The UDL Educational Technology Guide 2019-2020: Technology for Special Education

John F. O'Sullivan

Section 1 Developmental Disabilities


Students with developmental disabilities are often grouped into one or more programs at each level of schooling. Each student has potential and limitations, just like any other student in school. Using the best tools with this population is paramount. The programs that are typically used are language based and multisensory. Trying to get to every bit of potential is the best approach and attitude to take. I approach education with the highest expectations for fear of overlooking just one student’s ability. When we use the best technology, we know that we are creating the best opportunity. When you can teach language with words, sound, pictures then you are targeting all learning styles. 

 

Boardmaker Honorable Mention 

This is a PC software program that is used to teach language by combining pictures and words. The software is typically used in an autism program or a life skills class. Boardmaker and Clicker 6 are competitors in a similar market.

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/boardmaker-software 

 

Clickers 7

This is a PC software program that is used to teach language by combining pictures and words. The software is typically used in an autism program or a life skills class.

http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/tools/clicker/home.aspx


Abilipad

This has to be one of the most interesting apps I have ever encountered. It is text to speech, customizable keyboard, and word prediction. If you have trouble spelling and talking this app would be a good fit. You can even create a keyboard exactly the way you want it. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abilipad/id435865000?mt=8 

 

News-2-You

This is a free app with some in-app purchases. This is reading with pictures to support reading. This is good for students working on basic language skills that need support. 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/news-2-you/id602677864?l=en


Clicker Sentences

This is from the same people that make Clickers 6. Clickers 6 is a software program often used for autism or life skills classes. This app teaches you how to make sentences.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clicker-sentences/id575603433?mt=8 

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/clicker-sentences/mjjoplcogfihnioljobfdpdcfplpcnbj


Clicker Connect

This app teaches basic language for a life skills classroom or to children of younger ages. The iTunes app is sold at a fixed price. The Chrome app is a subscription. 

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clicker-connect/id787247539?ls=1&mt=8

Chrome: 

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/clicker-connect/epaaaapkpeefgpmjnjmbiflgiigapoeb


Clicker Books

You take pictures and words to create books.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clicker-books/id645936237?mt=8




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