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The New York City Department of Education Assistive Technology Team features screencasts to support staff and families in the successful implementation of assistive technology in schools. We also provide screencasts that demonstrate the built-in accessibility features in multiple platforms (i.e. iOS, OS, Windows, Chromebook) to level the playing field of unique learners in the least restrictive manner.

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NYCPS Central Assistive Technology Site (for DOE staff)

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NYCPS Central Assistive Technology Site (for DOE staff)

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Essential Components of Executive Functioning

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Essential Components of Executive Functioning

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Who is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) for? 

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Who is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) for? 

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Anyone who can’t verbally communicate functionally across all settings.

The device is considered the student's voice.  Adults are encouraged to refer to the dynamic display speech generating devices as "Talkers" or "Your Voice" rather than iPad.

Those with little/no functional speech often:

play a passive role in communication

tend to initiate few social interactions

respond infrequently to communication  attempts

have a limited number of communicative functions

are at increased risk for learned helplessness

have difficulty expressing their wants, needs,  feelings, and ideas

AAC is used when a person has either limited speech, unintelligible speech, or no functional speech.

Those who have some speech skills are encouraged to utilize them in tandem with AAC.

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Delve Into the Misconceptions of AAC and Why AAC Facilitates Language Development

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Executive function includes key skills like attention and working memory. Learn how problems with executive functioning impact learning, working, and everyday life.

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Assessment Tool of Communication Skills for Individuals Who Communicate in Absence of Verbal Speech and Writing

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Assessment Tool of Communication Skills for Individuals Who Communicate in Absence of Verbal Speech and Writing

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The Communication Matrix

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Assistive technology assessment based on the SETT framework

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Assistive technology assessment based on the SETT framework

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If the address matches an existing account you will receive an email with instructions to reset your password.

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NYC DOE AT Consideration SETT Framework & Implementation Plan

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NYC DOE AT Consideration SETT Framework & Implementation Plan

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NYC DOE- Assistive Technology Consideration SETT Framework and Implementation Plan  (1).pdf

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Apple – Accessibility – Sady (with Audio Descriptions)

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LD Online article

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The executive functions all serve a "command and control" function; they can be viewed as the "conductor" of all cognitive skills.

Executive functions help you manage life tasks of all types. For example, executive functions let you organize a trip, a research project, or a paper for school.

Often, when we think of problems with executive functioning, we think of disorganization. However, organization is only one of these important skills.

The term "executive functioning" has become a common buzzword in schools and psychology offices. This is more than just a passing fad. In fact, neuropsychologists have been studying these skills for many years. We believe that the focus on executive functioning represents a significant advancement in our understanding of children (and adults!) and their unique profile of strengths and weaknesses.

A Formal Definition of Executive Functioning

Now (drum roll please), here is a formal definition of executive functioning:

The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation.

What mental control skills are covered under this umbrella? Different researchers and practitioners have their own favorite lists, although the overall concept is basically the same. We use the list proposed by Drs. Gerard A. Gioia, Peter K. Isquith, Steven C. Guy, and Lauren Kenworthy. These psychologists developed their understanding of executive functions through sound research and created a rating scale that helps parents, teachers, and professionals understand a particular child and think more specifically about how to help.

Before looking at the list of specific characteristics encompassed by the broad category of executive functions, we'd like to provide an example that makes the concepts more concrete.

Understanding Executive Functions by Looking at Life without Them

Thinking about what life is like for someone with weak executive functioning gives us a better understanding of the way these core skills affect our ability to manage life tasks. In the interest of making the concepts immediately relevant and meaningful, our example focuses on an adult, since we assume that most people reading this book are adults, too. Throughout the rest of the book we've included mostly examples of executive functioning in younger people.

The Road Trip without a Map

We'd like to tell you a story about our friend, Robin, who lives life without the benefit of strong executive functioning. Robin is a composite of many individuals we have known, and she struggles with weaknesses in executive skills, despite her well-intentioned efforts to reform herself.

One day in May, Robin gets a phone call from her Aunt Sue in Merryville, Missouri. Aunt Sue is planning a family reunion in July, and she wants to know if Robin and her family can come. All of the extended family will be there. The little town will be overrun with relatives and it is going to be a great corralling of the family from all across the United States. Robin is excited at the prospect and eagerly says, "Of course we'll be there! We wouldn't miss it!"

