Literacy Websites, Blogs and Wikis from Caroline Musselwhite

Literacy Support Recommendations based on Louisiana's standards.  Caroline Musselwhite helped to develop this document which follows a process for literacy support for students with significant disabilities with links to many useful materials.

Center for Literacy and Disability Studies

     This website has been updated with a lot of resources for the classroom.  It includes adapting the Start to Finish Literacy Starters for students with sensory impairments.  Check it out!

Tar Heel Reader

       This website has almost 2000 books which are accessbile for switch access and speech.  Books can also be downloaded as powerpoint files.  We used this website to create a book during our workshop.  If you wish to create your own books, sign up for an account and use the invitation key: literacy! 

Bookbuilder by CAST

     Use this site to create, share, publish, and read digital books that engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs, interests, and skills.

Literacy for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss

The “All Children Can Read” website is built on a framework that incorporates stages of literacy development and key components of reading into instructional strategies for children with dual sensory challenges. Content is organized around evidence-based strategies identified as being effective in building emergent literacy skills and moving children along a continuum toward independent reading. 

Miami-Dade County Schools

          This website has books created with powerpoint and boardmaker.  These books are targeted for a Pre-K audience.

Browser Books

            Read these books on-line.  Books are indexed according to reading level.  Student can click on word to hear the word read aloud.

New York City Schools Adapted Book Collection

              Books created in powerpoint or boarmaker.  You must have Boardmaker on you computer in order to view the files.  Website is currently being updated not all books are available for download. 

Check back reguarly.

UNC Charlotte

          An assortment of general education texts adapted using Writing With Symbols 2000.  You must have Writing With Symbols loaded on your computer to view these files.

Literactive

         These are on-line books which are animated. You can have the books read aloud or turn off the reading feature and then the student can click on a single word to have it read aloud.  These books are targeted to the elementary population.  You must register to use the site but registration is free.

Symbol World

         On-line books with supported with graphic symbols. 

Special Education Technology-British Columbia

        A collection of adapted books in Boardmaker, Clicker, and PowerPoint formats.

Priory Woods School

       A collection of talking books, included is a template for making your own powerpoint talking book.

Use Wordless Picture books to create your own books.  Adding text using address labels or a label maker.  Here is a list of books.  Search clearance tables and yard sales for coffee table books.

 50 Wordless Picturebooks.doc

AbleNet, Inc. Online Professional Development

Title: Literacy Activities with Assistive Technology - 30 Minutes 
Description: Literacy skills are functional! Gaining literacy skills can open opportunities to learning, as well as enjoyment. Such pivotal skills enhance adult outcomes. All students benefit from quality literacy instruction, however access is often the issue. The use of assistive technology can make all the difference for students with disabilities. See how AbleNet's assistive technology increases students' level of engagement and participation in learning to read, write, and listen. 
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar