AbleNet's SoundingBoard app is free for a limited time.  This communication app is normally $50. Use the AbleNet symbol library or your own photo library to create boards with up to 9 pictures. Record your voice and easily link to other pages.

Have you noticed App Search in our menu?  Take advantage of this new search tool which can guide your decision-making by identifying the features found in apps for Writing, Reading, Math, Organization, AAC and Fine Motor.  Click App Search for instructions in searching the database, rating and commenting on apps or submitting apps for inclusion. Won't you help us grow this database by submitting your favorite app or share how you use apps with your students?

You can now use Google Docs to convert scanned PDF files to text documents. First, log in to your Google Docs and click the upload icon (next to Create).  Then select the file you wish to upload.  Next, a settings window will appear.  Be sure to check "Convert text from PDF and image files to Google documents" is checked.  You will then see a window showing the upload status.  Upon completion, your new document will show in your list of docs.  When you open it, you may see the PDF file as an image first, but scroll down to find the text.  It WILL need so...

The PAR is a free download available from the Don Johnston website (www.donjohnston.com).  PAR was created by Denise DeCoste, Ed.D. and Linda Bastiani Wilson, MA.  It is a formative assessment tool that can be used with any student struggling with reading.  It is intended to help educators make evidenced-based decisions about reading accommodations. The intent of PAR is not to test reading ability or identify reading interventions, but to examine the effectiveness of reading accommodations to help a student access the curric...

Are you confused about the extensive amount of apps? Here's a short article from the ConnSENSE Bulletin to guide you in the selection process.  

Check out the new resources under Downloads - Shared Materials.  Disability Fact Sheets cover many unique diseases and conditions seen in the schools, ranging from Diabetes to Cystic Fibrosis to Lead Poisoning.  The Fact Sheets describe the condition and then identify the educational implications. They also include instructional strategies and classroom accommodations for each condition. Thanks to the MN Department of Education for permitting this posting.

Internet Instruction Innovation Grant.  Five classroom awards each valuing $2,500 will be awarded for a Safe and Productive Internet Life and Literacy Skills Curriculum (SPILLS). This is a standards-based Internet safety and productivity curriculum for students with disabilities from middle school through transition. APPLICATIONS DUE: Dec. 21, 2011 with awards announced January 10, 2012. The grant form is found in the Grant Opportunities section of the Member Center.