Resources

During adolescence social development and social status among peers can be of crucial importance. For teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) social interaction does not come naturally and often needs to be carefully learned.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month: 

Yes

Book Cover Image: 

Please note that additional resources on Behaviour Management are available the 'Categories' section under 'Emotional Disturbance and/or Behavioural Problems'.

Click here for 'Emotional Disturbance and/or Behavioural Problems' section

The transition from primary to post-primary can be a stressful event for all students and their parents, and this can be compounded when the child has special educational needs. The need for flexibility in accommodating this transition, especially when the student has a special need, is noted in the Introduction to the Primary School Curriculum (PDF - 2.35 MB).

Science Differentiation in Action: Practical Strategies for Adapting Learning and Teaching in Science for Students with Diverse Needs and Abilities'

The SESS is developing this online book library on a pilot basis for teachers in order to support their continuing professional development in the learning and teaching of pupils with special educational needs.

Schools are required to pay an annual fee of €20 to register with the online library.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

• ACC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act.
• AT: Assistive technology.
• CP: Cerebral Palsy.
• Default Settings: the software settings and preferences that are in place when the software is installed.
• DMD: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
• FA: Friedreich's Ataxia.
• ICT: Information and Communications Technologies.
• IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (USA).
• IEP: Individualised (or individual) Education Programme.
• MD: Muscula
  

Online Resources

• SEN, ICT and Assistive Technology links section of this site
  SEN-ICT and Assistive Technology links section
• Abledata
  www.abledata.com
  A searchable database that contains data on assistive technology products.
• Adaptive Technology Resource Centre
  www.utoronto.ca/atrc
  

Speech Impairment

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is usually in the "high-tech" range of technologies, requiring specialist assessment, training and support. AAC may allow the non-verbal pupil to become an active participant rather than a passive listener.

Non-language forms of communication based on symbols can be useful communication tools, especially for those with significant learning difficulties.

Visual Impairment

The Department of Education and Skills' Visiting Teachers should always be consulted when making technology decision for visually impaired pupils.

Standard computer operating systems, such as Windows, offer a variety of options that can assist pupils with visual impairments.

Specialised screen-reading software for blind pupils requires considerable training and support.

Morse Code

This might seem to be a crude communication device in today's high-tech age but, when one considers that it was designed to be operated by a single limb movement, it will be realised that it is a highly efficient communication device for those with very restricted limb movement. Morse Code is a single-switch communication system and considered by some to be the fastest writing option available for single switch users. It is available as an option on some software, such as Hands Off.