General Information About Learning Disabilities

• PBS Special "Misunderstood Minds":
  The Misunderstood Minds project consists of three elements: The PBS documentary, first airing March 27, 2002; the companion Web site on PBS Online, www.pbs.org/misunderstoodminds; and the Developing Minds Multimedia Library.
• All Kinds of Minds
  The mission All Kinds of Minds provides programs, tools, and a common language for parents, educators, and clinicians to help students with differences in learning achieve success in the classroom and in life. Good descriptions of differences in how people learn. " Every mind is uniquely endowed. As a result, our emphasis on the different ways individual kids learn and find success in their lives has relevance for all kids."
• Internet Special Education Resources: Special Education Advocacy Services .
  ISER is a nationwide directory of professionals who serve the learning disabilities and special education communities. They help parents and caregivers find local special education professionals to help with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder assessment, therapy, advocacy, and other special needs.

About AT and LD - Overview

• Assistive technology for kids with LD: An overview If your child has a learning disability, she may benefit from assistive technology tools that play to her strengths and work around her challenges.
• E-ssential tips: A parent's guide to assistive technology An overview of current technologies to help parents select the right tools for their children with learning problems.
• LD OnLine: Comprehensive, up-to-the-minute listing of hardware and software products for people with learning disabilities, what it does and where to get it.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities Resource Locator:
  The LD Resources web site is a non-commercial site designed, built, and run by Richard Wanderman who is an educational technology consultant, well-known presenter, and a successful adult with a learning disability. Find a list of resources from schools to tape recorders to computers and more.

AT for Specific Types of Learning Tasks

• Reading
  
  • Speech Synthesizers/Screen Readers Learn about assistive technology tools called speech synthesizers/screen readers.
• Listening
• Math .
• Writing
  • Proofreading Software Programs Learn about assistive technology tools called proofreading software programs.
  • Alternative Keyboards Learn about assistive technology tools called alternative keyboards.
  • Inspiration Software - download a free copy:
    Inspiration® is a powerful visual learning tool that inspires students, grades 4-12, to develop ideas and organize thinking. Inspiration's integrated diagramming and outlining environments work together to help students comprehend concepts and information.
• Organizing Tools Collection: From the the National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP), a listing of tools to help with organization.

The Freedom Stick

Michigan Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) is a statewide program that provides support materials, technical assistance, training, and an extensive lending library focused on improving outcomes for all students. They worked with Regional Support Center: Scotland North and East and Mozilla Corporation to "americanize" free tools to make the MITS Freedom Stick. This USB Flash Drive is designed to provide students with information and communication access on any computer using a Windows or Linux operating system.