Aunt Sue gives Robin all the particulars, including the dates of the reunion and places to stay. Robin rummages around in the kitchen junk drawer for a pencil while her aunt talks, but she never does find one with a point on it. She promises to herself to find a pencil and write down all the details just as soon as she gets off the phone. But by the time she hangs up, she can't remember the specifics. She makes a mental note to call back soon to get the dates.

That evening, Robin excitedly tells her husband and two children about the reunion. Her husband asks when it will take place. "Some time in July. I don't remember exactly." He says, "Well, please find out this week because I have to request vacation time at work." Their fifteen-year-old son exclaims, "Hey, I thought July was when I was supposed to go to Band Camp!" "Didn't you remember?" Robin's daughter practically shouts, "I'm going to Ocean City with Julie and her family sometime in July." Robin blows up at them all, yelling, "Why are you all being so negative? This is supposed to be fun!"

About once a week, Robin's husband reminds her to get the information about the reunion. She promises to do so. (And she really means to get around to it!) Finally, in June, Robin's husband gets very annoyed and says, "Do it now! I'm going to stay right here in the kitchen until you call!" Robin makes the call and gets the dates as well as the other particulars. Her husband harrumphs around the house the rest of the evening because now he has only three weeks left before the requested time-off. Luck is on their side, though, because he manages to arrange the vacation around work, and the reunion dates do not conflict with the kids' activities.

Over the next three weeks, thoughts about the trip float through Robin's head from time to time. She thinks about how the kids will need to have things to do in the car since it's a long trip. She thinks about taking food and snacks for the ride. She thinks about getting her work at the office cleared up in advance so she can be free of commitments for the vacation. She thinks, "I really should take care of that stuff."

A few days before it is time to leave for the two-day drive to Missouri, she starts piling stuff into the van, including clothes and other supplies. (You can only imagine what the inside of this van looks like!)

Finally, it's time to pile the people into the van, too. On the way out of the house, one of the kids asks, "Who will be taking care of the cats while we're gone?" Robin moans, "Oh no! I forgot about that. We can't just leave them here to die and there's no one to take care of them! Now we can't go. What will we tell Aunt Sue?" Her husband takes over, and starts calling around the neighborhood until he finds a teenager who can do the pet sitting. The crisis passes. The cats will be fine.

So, they're off. Robin's husband drives the first shift. He pulls out of the neighborhood, gets onto the main highway, and then asks, "So, what's the game plan? What's the route?" Robin answers, "Missouri is west, so I know we have to go west." He looks at Robin incredulously and says, "You don't know any more details than that? Well, get out the map. We can't just head west with no more information that that!" And, of course, Robin says, "What map? I don't have a map." Robin's husband sighs and shakes his head. "Oh no! Another road trip without a map! Why didn't you tell me you were having trouble getting it all organized? I could have helped." Robin replied, "I didn't have any trouble. Everything is fine. We're in the car, aren't we? We'll get there. What are you so upset about?"

Do you think Robin had made reservations for where to stay along the way? Do you think she had planned out how much cash they would need for the trip or made it to the bank ahead of time? These and many other details, of course, had escaped planning.

A List of Executive Functions

With this example as a base, let's turn back to the question of what specific abilities are covered under the umbrella term of executive functioning. Below is the list of executive functions from Dr. Gioia and his colleagues. We've included a specific illustration of each executive function from our case study of Robin in parentheses after each definition.

1. Inhibition - The ability to stop one's own behavior at the appropriate time, including stopping actions and thoughts. The flip side of inhibition is impulsivity; if you have weak ability to stop yourself from acting on your impulses, then you are "impulsive." (When Aunt Sue called, it would have made sense to tell her, "Let me check the calendar first. It sounds great, but I just need to look at everybody's schedules before I commit the whole family.")

2. Shift - The ability to move freely from one situation to another and to think flexibly in order to respond appropriately to the situation. (When the question emerged regarding who would watch the cats, Robin was stymied. Her husband, on the other hand, began generating possible solutions and was able to solve the problem relatively easily.)

3. Emotional Control - The ability to modulate emotional responses by bringing rational thought to bear on feelings. (The example here is Robin's anger when confronted with her own impulsive behavior in committing the family before checking out the dates: "Why are you all being so negative?")

4. Initiation - The ability to begin a task or activity and to independently generate ideas, responses, or problem-solving strategies. (Robin thought about calling to check on the date of the reunion, but she just didn't get around to it until her husband initiated the process.)

5. Working memory - The capacity to hold information in mind for the purpose of completing a task. (Robin could not keep the dates of the reunion in her head long enough to put them on the calendar after her initial phone call from Aunt Sue.)

