NYCDOE Assistive Technology Links & Resources by Maricris Formoso-Santos

Learning Ally

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Demo Account Information: Username: NYC1
Password: welcome

New York Public Library

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

National Center on AEM

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Audiobooks and E-books

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Tools for reading handouts (OCR for AEM)

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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.

Mac/PC and Chromebooks AEM Readers

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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.

Chrome Reading Supports

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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.

Assistive Technology Solutions for Math

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Low/Mid Tech Solutions for Math

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Chrome AT apps, extensions and add-ons

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Various links to Chrome Apps, Extensions and Add Ons

5 Myths about Assistive Technology by Jamie Martin, Understood

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SETT Framework

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

NYC DOE Contact Information

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

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

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

TD Snap

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Handwriting difficulties?

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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)

Spelling difficulties?

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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)

Difficulty with writing process?

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

When low tech isn't enough...

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Word Prediction in a classroom

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Speech to Text in a classroom

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Word Prediction and Auditory Feedback 3rd party Resources

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

What is Executive Functioning

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

LD Online article

Essential Components of Executive Functioning

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Executive Functioning Around the Clock

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Organizing AT tools

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Prioritizing/Scheduling

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Google Calendar
iOS Calendar app
Outlook Calendar

Cognitive Flexibility

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Timers

Guided Access

Accessibility Video by Apple

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Chromebooks, Chrome Browser and Android: Accessibility Features

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

iOS Accessibility: iPads, iPhones

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Mac OS Accessibility - Macbooks and Mac

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

Windows Accessibility

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

NYC DOE AT Consideration SETT Framework & Implementation Plan

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

AT Training Request Form

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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.

Assistive Technology Evaluation Referral Form

mformoso1 — 2021-02-08 16:30:14 UTC

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

Low-tech organizational tools

lnghi — 2021-07-01 14:51:05 UTC

A family calendar: A large, wall-sized calendar for family appointments and events can help your child see that organization is a lifelong skill.
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.
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.
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).
Colored pocket folders: Give your child a few different colors of pocket folders for different tasks: To Do; Completed; Return to school/home etc.

Organization printables: Resources for families

lnghi — 2021-07-01 14:55:02 UTC

Getting — and keeping — a backpack organized
Homework contract
Visual planners
School communication log

Annotation

lnghi — 2021-07-02 03:56:09 UTC

lnghi — 2021-07-02 04:42:57 UTC

GoTalk NOW app

lnghi — 2021-07-02 13:29:29 UTC

General Information on the GoTalk NOW app

User Guide for the GoTalk NOW app

Go Talk Plus Go-to Sheet

LAMP Words for Life app

lnghi — 2021-07-02 13:30:39 UTC

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

TouchChat

lnghi — 2021-07-02 13:32:33 UTC

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

Proloquo2Go

lnghi — 2021-07-02 13:36:35 UTC

General Information on the Proloquo2Go app

Support Materials for the Proloquo2Go app

Proloquo2go Go to Sheet

Printable Core Manual Board Proloquo2Go Cresendo

Mid-Tech (Static Display) Speech Generated Device

lnghi — 2021-07-02 14:57:05 UTC

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

Who is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) for?

lnghi — 2021-07-02 15:27:40 UTC

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.

AAC Continuum

lnghi — 2021-07-02 15:35:45 UTC

Low Tech

lnghi — 2021-07-02 15:40:48 UTC

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

High-Tech Communication Applications

lnghi — 2021-07-02 15:52:11 UTC

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

Essential Components in Math

lnghi — 2021-07-02 21:16:47 UTC

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)

High Tech AT for MATH

lnghi — 2021-07-03 04:44:44 UTC

Word problems: Text to speech
Align numbers/organization:
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

AT Writing Tools

lnghi — 2021-07-06 12:38:15 UTC

A Comparison chart

AT and ACC support

lnghi — 2021-07-06 13:32:40 UTC

AT as Testing Accommodation

lnghi — 2021-07-06 13:43:19 UTC

NYSED Testing-Accommodations-Guide

Appendix J for AT accommodations

Microsoft Learning Tools availability chart

lnghi — 2021-07-06 16:48:40 UTC

AEM Reading/literacy supported websites

lnghi — 2021-07-06 17:30:33 UTC

NewsELA

Readworks

Native AEM Readers across platforms

lnghi — 2021-07-06 18:11:43 UTC

AEM Readers

lnghi — 2021-07-07 16:33:36 UTC

AAC Myths and Realities

ewhite716 — 2021-07-07 17:55:38 UTC

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

lnghi — 2021-07-08 13:51:43 UTC

Difficulty with reading?

lnghi — 2021-07-08 14:13:18 UTC

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.

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

ewhite716 — 2021-07-08 15:35:06 UTC

The Communication Matrix

Compilation of Resources for Families and Professionals

ewhite716 — 2021-07-08 15:55:41 UTC

AAC Resource Guide

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

Communication Application Spotlight

ewhite716 — 2021-07-08 16:57:49 UTC

When low tech isn't enough

lnghi — 2021-07-08 16:59:10 UTC

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

lnghi — 2021-07-09 14:14:15 UTC

ewhite716 — 2021-07-12 17:29:40 UTC

2. Predictable Chart Writing
AAC and Predictable Chart
Writing

Clicker Connect

ewhite716 — 2021-07-12 18:17:06 UTC

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

Implementation of AAC Systems with Reading and Writing Activities

ewhite716 — 2021-07-13 14:18:26 UTC

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

AAC Considerations and Tips

ewhite716 — 2021-07-13 16:10:54 UTC

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

Assistive technology assessment based on the SETT framework

lnghi — 2021-07-16 01:58:00 UTC

AAC SETT Framework

mformoso1 — 2021-08-05 21:23:04 UTC

CAT AT and AAC Support

lnghi — 2023-07-27 15:42:42 UTC

Grammar support: Grammarly

lnghi — 2024-03-28 12:50:33 UTC

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.

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

Go To Sheets

lnghi — 2024-07-15 12:38:33 UTC

AT Go-To-Sheets

AAC Go-To-Sheets

NYCPS Central Assistive Technology Site (for DOE staff)

mformoso1 — 2025-08-15 17:41:30 UTC

Central AT Team YouTube Channel

mformoso1 — 2025-10-13 17:11:20 UTC