumanWare for persons with visual impairments. It has either a braille keyboard or a Qwerty Keyboard, a speech synthesizer, and a 32- or 18-column refreshable Braille display, depending on model.

Chromebooks have a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox, which enables people with visual impairments to use the Chrome operating system.

EasyReader is a FREE accessible reading app for readers with dyslexia, low vision or blindness. Browse & download from the World's largest collection of talking book and newspaper libraries, including Bookshare. Or copy text from anywhere on your phone & hear EasyReader read it back to you. Experience perfectly synchronized text & audio. Or for text only titles, EasyReader can add a human sounding voice of your choice. Boost comfort or contrast - choose colors, text size and highlights to suit your visual needs.

Go Read is a FREE accessible ebook reader for people with print disabilities. Go Read is directly linked to the Bookshare library, letting you find, download, and read Bookshare books within seconds. You can use Go Read with or without TalkBack and enjoy reading Bookshare books with useful features that make reading accessible to people with visual, physical and learning disabilities.

JAWS ("Job Access With Speech") is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display. JAWS is produced by the Blind and Low Vision Group of Freedom Scientific.