"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing educational environments that enable all learners to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. This is accomplished by simultaneously reducing barriers to the curriculum and providing rich supports for learning. "
Web Tools
"Readable is an application that helps you read more of the web. It transforms text on any website using fonts, colors, and layouts of your choosing.
By presenting content in a format that you're comfortable with, Readable makes the reading experience much more enjoyable — and faster too.
Readable is the most customizable solution for manipulating content (on the web) and making it readable. It's also very simple to use and completely free."
"READABILITY is a simple tool that makes reading on the web more enjoyable by removing the clutter around what you're reading."
Improve concentration for reading effect
The goal of the Project is to create a digital video case library, with accompanying professional development resources, that illustrates exemplary practices in inclusive instructional settings.
This free website allows you to create your own private video playlist. Click HERE to get started.
Why create your own video playlist?
* You'll get you own free private webpage for your playlist.
* You can access your playlist from anywhere (home, school, work, while travelling...).
* You select the videos in your list so you'll know your children can view them safely.
* You can share your list with your friends and family.
* A video playlist can be an excellent leisure time activity or reinforcer for learning disabled children.
ReadTheWords.com is a free, web based service that assists people with written material. We do this by using TTS Technology, or Text To Speech Technology. Users of our service can generate a clear sounding audio file from almost any written material. We generate a voice that reads the words out loud, that you request us to read.
The Pulse smartpen records and links audio to what you write, so you never miss a word.
This hands-on workshop will focus on understanding popular Web 2.0 tools, how these tools are being used in the classroom, and how a variety of assistive technologies can be integrated with Web 2.0 tools to allow all students to become effective users of these tools. Gain knowledge and skills related to the uses of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom and experience using a variety of assistive technologies to foster the use of Web 2.0 tools in your classroom.
Visit the IRIS Center for Training Enhancements for free online interactive resources that translate research about the education of students with disabilities into practice. Our materials cover a wide variety of evidence-based topics, including behavior, RTI, learning strategies, and progress monitoring.
The TechMatrix is a powerful tool for finding educational and assistive technology products for students with special needs.
ZoomIt is screen zoom and annotation tool for technical presentations that include application demonstrations.
UDL
UDL Spotlight aims to
* Recognize and celebrate implementations of UDL features -whether or not they are called by the UDL name
* Educate web visitors about UDL by making explicit connections between the featured work and the UDL Guidelines-Version 1.0
* Stimulate conversation* about what constitutes “best practices.”
* Foster new UDL-based relationships, partnerships, and innovations
Each featured Spotlight illustrates some of the CAST UDL Guidelines. Taken as a group, the Spotlights build a vision for a future of learning environments that are truly universal.