Assistive Technology Module 1-2

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has a wealth of information for employers, employees and job seekers. For employees, there are links to accommodation ideas such as SOAR (Searchable Online Accommodation Resource) and rights such as ADA compliance, how to request an accommodation, EEOC guidelines for reasonable accommodations and medical examinations for employees under ADA. Job seekers can benefit from the resources available as well. Job seekers can find accommodations by disability, a link to finding jobs for people with disabilities (www.getinghired.com), and EEOC information such as a fact sheet about job applicants and ADA and EEOC guidelines for preemployment disability-related questions and medical examinations.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities had specific information that was practical. I looked at "Teaching Expressive Writing to Students with LD," which had concrete suggestions on teaching the writing process (planning, writing, revising) explicitly and providing specific examples and feedback on writing quality. I also thought the "Recommended Resources for Teaching and Learning" had helpful links such as the book, Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children, and a link to current practice alerts on the "TeachingLD" website such as "Social Skills Instruction" and "Graphic Organizers."

I am always looking for specific strategies and ideas that I can use to help my daughter with autism. Because I have a child with special needs, I understand how important it is for teachers to have resources with tested, specific strategies and tools to address the learning differences and needs of diverse students.