6. Planning/Organization - The ability to manage current and future- oriented task demands. (In this case, Robin lacked the ability to systematically think about what the family would need to be ready for the trip and to get to the intended place at the intended time with their needs cared for along the way.)

7. Organization of Materials - The ability to impose order on work, play, and storage spaces. (It was Robin's job to organize the things needed for the trip. However, she just piled things into the car rather than systematically making checklists and organizing things so important items would be easily accessible, so the space would be used efficiently, and so that people and "stuff" would be orderly and comfortable in the car.)

8. Self-Monitoring - The ability to monitor one's own performance and to measure it against some standard of what is needed or expected. (Despite the fact that they're off to Missouri without knowing how to get there, with almost no planning for what will happen along the way, and without a map, Robin does not understand why her husband is so upset.)

The executive functions are a diverse, but related and overlapping, set of skills. In order to understand a person, it is important to look at which executive skills are problematic for her and to what degree.

For strategies to help children with Executive Function Disorder, also excerpted from Late, Lost, and Unprepared by Joyce Cooper-Kahn, Phd. and Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D., go to:

For more information about Executive Functioning, go to:

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The term "executive functioning" has become a common buzzword in schools and psychology offices. This is more than just a passing fad. Find out what executive function is, and what specific abilities are covered under the umbrella term of executive functioning.

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Compilation of Resources for Families and Professionals

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Compilation of Resources for Families and Professionals

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AAC Resource Guide

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iPad provides many accessibility features and settings to support your vision, mobility, hearing, speech, and cognitive needs.

These features make your iPad easier to use, whether you need them temporarily or on an ongoing basis.

You can set many of these up when you turn on your iPad for the first time (see Turn on accessibility features to set up your iPad), or you can turn them on later.

You can also set up Assistive Access, which gives those with cognitive disabilities the option to perform the most common tasks, such as taking photos and communicating with their inner circle of family and friends, while reducing cognitive load and offering more focused choices. See the Assistive Access User Guide.

Siri is often the easiest way to start using accessibility features with iPad.

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Get started with accessibility features on iPad

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iPad provides many accessibility features to support your vision, interaction, hearing, and cognitive needs.

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Math Tasks

Mathematical operations

Fractions

Graphing

Written explanation of thinking

Pictorial representation

Functional Skills

Graphomotor control

Number/letter directionality

Visual discrimination

Visual organization/alignment

Reading/comprehending math problems (including word problems)

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Chromebooks, Chrome Browser and Android: Accessibility Features

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Chromebooks, Chrome Browser and Android: Accessibility Features

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Chromebook, Chrome and Android Accessibility Features

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PECS book (Picture Exchange Communication System)

Visual Schedules

Photographs

Single or Dual Message electronic devices

Individual graphic symbols

Visual Scene displays

Static Grids

Object Symbol Electronic devices

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Accessible Educational Materials national resource
What is AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
Who Needs AEM?
AEM for Remote Learning

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AEM Center - National Center on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST

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The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning at CAST provides technical assistance, coaching, and resources to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners with disabilities across the lifespan.

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Mid-Tech (Static Display) Speech Generated Device

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Mid-Tech (Static Display) Speech Generated Device

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TECHTALK 8

Support Website for Tech Talk 8

Device Manual for Tech Talk 8

GO TALK 20

Support Website for GoTalk 20

Device Manual for GoTalk 20

Cleaning and Disinfecting GoTalks

PROXTALKERS

Support Website for ProxTalkers

Quick Start Guide for ProxTalkers

PARTNER 4

Support Website for Partner 4

Device Manual for Partner 4

QUICK TALKER 12

Support Website for QuickTalker 12

Device Manual for QuickTalkers

Core Overlay for QuickTalker 12

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Highlighting Tape or Markers – key points, definitions, or different categories

Color coding – tasks and/or meanings, part of speech

Highlight syllables to facilitate decoding.

Word, letter, sentence cards as visual aids for spelling and reading.

Graphic organizers to preview/ review stories, vocabulary, etc.

Modify worksheets by simplifying format, reduce amount of text, reword in simplified language.

Color filters can improve visual perception of text

Irlen colored filters

See it Right

Ruler/reading guide strip/ masking to read line by line

Book holder/ easel/ adaptive surface for reading materials (slant boards, non-slip padding) to promote a good reading angle and visual field.

Dictionary and/or thesaurus to aide in spelling and word definitions.

