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Accomodations and Modifications

"If the child is not learning the way you are teaching, then you must teach in the way the child learns."
​                                                                  - Rita Dunn
As educators, we are aware that all of our students learn in their own unique ways.  Now trying to accommodate every need is not always an easy task.  Technology can be a great way to help reduce the amount of time it takes to create alternative assignments or to help provide more strategies to accommodate the needs of your students.  The overall goal with creating accommodations or modifications to assignments is to provide the student with more independence. ​ Some of the materials listed here would be great to use for your whole class and can be used to differentiate your class assignments.

Google

Google has many great free programs that can assist students in your classroom.  The great thing with Google Tools are that it provides more independence for your students.
Google Voice Typing 
(Free)

Information

Within Google Docs, there is a feature called "Voice Typing."  This feature is a speech to text writer.  The user is able to speak into a microphone and Google will automatically type the message onto the Google Doc.  There is no setup needed for this feature and is free to anyone with a Google Account.  This is a great feature for your students who are stronger with speaking out their answers instead of typing their answers.
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 ​Google Read&Write 
(Free)
Information

Google Read&Write is an add-on for the Google Chrome Browser.  This add-on will read out loud any text or passage that is located within the Google Chrome Browser.  Most of this add-on is also free.

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Dark Reader 
(Free)

Information
A Google Chrome Extension that allows the user to invert the colors of webpages. This extension can be great for students who need to change the colors on a web page to make reading more comfortable for their eyes
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Speakit!
Free
Information
A Google Chrome Extension that will read out loud the text on any web pag
e.
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Google Keep
(Free)
Information
A free organization tool that can be shared among several users and synced across multiple devices.  Use it to provide reminders to your students or teach your students organization skills using this Google program.  It is also available as an iOS and Android application. 
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Google Drawings
(Free)
Information
BE TE Video
Google Drawings is a free feature within the Google Suite that allows you to draw pictures onto a blank canvas or onto an uploaded picture.  Try using this product to assist your students with note taking or take a picture of your students work and allow them to type onto the worksheet on a computer.
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iOS Applications

iPods and iPads can be great tools for providing your student with more independence.  There are many great free  and affordable applications that can be a great tool to keep on your class iPods or iPads.
iOS Accessibility
(Free)
Information
BETE Video

iOS devices have tons of great accessibility features built into them.  An iPad is able to read to you, provides access to voice to text, magnification, change the colors on the screen, and much more! Check out our video as well as Apple's website to learn more!
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SnapType for Occupational Therapy 
(Free and $4.99 Version)
Information
BE TE Video

SnapType is an iOS application that is mostly free for both the iPhone and iPad.  Using this application, the user is able to take a picture of an assignment and then click on the spaces where responses are needed and then can type out their response.  Once the assignment is completed, the user can either e-mail, upload to a cloud, or print out the assignment. 
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Office Lens
(Free)
iOS
Android
Office Lens allows a user to take a picture of any surface and it will instantly convert it to a readable format for you to use or store in any way you want.  Upload the display , use it, or message it to another person.!
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Claro ScanPen Reader
($6.99)
www.claro-apps.com/claro-scanpen/
Claro ScanPen Reader is an application that allows you to take a picture of anything, and then the application will read you what the text on the picture says.

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PDF Notes for iPad (Free)
(Free)
Information
Looking for a way to note take of complete paper based assignments on an iPad? Check out PDF notes for iPad!  This application allows you to upload a PDF or an image from a different application and then write directly onto the file.  You are able to use your natural handwriting to complete the assignment or note take.  The application has a built in pencil, marker, and highlighter.  Once you are finished, just email the file to another recipient or upload it to the cloud.  You are able to store the files within an organized bookshelf as well. Check this application out in your quest to go paper free!
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Splashtop
(Price Varies)
Information
Are you looking for a way to bring your computer display closer to your students? Check out Splashtop!  Splashtop is a remote desktop software that streams your computer display to any tablet.  One of the great features with this software is the ability to use touch controls on the tablet.  This means that your interactive whiteboard lessons can be streamed to any tablet and will be just as easy to use as your classroom's interactive whiteboard.  Are you looking for a touch screen computer for when you are working in a small group or walking around the classroom?  Splashtop can be a great tool for that as well!
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Easy Spelling Aid & Easy Dyslexia Aid
($3.99)
Information

Easy Spelling Aid & Easy Dyslexia Aid is a great application to assist students with building their independence during independent writing time.  Students are able to speak to the application and it will write out and read the words that students may require support with.  The application allows the user to change the font, color, and size of the text.  Another great feature of this application is the bonus feature of fonts that are aimed at providing an accessible feature for students with dyslexia.  This application is available on all iOS, Android, and Kindle devices.
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SoundingBoard
​(Free)
Information
BE TE Video
SoundingBoard is a fee augmentative communication application.  SoundingBoard features a point and click user interface. SoundingBoard comes with over ten different communication boards that are ready to go.  Additionally you can purchase more if you'd like.  The great thing with this application is that you can also build your own communication board for free.  Try using this application as an introduction to other augmentative compunction devices and applications.
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Notability
($9.99)
Information

