Bookshare is a great resource for free ebooks. They have a huge selection of titles for school, resource work or pleasure! Check out their back to school information to see if Bookshare is right for your child.
Thespectrumcareers.com is a website designed to bring together job seekers on the autism spectrum with employers who may have jobs available. It assists job seekers with composing and posting a resume and serves as resource for employers with job openings. Supported by Autism Speaks and Rangum Consultants, the website offers support to individuals on the autism spectrum, potential employers and service providers.
Vocal quality is part of the way we project who we are to the world; it offers information about age, gender, and emotional state. Each voice is as unique as a fingerprints. Yet, millions of people who communicate through alternative augmentative communication devices only have a few computerized voice options. However, speech scientist Dr. Rupal Patel has developed technology which revolutionizes the vocal quality of those who use AAC. She and her team at the Communication Analysis and Design Lab know that people with severe speech impairment still have distinct pitch, tone and volume when they laugh, cry, or vocalize intent. They are able to use this information, match specific characteristics to a voice donor, blend the two together and
Researchers at the University of North Florida discovered a way to improve working memory in children and adults. Tracy and Ross Alloway co authored the study which found that dynamic activity like climbing a tree, walking on a narrow beam, navigating over, under and around objects and carrying awkwardly weighted objects increased working memory capacity by as much as 50%. These type of activities required both proprioception and a route planning or locomotion component. The researchers emphasized the importance of taking breaks in our day to do activities that “require us to consciously adapt our movements.” For more information go to bit.ly/tree-cog
WIth fall coming and the weather getting cooler, here is a great idea for those stuck in the house days. Kiwi crate is a subscription based company that offers creation kits for kids. The kits supply everything you need for the enclosed activity. There are 3 age ranges to choose from 3 -4, 4- 8, and 9-16+ years. Check it out here! www.kiwicrate.com
It’s that time again! Heading back to school can be an exciting time of year! It can also be an anxious time for children and their parents. Here are a few tips to keep in mind from the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx
Chicago Kids is a website with a multitude of events and activities for kids. From restaurants to museums, there is something for all ages and interests. Check it out! http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727
The Chicago Public Library has a great summer program with ideas and activities to encourage reading. Check it out!
This Saturday the 27th is the 15ht annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park. Teams will race long boats decorated with a dragon head. There are other fun activities happening in the park that day too! There is no cost for the event. Check it out!
This months ALLYOU magazine had a great suggestion for a Skype based book club for kids and their friends this summer. Visit I Love Libraries for a list of children’s books to get things going!