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Text-to speech (TTS) lets you see text and hear it read aloud at the same time.

Audiobooks and digital TTS books let you hear books read aloud. Some people like to read along with the book so they can see the words at the same time.

Optical character recognition (OCR) reads aloud text from images and pictures. You can use OCR by taking photos of worksheets and paper documents, and even objects like street signs.

Display control allows you to control how text is displayed. When reading on a screen, they can change the font, font size, color, and spacing of text. You can also cover (or mask) parts of the screen to lessen distractions while reading.

Annotation tools let you take notes and write comments while reading. This can make it easier to retain information.

Source: Understood.org

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Can be personalized to meet students’ needs

Pictures can include photographs imported via the application libraries, application libraries, and the pictures on the iPad roll.

Proloquo4Text

Proloquo2Go

GoTalkNow PLUS

Touch chat

Speak4Yourself

LAMP - Words for Life

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High-Tech Communication Applications Free Resources for IOS and Android Devices

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High-Tech Communication Applications Free Resources for IOS and Android Devices

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GoTalk NOW LITE: iOS
ChatterBoards AAC: iOS
Verbally: iOS

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Here is our most recent update of free and lite versions of AAC apps for iOS and Android platform devices
+
a variety of resources related to AAC app selection. We strongly continue to advocate for a systematic process for AAC app selection. We recommend AAC app decision making in the context of a feature match process that gives appropriate attention to the full range of AAC options.
Tools to Use In Making Decisions About AAC Apps

1. Feature match form developed by Jessica Gosnell at Boston Children's Hospital

2. Feature match checklist created by Scott Marfilius and Kelly Fonner

3. Our supplemental rubric covering language and communication features, RELAAACs

Places to Go to Find AAC Apps and Reviews

1. Comprehensive AAC app list for iPhone and iPad by Jane Farrall

2. AAC Tech Connect's Apps Assistant

3. OCALI's listing of apps for individuals with ASD

4. Tech in Special Education

5. Aidis Trust Communication App Reviews

Training Material on AAC Apps, News, Suggestions, etc.

1. The App Academy's site for app training videos

2. Our PrAACtical AAC Scoop.It collection and Pinterest boards

3. Our post on 5 Things to Do Before you Choose an AAC App

Because this list sometimes gets circulated without the context in which it was originally developed, we decided to include some excerpts from our original post in early 2012.

"Graduate student SLPs are a fairly diverse group, but one thing that is common to almost all of them is that they are on a very limited budget. Although many of the AAC apps are reasonably priced, even that can be a lot for a struggling student. We wanted to put together a list of the free or lite versions of AAC apps for them to explore on their own iDevices.

1. Selection of AAC tools is always made after a thorough assessment. This is as true for apps as it is for speech generating devices (SGDs).

2. This list isn't intended in any way to endorse these apps or suggest that the free/lite version is sufficient. Hopefully, it will give future professionals a taste of what these apps can do and allow them to begin to think about how to make decisions about this in the context of a feature match assessment. Review sites like the one at Spectronicsand OCALI can be very useful when you are trying to see some of the features that apps contain.

3. This list isn't comprehensive. If you have links to other AAC apps that are free or have lite versions, please send them along and we will update our list.

4. Students, remember what we've taught you about AAC. This doesn't supersede what you've learned about AAC and language assessment, symbol selection, multimodal communication, etc."

5. Learning to communicate with an AAC app requires AAC teaching strategies such as aided language input (ALI), language facilitation strategies, communication opportunities, & meaningful language experiences.

And now, on with the show...
iOS Device Free or Lite AAC Apps

Free or Lite AAC Apps for Android Devices

This post was written by Robin Parker

Related posts

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133 Free & Lite Versions of AAC Apps + App Selection Resources

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Here is our most recent update of free and lite versions of AAC apps for iOS and Android platform devices + a variety of resources related to AAC app selection. We strongly continue to advocate for a systematic process for AAC app selection.

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Assistive Technology Evaluation Referral Form 

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Assistive Technology Evaluation Referral Form 

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Public schools and CSE administrators for Private and Charter Schools: please use the Assistive Technology Referral in SESIS.

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Highlight keywords or operations

Masking

Separate problems on the page

Declutter or enlarge paper

Boogie board or whiteboard

Free graph paper downloads

Alignment

Turn the notebook, so that the lines become columns

Utilize graph paper

Computations

Use number line and manipulatives

Calculator

Math and geometry tools

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1. A family calendar: A large, wall-sized calendar for family appointments and events can help your child see that organization is a lifelong skill.