How often are your students losing their notes and/or assignments?  How often do they have trouble reading their own handwriting?  Why not teach them to store things digitally?  Notability is a notebook application for iPods/iPhones/iPads.  This application allows the user to create digital binders within the application. These binders can be shared with other devices.   Using this application students can take pictures of their assignments and notes and then store them on their device.  Additionally they can complete assignments or take notes using a digital pen or highlighter within the application.  When they need to, students are able to either print, email. or upload assignments to other places as they need.
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Mod Math
(Free and $4.99)
Information
ModMath is an iOS application for students who may require a computer to complete writing assignments. Students given digital paper and can input math equations into the graph paper and solve them one step at a time. This is not a calculator application. It is an application that allows the students to independently show their knowledge of math equations through the use of a tablet.
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Evernote 
(Free)
Information
Evernote allows you to take notes and can be synced between multiple devices.   You can choose from multiple paper templates, create checklists, notes, share files, take pictures, add reminders, and much more!
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iCalendar 
(Free)

The native calendar on the all mobile devices and tablets can be used to supplement an assignment book for students.  Teach students to write down their homework on the calendar and have them sync it to multiple devices.   Teachers can also share "events" as homework assignments and have them automatically added to a students calendar.
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iWordQ 
($20.99)
Information

iWordQ is a word prediction and reading application.  Students are able to type out their assignments and can click on words that predict what it is they are trying to type.  After the students are done type, the application can read back to them whatever they wrote.
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Awesome Calendar
$4.99
Information
Awesome Calendar is an iOS application that allows you to insert visuals into your events as you put them into the applications calendar.  You are able to create task lists and set alarms.  It has a cleaner display compared to the iPhone's native calendar.  This application includes a calendar, alarm, and a reminders option.
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Pocket Pond
Free
Information
Feeling stressed?  Check out this great app!  Pocket Pond gives you the sight and sound of touching actual water. As you stroke the screen, the creates the motions and sounds you would here in an actual pond!  This is a great app for kids who just need a sensory break.
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Word Processing with Google and Microsoft
Google Docs
(Free)
Google Docs Information
Microsoft Office
(Included with Office 365 Subscription)
Microsoft Office Information

Both Microsoft and Google provide applications for word processing on all Windows, Android, and iOS devices.  You are able to create and read Word documents, excel sheets, and PowerPoint presentations on these applications.  Both services work through the cloud, so having access to an internet connection is important when using these applications.
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Genius Scan
(Free)
iOS Download
Android Download
BETE Video
Genius Scan is a free pocket scanner application that can be used on both Android and iOS devices.  Using the application, you are able to snap a picture of a piece of paper or a picture and quickly convert the image to a JPEG or PDF format.  Once there, you can upload the file to many other applications, e-mail the file, or upload the file to a cloud.  
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Photomath
(Free)
https://photomath.net/en/
Photomath is a free iOS and and Android application that can scan and math problem and produce the answer.  Additionally it breaks down each step for the person using the application.  This could be a great application for students who are reviewing their own work, require support with a problem, or for parents who want to check their children's work.
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Virtual Manipulaitves!
(Free)
Information
Virtual Manipualitves! is a free iOS application that provides you with free math manipulatives to solve math equations.
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Audio Exam Creator and Player
Player (Free)
Creator ($9.99)
Information
Creator Download
Player Download
How many times have you been in a situation where you are required to do a read aloud test for multiple students?  Check out Audio Exam creator for iOS.  By purchasing the creator, you are able to create a read aloud test that can then be played through as many iOS devices as you want by downloading the free player application.  
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LitCharts
(Free)
Information
iOS Download
Android Download
LitCharts was created by the folks who created SparkNotes.  There website and iOS/Android application provides students with free cliff notes of many popular books read in the public middle and high schools.  There website also features tons of great resources for teachers to use when teaching from the text book.
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Digital Assignments

Students are always looking for fun, engaging, and different ways to show their understanding on their class assignments.  Technology can be a great tool to provide your students a way to diversify how they demonstrate the knowledge on a specified topic.
Blabberize
(Free)
www.blabberize.com

Using this website, you are able to create a talking animation. All you need is a microphone or a phone. With this website, you are able to upload an image of any person you want and then attach an audio file to the animation.  As the audio file speaks, the mouth of the image will go up and down as if it were talking.  Try using the site for your students to give short narratives or explanations of topics they might have read or facts about historical figures.

