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O.A.R., a valuable resource for autism

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) provides free online resources for teachers and families.  In addition to conducting and supporting research, OAR provides free books, video clips and professional development modules ready to download or order.


The Kit for kids contains a booklet, short video and activity workbooks to teach students in grades K-8 about their peers with autism.

 

In their Life journey through autism series, OAR provides downloadable guides: An educator's guide to autism and Asperger Syndrome, a guide to transition to adulthood, a parent's guide to research & assessment, a guide for military families, and more.


In collaboration with a Virginia school division OAR developed a free DVD, Understanding autism: A guide for secondary school teachers which is available for viewing on their website or to order. This DVD can be used to provide professional development to general education teachers in your schools.

Some of OAR's resources are now in paperback. One   resource that you could give to a student or a family member is Autism, my sibling, and me. 

Check out these valuable OAR resources!


 

The 4th Annual Virtual TechKnowledgy Conference, sponsored by the VDOE T/TACs was held November 5-7.  What a whirlwind week of assistive technology (AT) learning! Some of the comments heard from conference participants included:

 

"I can't believe Google Chrome tools to support struggling readers are FREE."

 

"Google Chrome extensions that eliminate clutter on a web page and convert text to speech will benefit my students."

 

"I'm going to share the app resources from Kelly Fonner with other teachers and families. I especially like the handout, 'iPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia, Reading and Writing Difficulties'."

 

"Digital books from AIM-VA are now downloadable to portable devices.  I know students who will benefit from them and can easily transport them from school to home."

 

If you missed TechKnowledgy, each of the three webinars focusing on assistive technology to benefit struggling learners is now available on the TechKnowledgy Conference Website.  Visit the conference site in January to learn more about upcoming AT webinars in February, April, and September on topics such as AT for math, executive functioning, students with intellectual disabilities, and AT in early childhood special education.  We are certain you will learn something new to benefit your students!

 

 
Check out our behavior resource kits!

Incorporating best practices in the area of behavior is essential to achieving success in every classroom and school.  The library at VDOE's TTAC at VCU offers comprehensive behavior kits for checkout. These kits serve as an excellent tool to assist educators in understanding and implementing effective behavioral strategies.  Each resource kit includes books and materials that provide information on multiple levels of support: school-wide, classroom, and individual.  

 

Stop by our library to check out these and other instructional resources. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Can't make it into the office? Some library items can be placed in the mail or delivered to your school.  Call us for more information.

 

Visit our on-line library catalog 

 
VDOE's Training and Technical Assistance Center at VCU 
http://www.ttac.vcu.edu
700 E Franklin Street, Suite 140
P.O. Box 843081
Richmond, VA 23284-3081
 

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