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September 30, 2006

Wrong Planet (Wrongplanet.net)

SITE: Wrong Planet (Wrongplanet.net)
URL: http://www.wrongplanet.net/
DESCRIPTION: From the site: "Wrong Planet is a web community designed for individuals (and parents of those) with Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other PDDs. We provide a forum, where members can communicate with each other, an article section, where members may read and submit essays or how-to guides about various subjects, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies. Asperger's Syndrome, a pervasive development disorder, is a form of autism. People with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal or above normal IQs. It is described as an inability to understand how to interact socially."

Favorite parts of the site are articles and Writings and Poetry.

This entry was posted in the following categories:

Posted by cseeman at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

September 27, 2006

Disability Resources (State of Michigan)

SITE: Disability Resources (State of Michigan)
URL: http://www.michigan.gov/disabilityresources
DESCRIPTION: Sections on the page highlight a variety of services available to Michigan residents and are nicely broken down into these categories: Employment, Education, Housing, Transportation, Health, Benefits, Technology, Disability Rights, Accessibility, & State Programs and Services. The links included in this resource primarily go to Michigan state resources. Also included are a few links to Federal resources and sites.

From the site: "Michigan's first website devoted specially to the interests, concerns, and needs of Michiganians with disabilities. Of Michigan's nearly 10 million residents, about 1.9 million have a disability. That's one in every five residents."

"On these pages you will find the services and programs for people with disabilities offered by the State of Michigan as well as other sites of interest. Whether you're looking for assistance in finding a job, want to learn about the latest assistive technology, or have a question about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you will find it here."

"The Michigan Departments of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) and Information Technology (DIT) collaborated in developing this website. We will continue to enhance this site and would appreciate your input. If you have suggestions for making the site more helpful and user-friendly,please e-Mail us at disabilityresources@michigan.gov"

This entry was posted in the following categories: Education (IEP and Other Issues) , General Web Sites , Government Committees and Reports (including the NIH) , Resources for Midwest United States

Posted by cseeman at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2006

AblePlay

SITE: AblePlay
URL: http://www.ableplay.org/
DESCRIPTION: (From the site) - AblePlayTM toy evaluations are the key to unlocking the magic of play for children with special needs! Choosing toys for children with disabilities can be difficult. There are thousands of choices but finding just the right toy to match the varying abilities of each child with special needs can be a challenge. AblePlay's independent toy reviews and detailed information help you get "beyond the box" to understand each toy's unique features, creative ways each toy can be used with children with special needs and skills that will be enhanced as a result. Search for an AblePlay-Rated Toy today and unlock the magic of play for your children with special needs.

You can search by disability and the type of toy. A great resource for determining appropriate toys for the child with a disability.

Resource from the National Lekotek Center

This entry was posted in the following categories: Education (IEP and Other Issues) , General Web Sites

Posted by cseeman at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)

National Lekotek Center of Evanston, Illinois

SITE: National Lekotek Center of Evanston, Illinois
URL: http://www.lekotek.org
DESCRIPTION: The National Lekotek Center of Evanston, IL is a non-profit organization that promotes access to play for children with special needs, and access to supportive services for their families.

"Our Mission: Lekotek uses interactive play experiences, and the learning that results, to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life."

Website includes numerous services, information on resources, and articles on appropriate play. Many children with autism have inapropriate play with toys (lining them up for one). Also includes links to AblePlay, a database of toys for children with special needs.

This entry was posted in the following categories: Autism Spectrum Organizations , Education (IEP and Other Issues) , General Web Sites

Posted by cseeman at 07:27 PM | Comments (0)

Toys 'R' Us Annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids

SITE: Toys 'R' Us Annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids
URL: http://www.toysrus.com/differentlyabled
DESCRIPTION: Interesting Web-based catalog from Toys 'R' Us that serves as a guide for parents purchasing toys for differently abled children. This was created "through its partnerships with the National Lekotek Center and the National Parent Network on Disabilities Toys "R" Us developed and distributed this digest-sized catalog -- the ideal resource for parents, family members and friends who just don't know what to get for a child with special needs. It features more than 60 popular toys and is available now at Toys "R" Us stores."

"The toys featured in the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids have been extensively evaluated and specifically chosen by the National Lekotek Center for promoting the development of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. The National Lekotek Center is an independent non- profit organization dedicated to making the world of play accessible to children with all types of disabilities so they can learn just like any other kids. Each toy in the Guide has a strong play value and is chosen for its developmental and educational attributes."

"The National Lekotek Center of Evanston, IL is a non-profit organization with a national network of 50 affiliates that promote access to play for children with special needs, and access to supportive services for their families. For more information on toys, play and technology for children with disabilities, please contact the Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline at 800-366-PLAY or visit our website at http://www.lekotek.org."

This entry was posted in the following categories: Education (IEP and Other Issues) , General Web Sites

Posted by cseeman at 07:18 PM | Comments (0)

September 11, 2006

IEP Goals and Objectives Bank

SITE: IEP Goals and Objectives Bank
URL: http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
DESCRIPTION:

Excellent resource from the Bridges4kids site (see their section on special education). This large resource (177 page PDF) comes from Redmond, Oregon) and will be very useful in identifying specific goals to be associated with a student's IEP. The Goal Bank has been written to use the same terms as found in the eSIS SPED software.

In this document, you can find IEP goals in just about every area that you would have on your own document. These include: English, Functional Academics, Independent Living, Mathematics, Mathematics Readiness, Motor, Recreation and Leisure, Self-management and Daily Living, Social Emotional, Speech and Language, Study Skills, and Vocational/Career Education.

A great resource even if your school is not using eSIS SPED software. It will allow you to see good examples of clear ways to state IEP goals for the special needs child.

This entry was posted in the following categories: Education (IEP and Other Issues) , General Web Sites

Posted by cseeman at 05:52 AM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2006

SITE: Early Childhood & Inclusive Education Projects (Institute on Disability/UCED, University of New Hampshire)

SITE: Early Childhood & Inclusive Education Projects (Institute on Disability/UCED, University of New Hampshire)
URL: http://iod.unh.edu/projects/early_childhood.html
DESCRIPTION: Part of an excellent site from the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, the section on Inclusive Education Projects allows people to see best practices on this important subject. Many children with autism are being educated in inclusion settings, which force greater importance on the IEP and good classroom experiences for each child. While many of the links on this page focus on programs in New Hampshire, the links provide information on best practices and their Jumpstart program.

Many resources are also available on their products page which includes links to New Hampshire Public Radio pieces on autism.

This entry was posted in the following categories: General Web Sites

Posted by cseeman at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)