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SnapChat
Free
Mobile App: Information
#BookSnap Directions
SnapChat is an iOS and Android application that allows you to take a picture or short video.  Have your students take a picture of something they are reading, write a 1 sentence response, screen shot the image, and then email it to you.
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Toontastic 3D
(Free)
Mobile App: Information
Toontastic 3D is an iOS and Android application that allows you to create a play on the device.  Multiple users are able to interact with the screen at one time.  The application walks you through the process of the different parts of a story.  Use this application as a creative writing assignment or to have your students show their understanding on a topic that they are learning about.
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Microsoft Publisher/Word or Google Docs
(Free)
Most schools have access to either Microsoft Office or Google Suite.  Give your students that task of using a Microsoft or Google Produce to create a poster about a topic that they are learning about or researching.
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Affordable Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices and Applications

Communication is essential for every student and person in the world. We all have a variety of different ways that we communicate.  These include different verbal languages, different sign languages, and different communication devices.  Communication devices can come at a pretty hefty price.  Listed below are recommended affordable options to get you started in the classroom, home, or in the community.  
Satillo Low Tech Communication Options
(Free)
Information
Satillo offers free printable communication boards that follow CORE Vocabulary.   They have many great different options to help you get started!  They also offer a free chat option that can help you develop ideas on how to integrate their systems into your classroom.
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The Tiny Talker
($17.00)
Information
BE TE Video
The Tiny Talker is a 17 dollar AAC device. It comes pre-programmed with 12 different requests.  These include things such as: bathroom, yes, no, I'm hungry, and more a few others.  It is light weight and no bigger than a remote control.  The voice is a bit younger, so we recommend checking it out for students under third grade.
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Talk About! Communicator
($22.50)
Information
The Talk About! Communicator is a one button AAC device. Record a message up to 20 seconds and then click the button to hear the message.  There is a port that allows you to add switches to it.
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Adaptive Materials and Custom Supports

When instructing students it is important for educators to keep in mind the individual needs of our students.  Often, creating customized materials can become time consuming.  Below we have our list of recommended sites that can allow a teacher to quickly modify, adapt, and create materials to meet the needs of all of their students
TTAC Online: Blending Adaptive and General Curriculum
(Free)
ttaconline.org/teaching-process
TTac Online is a Virginia based organization that provides resources to teachers, families, and other professionals on best practices for working with children who have disabilities.  This resource provides effective ideas in creating lessons that incorporate both an adaptive and general education curriculum.
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Autism Circuit
(Free)
www.autismcircuit.net/
Autism Circuit is an online resource that provide information on Autism Spectrum Disorders along with free classroom resources for working with students who have Autism.

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Lesson Pix
(36.00$ Per Year)

www.lessonpix.com
BE TE Video
LessonPix is an online program that allows the user to create quick visuals for students.  The website is quick and easy to learn.  Between schedules, behavior supports, and instructional tools, this website has it all.  This program costs about $36 a year to use.
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Rewordify
(Free)
www.rewordify.com
Rewordify is a free online program that allows the user to simplify the reading level of any text.  The website also provides you the option to create study materials that focus on the more difficult words in each passage.
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Text Compactor
(Free)
www.textcompactor.com/
Text Compactor is a free text summarization generator.  Insert a text from a website or a book, and then choose what percentage of the article you would like to have summarized.  Once you are finished, it will give you a short summary of whatever you put into the generator!
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NEWSELA
(Free)
BE TE Video

www.newsela.com

NEWSELA has both free and paid membership options.  Both options provide up to date current events for readers of all reading levels.  Additionally, they also provide an option that allows you to select a Spanish version of any current events article.  Using this site, you could provide a wide variety of reading levels to your students that are all based around the same news article.
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Tween Tribune
(Free)
BE TE Video

www.tweentribune.com
Tween Tribune is a free current events resource provided by the National Smithsonian.  This resource provides up to date current events with the option to change the lexile for each article.  Imagine being able to give every student the same article on the US elections, but that article is adjusted to fit their reading level.  This site can do it! All you have to do is choose the lexile!
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Symbol World
(Free)
www.symbolworld.org
Symbol World is an online resource that provides up to date currents events with articles that are no more than 3-4 sentences.  Each article also has picture symbols to assist the students as they read.
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Sherlock Center On Disabilities
(Free)
www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/wwslist.html
The Sherlock Center provides users with every day books that are used in all classrooms.  Each book has been adapted to feature picture symbols above each word.  Every book is free to download as a PDF.
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​Ginger Software
(Free)
http://www.gingersoftware.com/

An add-on for Microsoft Office that will go through and proofread a student's writing.  The program is an advanced grammar and spelling checker that will also help rewrite sentences.
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Eduplace Graphic Organizers
(Free)
https://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/
Eduplace provides up to 35 different printable graphic organizers that can be used for a variety of purposes.  From KWL charts to problem solving... It is all here! And it is free!  Check these out to assist your students with the writing and/or note taking process.


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Print-A-Calendar
(Free)
www.print-a-calendar.com/
Looking for a printable monthly calendar?  Just go to this site and hit print, and you are good to go! Use this to help your students learn how to plan out their monthly assignments!
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