Dr. Courduff offers some advice and resources for supporting students with disabilities in the realm of distance learning.

Help! How can I teach and support my students with disabilities effectively from home?

Jennifer Courduff, Professor, Azusa Pacific University, @gamine64

You just never know how quickly the world might change. And for those of us in EdTech, moving over to online – synchronous or asynchronous – was not too daunting. That said, there are many for whom this change was not easy, at best, it was overwhelming. For those who teach in diverse learning situations or who work in the world of IEP meetings and/or planning for assistive technology accommodations, it’s even more overwhelming.

So, I will tell you what I tell my teachers. Take one day at a time. Breathe. Take advantage of your networks. Here are some really amazing resources for you to help you navigate the challenges you face and will continue to face for a while. Amazing stuff!

  1. Quality indicators for assistive technology (QIAT). A terrific listserv. I am finding resources to send to my teachers multiple times a day.

    1. https://qiat.org/qiat-list.html

  2. Bridging apps. Wonderful resources and ideas for teachers, parents, and students.

    1. https://www.bridgingapps.org/

    2. https://www.bridgingapps.org/2020/03/corona-virus-covid19-awareness-prevention/

  3. Understood.org.

    1. https://www.understood.org/pages/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/

    2. https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates

  4. Center for applied special technology (CAST).

    1. http://www.cast.org/whats-new/news/2020/message-covid-19-coronavirus-update.html#.XoJwNZNKjfY

    2. http://www.cast.org/whats-new/remote-learning-resources.html#.XoJwZZNKjfY

  5. Center for Accessible Technology (CAT)

    1. https://www.cforat.org/services/iep

NOTE: The ISTE Teacher Education Network published a monthly newsletter that is presented in the form of a Google doc with other forms available.