2. A visual checklist uses pictures to lay out the steps to do a task. Morning routines. Visual checklists take away the stress of reading. And they can also be small enough to be posted discreetly in the right location.

3. An analog clock can help kids get a better sense of how time can be broken into chunks. It also helps them see how much time has passed or how much is left.

4. A supply caddy: keep supplies organized in a shower caddy or cleaning supply caddy. Your child can organize supplies by function (like pencils and markers, and scissors and glue).

5. Colored pocket folders: Give your child a few different colors of pocket folders for different tasks: To Do; Completed; Return to school/home etc.

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Helping your grade-schooler get organized doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Simple tools can work just as well as more expensive ones. Try these easy organization solutions.

A large, wall-sized calendar for family appointments and events can help your child see that organization is a lifelong skill. Everyone - including your child - can see how they fit into the bigger picture of the household. Try using a different color marker for each family member to highlight different schedules.

A visual checklist uses pictures to lay out the steps to do a task. Morning routines might have pictures of getting out of bed, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Visual checklists take away the stress of reading. And they can also be small enough to be posted discreetly in the right location. At first glance, they just look like comic strips.

An analog clock can help kids get a better sense of how time can be broken into chunks. It also helps them see how much time has passed or how much is left. You can buy special clocks online that show this. Or you can pick up four colors of cellophane wrapping paper at your local dollar store. Divide the clock face into quarters and put different color cellophane over each section. This lets your child see time in 15-minute blocks.

Instead of having supplies scattered all over the house, keep them all in a shower caddy or cleaning supply caddy. Your child can organize supplies by function (like pencils and markers, and scissors and glue). Best of all, a supply caddy has a handle so it can be stored when not in use and carried to a homework spot when needed.

5. Colored pocket folders

Give your child a few different colors of pocket folders to bring things back and forth from school. Choose one color for papers that need to come home but that don't need to be returned. Choose another color for papers that need your attention and have to be returned to school. And pick another color for homework, labeling one pocket "To Do" and the other "Completed."

Pizza box portfolios are a great space-saving solution. They stack right on top of each other. Ask your local pizza place for some clean, large pizza boxes. Your child can decorate and label them. Then start putting graded spelling homework in one box, art projects in another, and so on. Since there's limited space, your child will have to make sure the papers are flat and stacked instead of crumpled into a ball.

About the Author

About the Author

worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. She is the author of Amanda Morin The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education. Two of her children have learning differences.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Bob Cunningham, EdM serves as executive director of learning development at Understood.

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Helping your grade-schooler get organized doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Simple tools can work just as well as more expensive ones. Try these easy organization solutions. A large, wall-sized calendar for family appointments and events can help your child see that organization is a lifelong skill.

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Organization printables: Resources for families

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Organization printables: Resources for families

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Getting — and keeping — a backpack organized

Homework contract

Visual planners

School communication log

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Download these free printables to help your students and their families get organized. They can help with morning routines and other organization challenges.

Getting - and keeping - a backpack organized is a huge challenge for many students. Help families turn a luggage tag into a backpack checklist that's an easy, discreet tool to help students keep track of what they need to carry to and from school. Depending on what grade you teach, you may want to give families the version for older kids.

For many families, homework can be a source of great frustration and tension .A homework contract can be a good resourcefor families who are looking for new ways to manage this challenge. It can hold everybody accountable for what they need to do to make sure homework gets done on time and well. A homework contract can help students feel proud of the work they do. It can also help students stay on track to complete work that meets the standards and expectations you set for them. Depending on what grade you teach, you may want to share the version for middle-schoolers and high-schoolers.

Spanish PDF of homework contract for grade-schoolers

Spanish PDF of homework contract for middle-schoolers and high-schoolers

Understood article for families that explains how to use a homework contract

Getting ready for school can be challenging for some students. Picture schedules can help them follow these daily routines. For many families, these visual planners are easier to follow than written schedules.

Much like a morning routine, an afterschool routine can be challenging for some students to follow. Share this picture schedule with families to help students stick with a schedule for homework and other important activities.

Handing out a school communication log can help you encourage families to communicate regularly with you - and to let them know you welcome hearing from them. The log helps families jot down notes about important meetings, phone calls, emails, and other school-to-home communication. The log also makes it easier for families to keep track of who they communicated with and when - which can be especially helpful if their kids are struggling with academics or behavior.

