Help in the inclusive classroom

We all need a little help now and then, and for educators in inclusive classrooms a little more help just arrived! A second edition of Brief References of Student Disabilities ...With Strategies for the Classroom has been published by Corwin Press. This updated reference provides information on common disabilities found in classrooms such as AD/HD, bipolar disorder, down syndrome, epilepsy and more! A brief description of each disability with common characteristics and background information is presented with a reading list, strategies for teachers, and organizations to contact for more information. In addition, the book provides readers with an overview of the laws concerning students with disabilities, a review of health disorders, and a list of children's book to help awareness and understanding. Indiana residents can contact us to check out this book, and others can go to worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Fun with Messy Play

Getting messy is not only fun, but it can be educational too! Fun with messy play: Ideas and activities for children with special needs by Tracey Beckerleg is chock full of activities that can help to improve coordination, communication skills, social skills and cognitive abilities, as well as your child's self confidence . These exercises highlight movement or sensation that kids will be able to apply to everyday life. The great part about messy play is that it encourages sensory responsiveness while having fun, without being stressful for kids. This is an excellent resource for parents and professionals. Interested in checking it out? Indiana residents can contact us at 800-437-7924. Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at a library near you!

Freedom Scientific

Last week, Freedom Scientific released the latest version of its screen reader software, JAWS 10. This newest version of JAWS allows users access to iTunes 8, including support for the iTunes store, a big plus for music lovers! It also supports Microsoft Access 2007 for both braille and speech output, boasts better performance with Microsoft Outlook Calendar, and more!

Also from Freedom Scientific is a portable video magnifier called SAPPHIRE. This product contains a small camera and displays images on a brightly-lit 7" screen. SAPPHIRE can be used for reading lists in the grocery store, a menu at a restaurant, or even signing your name.

Check out these products plus Freedom Scientific's other products, their online newsletter, and more at http://www.freedomscientific.com/default.asp

Did you hear...Alzheimer's Disease

Resources:

Schnurbush, B. (2007). Striped shirts and flowered pants: A story about Alzheimer's disease for young children. Washington, D.C.: Magination Press.

Cambridge Educational (2006). Alzheimer's: The long goodbye. Lawrenceville, NJ: Author.

Tame, A.C. (2005). ABC's of activities for Alzheimer's: Therapeutic activities that work for persons with demintia. Victoria B.C.: Trafford.

Peterson, B. (2004). Boices of Alzheimer's: Courage, humor, hope and love in the face of dementia. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Life Long.

Online Resources:
http://delicious.com/cedir/alzheimers