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Assistive Technology for Distance Learning: Communication

A guide providing links to resources and materials for educators so they may better support students with assistive technology needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication

Here you can find some tools and resources that make communication easier for students who are strong visual learners or need any other kind of support. 

Boardmaker

Boardmaker is a collection of standardized picture symbols used for communication with students who are strong visual learners. This includes those with autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, speech and language disorders, and behavioral disorders. Boardmaker has also pledged compliance with the CT Student Data Privacy law.

Boardmaker has a series of thematic units called Boardmaker Activities to Go - all free, ready to download, print, copy, etc.

Platforms available: Website and iOS App

Smarty Symbols

Smarty Symbols is a resource that allows families to create visual supports for children with Autism for in-home visual support and visual schedule.

Smarty Symbols is providing one-month free access to the site using the Promo Code: HOMEVISUALS

Platforms available: Website and iOS App

Smarty Symbols has not currently pledged compliance with the Connecticut Student Data Privacy law. Please contact in-district personnel to set up the Data Privacy Pledge with this company.

DeafVerse

DeafVerse is a free Choose-Your-Own adventure game in English and ASL for grades 6-12.

Platforms available: Website

DeafVerse has not currently pledged compliance with the Connecticut Student Data Privacy law. Please contact in-district personnel to set up the Data Privacy Pledge with this company.

Talk to Me Technologies

Talk to Me Technologies is a website that has premade communication displays on a variety of topics that can be downloaded and used.

The website offers free pre-made communication displays

Platforms available: Website

Talk to me Technologies has not currently pledged compliance with the Connecticut Student Data Privacy law. Please contact in-district personnel to set up the Data Privacy Pledge with this company.