About the Author

About the Author

worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. She is the author of Amanda Morin The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education. Two of her children have learning differences.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Julian Saavedra, MA teaches U.S. and world history in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Organization printables: Resources for families

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Download these free printables to help your students and their families get organized. They can help with morning routines and other organization challenges. Getting - and keeping - a backpack organized is a huge challenge for many students.

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Microsoft Learning Tools availability chart

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Microsoft Learning Tools availability chart

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Digital Learning Tools | Microsoft Education

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Empower every student with digital learning tools from Microsoft Education. Microsoft learning tools include math and writing apps, Immersive Reader, and more.

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Assistive Technology Solutions for Math 

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Assistive Technology Solutions for Math 

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NYPL Accessibility resources
NYPL E-Books
NYPL TumbleBooks library
(interactive books for young readers, need library card to access)
Bookshare and NYPL partnership

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Better Serving You

The New York Public Library provides two main services for eligible patrons of all ages who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, or who have a reading disability: through the services of the Andrew Heiskell Library, and now with Bookshare.

Andrew Heiskell Library

All New York City and Long Island residents are eligible to enroll in Andrew Heiskell Library's free services.

Access to over 50,000 talking books narrated by professional voice actors, mailed for free to your house, along with a talkingbook player that can fast forward and rewind, make digital bookmarks, and adjust the narrator's speed and tone of voice.

The same titles are available to download from our website or play on our iOS or Android mobile app, to keep, with no waiting list or holds queue.

Subscription options to over 60 audio magazines such as The Economist, National Geographic, Bon Appetite, Sports Illustrated, and People, as well as children's and teen magazines.

Electronic or paper braille books and braille magazines available the same way.

Books can be ordered through our call center, email, mail, voicemail, or online catalog. Or sign up for automatic service where we send books in your favorite chosen genres every week.

No lost charges.

Cultural programs, resource fairs, and workshops on using assistive technology for fun, literacy, and independence.

NEW! Bookshare

New York Public Library or Andrew Heiskell Library patrons of any age with a print disability can now access Bookshare for free!

Books are read aloud by the synthetic voice of your computer or mobile device, while also displaying the text, highlighted as it is read. Some titles also include original images and diagrams.

It carries not only popular titles but also textbooks, technical manuals and lesser known titles.

It will digitize on demand any book assigned to a student in class, and it allows any member to place a request for a title they wish to be made accessible.

How Can I Sign Up?

We suggest signing up for the Andrew Heiskell Library first, to streamline certification processes. Once you are a member of Heiskell, we can certify you for Bookshare.

Andrew Heiskell Library: If you live in New York City or Long Island, download the application (and learn more about our service) at talkingbooks.nypl.org. Or contact 212-206-5400 or talkingbooks@nypl.org for more information or to have an application mailed to you. For talking book service to the rest of New York State, contact 800-342-3688.

Bookshare: bookshare.org/signUpMember

Ask your librarian for the promo code that makes membership free.

Questions about Bookshare or their sign-up form? Call their help center at 650-352-0198 (9 a.m. -5 p.m. Pacific Time), or visit bookshare.org.

Learn more: bookshare.org/cms/promo/nypl

More Information on Certification of Eligibility

If you have a visual or physical impairment: For Heiskell services, your local librarian may sign as the certifier. Or you can ask your doctor, social worker, occupational therapist, or nurse. For Bookshare, if you are not a member of Heiskell, the same people can be certifiers, as can your special education teacher.

If you have a reading disability: For Heiskell services, your certifier must be an MD or a Doctor of Osteopathy. This could be your doctor or a psychiatrist. For Bookshare, if you are not a member of Heiskell, the same professionals can write the letter, as can a special education teacher, learning disability specialist, or school psychologist. For full details on who qualifies see our websites:

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Accessible Books & More for People with Print Disabilities

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The New York Public Library provides two main services for eligible patrons of all ages who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, or who have a reading disability: through the services of the Andrew Heiskell Library, and now with Bookshare.

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Open Library: provides online digital copies e-books in multiple formats, created from images of many public domain, out-of-print, and in-print books
Project Gutenberg: free e-books, classics which are out of copyright
ibrivox: free public domain human-narrated audiobooks
Lit2Go:  free online human narrated collection of stories and poems
Loyal Books: free public domain audiobooks and e-books
Learning Ally: a library of human-narrated audiobooks.  Membership is required

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Project Gutenberg is a library of free eBooks.

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NewsELA

Readworks

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Snap & Read- Allows user to select portion of image file and have the text read aloud from selection.

