Archive for category Special Needs
Educational Technology for Students With Special Needs
Posted by admin in Special Needs on August 5, 2011
As many of you know, my journey down the organizing road started with my son. My constant search to find ways to untangle his school world led me to uncover many tools available on the technology systems he uses every day. Who knew that his iPad and iTouch would become his constant companions!
iPad Apps
More and more schools are allowing students to use their iPads and iPod Touches in the classrooms, and therefore these types of educational applications are growing by leaps and bounds. For students with special needs specifically, check out iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch Apps for Special Education, a list compiled by assistive technology specialists and broken down by category such as math, writing, art, etc. These apps are truly life changing for the special needs student.
Also be sure to check out “The iPad: a Near-Miracle for My Son with Autism”. Written from a mother’s perspective about her autistic son’s use of assistive technology and educational apps. She offers great suggestions and even videos of her son using various apps.
There are also many apps available to middle and high school students on their iPads that help make learning interactive and engaging. The Elements(exploring the Periodic Table), and Alien Equation(games that teach math skills), are just some of the apps that students might enjoy.
There are so many new educational apps appearing every day that it would be prudent to check out reviews first, particularly ones that teachers have put their stamp of approval on. I Education Apps Review has a collection that should help you get started. Read the rest of this entry »
Financial Planning For Special Needs Children
Posted by admin in Special Needs on August 5, 2011
Each time my kids achieve something for the first time that they have been trying to do for a while, they become proud of themselves and gain confidence. Whether it’s tying their shoes or writing their names for the very first time, they see that they can overcome an obstacle and succeed at something.
But what if a child is different? What if a child needs a safe, secure environment, and extra special encouragement? I have seen kids that need help with reading, writing, and speaking struggle when the care is not provided to them.
The stress and strain on parents’ lives when it comes to just taking care of their children, in and of itself, is overwhelming. But for parents who have a child with special needs, financial planning can be a daunting task. Not only do parents have to plan for themselves, but they are faced with the responsibility of planning for their child’s entire life.
Most parents will not outlive their children. A special needs child may never be able to manage his/her own finances. Overall, parents should be concerned with the issue of how to give their child the same quality of life when they are no longer here to provide it themselves.
So what are some of the steps parents can proactively take to plan for a special needs child’s future? Read the rest of this entry »