Assistive Technology for Young Children: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments This book provides a guide of recommended assistive technology practices with young children birth to age 5. It contains case studies, child profiles, solid research and policies around assistive technology, and helps professionals see how assistive technology supports the participation and achievement of children with a range of disabilities. Sadao, K. C., & Robinson, N. B. (2010). Assistive Technology for Young Children: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments. Baltimore: Brookes.
Baby power: A guide for families for using assistive technology with their infants and toddlers This guide compiles suggestions and guidelines for using assistive technology to help families with different aspects of their baby’s life. Each chapter includes basic information on the “nuts and bolts”, strategies to try, sample IFSP goals, things to consider as a child “transitions” into new programs, and helpful resources. Pierce, P. (1994). Baby power: A guide for families for using assistive technology with their infants and toddlers. NC Department of Health and Human Services. Raleigh, NC.
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) This website provides information on universal design and links in the areas of organizations, shareware, articles, vendors, publications, and web authoring information. http://www.cast.org
Discover How Assistive Technology Can Help Your Infant or Toddler Learn and Grow This brochure provides information on how to use assistive technology with infants and young children for both families and professionals. It also includes tips on how to find more information about assistive technology. http://www.pacer.org/publications/stc.asp
Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Other Disabilities This project from Penn State provides guidelines for early intervention to support the development of young children with language and communication needs. In addition to providing guidelines, photographs and video clips of young children with special needs are also included. http://aackids.psu.edu/index.php/page/show/id/11
Let’s Play! Project This project from the University at Buffalo provides assistive technology ideas and resources for families and early intervention specialists to help young children participate in play through access to materials, ideas and strategies.
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders This multi-university center works with states to promote the use of evidence-based practice for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The center has Autism Internet Modules on various topics around evidence-based practices, including three related to assistive technology:
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) module
- Scripting module
- Visual Supports module
- Technology- Aided Instruction and Intervention module
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu
AFIRM Modules: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules
Project Participate
This project from the University of Colorado Denver provides families, educators and specialists with strategies to increase participation in school of children with disabilities. Handouts, forms, how-to’s, and other information on assistive technology strategies are provided to help educators and families increase children’s participation in their own learning. http://www.projectparticipate.org
Tech It Easy
This resource contains suggestions and materials for providing training about assistive technology in early intervention service delivery. All planning guidance, objectives, and strategies are designed to foster parent-professional collaboration in the selection and use of assistive technology and light-tech adaptations.Reinhartsen, D., Attermeir, S., Edmondson, R. & Pierce, P. (1995). Tech it Easy. Center for Development and Learning. Chapel Hill, NC.
Fabricate for All
FabricATe was initially started in part with funding from the U.S. Department of Education grant #H327L120010. The website includes a large repository of ideas for adaptations to make it possible for young children to participate in activities. https://www.fabricateforall.org/
Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers (FITT): Early learning activities and visual supports library
The online resource library provides structured teaching activity examples for adaptations to help young children with autism spectrum disorders to learn and communicate. Teachers and service provider can choose activities and materials that match the level of functioning and personal interests. https://fitt.fpg.unc.edu/early-learning-activities-visual-supports
Center on Technology and Disability
The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD), funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), is designed to provide resources and strategies for parents and service providers to effectively use assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) practices, devices, and services. The center also offers online webinars and classes to help service providers learn more research and evidence for ATs. https://www.ctdinstitute.org/
Recommended Practices Module 3: Environment
This free interactive module provides short lessons, activities, simulations, and video clips on environmental practices including assistive technology and why environmental practices are crucial for children with disabilities. RPM Project (2018). DEC Recommended Practices Module 3: Environment. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, FPG Child Development Institute. Available at: http://rpm.fpg.unc.edu