Capti- Allows the user to load an image file have the text OCR.

Texthelp Read and Write- This program offers a literacy suite that helps with reading, writing, organization and study skills. Works with OrbitNote to convert inaccessible documents to OCR.

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Use outlines

Compose shorter writing assignments

Use print-based graphic organizers

Provide sentence starters

Provide writer’s checklist to all students in class

Use markers, sticky notes for annotation

Use classroom technology i.e. word processing with a keyboard

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Consider raised line paper, adapted paper with defined margins or graph paper

Trial different pens or pencils, pencil grips, slanted writing surfaces and spacers

Hand exercises for strengthening and improved endurance

Teach cursive handwriting or use handwriting practice guides

Provide buddy notes, notes from the Interactive White Board or note outline

Have student practice typing (e.g. Dance Mat Typing, TypingClub,Typing.com, Big Brown Bear, nitrotype)

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Assess whether the student can independently identify their own spelling errors

Provide a list of frequently used words for use during writing activities, i.e. Word Wall

Assess whether spelling mistakes can be detected by a dictionary (can be electronic)

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Tools for reading handouts (OCR for AEM)

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Tools for reading handouts (OCR for AEM)

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iOS Apps

Microsoft Lens: Trims, enhances and makes pictures of whiteboards and documents readable.  Send to OneNote and use with Immersive Reader to have text read/text to speech. Office Lens can convert images to editable Word and PPT files too.

Voice Dream Scanner: Scanned text is spoken out-loud and highlighted on the captured image. Export as accessible PDF with text layer, plain text, or to Voice Dream Reader and Writer. Export to cloud using Share.

ScannerPro: Page detection scanning and accurate OCR. Text to speech in document layout using iOS speak selection.

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Handwriting Legibility: consider keyboarding via laptop or tablet. Typing resources: Dance Mat Typing, TypingClub,Typing.com, Big Brown Bear, nitrotype.

Planning/Organization of writing: consider digital graphic organizers

Inspiration

Lucidchart (Office365 Login)

DocPlus

Snap&Read

Mind View Desktop

Conventions of Writing:

Spelling: consider the spell check features in the word processor of a PC, Mac, iOS, and Google Docs.

grammar check ( on PC, Mac, and Google Docs)

text to speech (on PC, Mac, iOS and Google Docs)

Word prediction features on a PC or tablet

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A Comparison chart

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Word Prediction and Auditory Feedback 3rd party Resources

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Word Prediction and Auditory Feedback 3rd party Resources

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Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer 3rd party keyboard
Read and Write
Clicker 8 and app

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iOS

Mac

PC

Chrome-Kami

iOS and Mac-Notability

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When low tech isn't enough: Working memory AT tools

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When low tech isn't enough: Working memory AT tools

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Stickies: Keep notes, lists, and even pictures in sticky notes on Mac desktop

Simple Sticky notes: sticky notes for PC that lets you jot down important information on your screen

Google Keep: Quickly capture what's on your mind and get a reminder later at the right place or time. Speak a voice memo on the go and have it automatically transcribed

OneNote: Sort content across notebooks, sections, and pages.Highlight can’t-miss notes with Important and To-Do tags

Todoist on iOS

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Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium - ERLC

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5 Myths about Assistive Technology by Jamie Martin, Understood

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5 Myths about Assistive Technology by Jamie Martin, Understood

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“Is Assistive Technology Cheating?” (and Other Assistive Technology Myths)

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Grammarly is no longer part of NYCPS Toolkit:

If your student uses Grammarly, use the

Current grammar & spell-check alternatives below.

The student can use the built-in grammar and spell-check features on the word processing program (Google Docs) or MS Word.

How to check grammar and spelling on Google docs

How to use grammar and spellcheck feature on Microsoft Editor (the student has to be on Office365)

The other option is use TextHelp Read&Write - it has grammar and spelling support through the "check it" tool

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NYSED Testing-Accommodations-Guide

Appendix J for AT accommodations

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AT and AAC Support Site - Assistive Technology

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Google Drive and Google Keep,
OneDrive, OneNote, Notability and
DropBox

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Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium - ERLC

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Various links to Chrome Apps, Extensions and Add Ons

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Google Calendar
iOS Calendar app
Outlook Calendar

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Timers

iOS, Mac, Android

Time Timer app

Be-focused and Pomodoro

Guided Access

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Snap & Read- Allows user to select portion of image file and have the text read aloud from selection.

Read & Write for Google Chrome- Screenshot reader- User selects segment of image or inaccessible text to obtain auditory feedback.

Capti- Currently in beta and part of premium subscription. Allows the user to load an image file have the text OCR.

Kami- Allows user to upload an inaccessible PDF file and perform OCR conversion.

Speechify- Uses AI voices that sound more natural to read text.

Google Drive- Upload an image into Google Drive > Right click on the file and select "Open in Docs". Text from the image will then be OCR and presented along with the original image. Use an AEM reader to read the text.

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Demo Account Information:  Username: NYC1
Password: welcome

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Audiobooks for Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities | Learning Ally

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Learning Ally solutions help struggling readers through audiobooks & support services for educators, parents, and students dealing with dyslexia. Reading accommodations

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After the IEP mandated equipment is received for the student,  a request for training then can be made.  Please click here: training request form and submit after the device is received.  Training is available to the IEP team inclusive of the parent, student and school staff to assist with implementation.

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General Information on the GoTalk NOW app

User Guide for the GoTalk NOW app

Go Talk Plus Go-to Sheet

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General Information on the TouchChat app

Support Materials for the TouchChat app

TouchChat with WordPower Go-to Sheet

Printable Core Manual Board - TouchChat 88 Location

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General Information on the Proloquo2Go app

Support Materials for the Proloquo2Go app

Proloquo2go Go to Sheet

Printable Core Manual Board Proloquo2Go Cresendo

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TD Snap iOS and Windows Specifications
Overview Information on TD Snap
Training and Support Documents
TD Snap Go-to-Sheet

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General Information on the LAMP app

Training and Support Documents for the LAMP app (English and Spanish)

LAMP Go-to Sheet

Printable Core Manual Boards LAMP app

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Implementation of AAC With Reading and Writing

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Implementation of AAC With Reading and Writing

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Below are strategies and applications that can be used to address the communication and literacy needs across the span of ability levels
1. Shared Reading with AAC

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Learning at home_ shared reading AAC.pdf

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2.  Predictable Chart Writing
AAC and Predictable Chart
Writing

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Predictable Chart Writing (with pauses) rev

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3. Clicker Connect SymbolStix enables young learners and struggling writers to take their first steps to independent writing by using words and phrases with the support of symbols.
General Information for Clicker
For iOS and Chrome

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Implementation of AAC Systems with Reading and Writing Activities 

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Implementation of AAC Systems with Reading and Writing Activities 

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A glimpse of what reading and writing activities can look like for a student equipped with an AAC device/Communication System (low-tech through high-tech)
English Language Arts Strategies Videos

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The AAC should be customized to the user's communicative level, cognitive ability, physical characteristics,  academic program, and socialization needs

Initially, the use of the AAC device/communication system must be explicitly taught to the user to establish purpose and functional use. This will set the "groundwork" for more advanced use in the future

It is imperative that  professionals and caregivers receive technical and implementation training on the use of the AAC device/communication system

The AAC user should be taught and addressed as others with similar cognitive and academic levels (e.g., speech therapists should shape the AAC user's therapy objectives according   to language acquisition and developmental milestones

The AAC device/communication system is the means by which the user can socialize, demonstrate knowledge, show understanding, and express wants/needs

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Word problems: Text to speech

Align numbers/organization:

Modmath

Math Share

KiwiWrite

Kami

Speech to text--to explain math answers
(PC, Mac, and Google Docs)

Speech-to-text and handwriting recognition: EquatIO

Insert Math symbols in Google Docs, MS Word,

Free online math symbols: http://math.typeit.org/

Graphing: Geogebra

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General Inquiries: Catteam@schools.nyc.gov

Tech Support: Cattechsupport@schools.nyc.gov

Appointments: Catscheduling@schools.nyc.gov

Preschool: Catpreschool@schools.nyc.gov

AAC LV Supervisor: Michelle Schulman

MSchulman5@schools.nyc.gov

AT LV Supervisor: Susan Deely

SDeely@schools.nyc.gov

AAC Supervisor: Lindsey Huntley: LHuntley@schools.nyc.gov

AT Supervisor: Staten Island, Brooklyn:Joseph Piazza

JPiazza2@schools.nyc.gov

AT Supervisor: Manhattan, Queens, Bronx: Maricris Formoso: MFormoso@schools.nyc.gov

Director: David Carroca DCarroca@schools.nyc.gov

Director: Colleen Warn:  CWarn@schools.nyc.gov

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AT Go-To-Sheets

AAC Go-To-Sheets