Resource Industry: Schools

Guide to Assistive Technology in Special Education

Many students with disabilities need additional support, and assistive technology is an excellent way to help them reach their learning goals. Whether you’re a teacher, special education teacher, or school therapist, assistive technology can do wonders for your classroom, helping build confidence and abilities among students in advancing learning and achievement outcomes. This technology can be used in different types of special education and comes in many forms, from low-tech to high-tech, and teachers can use it to tailor their instruction and give kids the assistance they need.

What is Assistive Technology in Special Education?

Assistive technology is any feature that helps students boost their skills and achieve targets in class. It can be a tool that supports students with visual impairments, hearing challenges, speech problems, and mobility difficulties. Whether educators hope to increase student performance, strengthen motor skills, improve communication channels, or build camaraderie in the class, assistive technology can be the avenue they need.

Why is Assistive Technology Important in Special Education Classrooms?

There are multiple benefits to incorporating this technology into the classroom, such as:

• Increasing awareness of cause and effect connections.

By using assistive technology, students can see the direct result of their actions, showing them how one movement can lead to another. Understanding this relationship can strengthen their logic skills and confidence to participate in class.

• Improving fine motor skills.

If special education students struggle with fine motor skills – including wrist and finger movements – assistive technology like pencil grips, weighted pens and pencils, and steadying devices can help them learn to write and experience less frustration.

• Engaging students in social groups and play activities.

There is more to the special education classroom than academic activities, including social skill-building and emotional development. Teachers will find technology that kids can share, showing them how to work cooperatively and create bonds among peers.

• Enhancing visual tracking skills.

If children have visual impairments, they likely struggle with tracking and following the path of objects or movements. Assistive technology can significantly improve tracking, thanks to visual tracking tools that have lighting, audio features, and eye gaze technology that helps students interact with computer screens.

How to Incorporate Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Educators will see many opportunities to use these innovative tools in the special education classroom. Depending on the students’ specific learning needs and physical challenges, teachers can find the proper implements to support children. These devices are often play-based, with bright colors and engaging functionality, making them a hit with students. Special ed teachers can determine which tools work best for their students based on the learners’ disability and specific areas of need. For example, if students struggle with communication, there are devices to help them share feelings, such as using communicators that generate speech for them. If you have students with hearing challenges, you can incorporate listening devices that magnify sounds and help learners gain more from class.

Types of Assistive Technology Devices for Students with Disabilities

There is a broad variety of assistive technology devices for special needs students, fulfilling unique learning and communication needs for any classroom. Some types of technology in special education include communicators, timers, computer access tools, switch-adapted learning tools, and tablet accessibility enhancers. Some specific devices incorporate:

Text-to-Speech

These devices assist students with a wide range of learning challenges, including reading deficits, tracking issues, and concentration difficulties. They read digital texts of all styles out loud so users can increase comprehension and lower anxiety that occurs when focusing on print. You can find text-to-speech features on apps, web-based tools, and various software programs.

Speech-to-Text

This technology is widespread today, and special ed teachers can quickly locate the ideal assistive tech devices they need. If students have hearing impairments or have difficulty writing, like those with dysgraphia or dyslexia, speech-to-text tools can be a game-changer. They convert students’ words into written text, creating a scaffold for kids to develop sentences and longer writing pieces. For deaf and hard-of-hearing students, this technology can bring words to life in front of their eyes. You can download software that enables this function, install extensions on your devices to let students perform these actions, and find apps that convert speech to text.

Word Prediction

Many students in special education classrooms can benefit from word prediction assistive technology. It offers suggestions to kids as they begin to type in words, giving them the ability to improve their writing immediately. Whether students have cognitive disabilities or struggle with writing, word prediction devices can help them develop sentences, paragraphs, and more in-depth content. You will find text-to-speech options that read the predicted words aloud and subject-specific dictionaries to choose from, with formats including software, word prediction apps, and built-in predictive functions on many devices.

Final Thoughts on Utilizing Assistive Technology in Special Education Classrooms

Teachers know their students best, and assistive technology can be an essential tool to help their kids reach their maximum potential. When incorporated into the classroom the right way, assistive technology can bring positive results in special education settings. Some of the many benefits of this technology include building confidence, enhancing student comprehension, improving motor skills, strengthening bonds between learners, and increasing all students’ communication and social skills.

Discover Soliant’s special ed job opportunities and join the team!

Free Career Resources Every School Psychologist Should Know About

School psychologists are tasked with a number of duties throughout their workday. From assisting with setting up and implementing IEPs for students to offering services to students who are struggling to come to terms with trauma.

Oftentimes, school psychologists are not offered a budget to obtain tools and resources that will help them successfully provide services to their students. We have compiled a few free and low-cost resources that may be helpful to those who work in school psychology.

Free or Low-Cost School Psychologist Online Resources

1. National Association of School Psychologists– NASP offers a wide range of resources for school psychologists, including forums for discussion, an online learning center, printable handouts, and much more. Some resources are free, while others are available only to those who are association members.

2. School Psychology Tools – This app requires a one-time fee and is available on several different platforms, including iPhone and Android devices. It offers case management tools, observation and reporting tools, and content that may be an asset to those in the field of school psychology.

3. Intervention Hero – Intervention Hero has many free, downloadable resources for school psychologists, including RtI plans, transition resources, therapy and mentoring projects, and many other useful items.

4. Tracking Behavior – For those looking for behavior tracking resources, this site offers several options that are free and low-cost. There are also book reviews for texts that have information on behavior, social stories downloads that may be helpful when working with students, and a collection of helpful links that will lead you to even more great information.

5. Cool School Game – Cool School Game is a flash-driven game that helps teach children about conflict resolution. This is a great free resource for school psychologists who work with younger children at the elementary school level.

6. School Psychology: Creating Our Futures – The resources here are archived PowerPoint and webinar links from an Indiana school psychology conference. Keynotes and panelists include industry leaders who are sharing their expertise on a range of subjects, including leadership, critical skills, advocacy, and other pertinent topics.

7. Restorative Posters – Offers free printable posters that can be reproduced for use in a school psychologist’s office or similar setting. 

The internet is filled with resources that can be helpful to school psychologists and others in a similar capacity. Whether you need a new system for case management and reporting or just want some fun resources to help your students, there is much to be found.

Soliant has a handful of career resources and practical advice for school psychologists here, including articles on strategies for building trust with students, differences between counseling vs. psychology roles in schools, and more!

Along with searching for online resources, are you on the lookout for a new school psychologist position? Check out our latest opportunities here.

Interested in jobs outside of school psychology? Take a look at all of our school-based positions here.

Free Career Resources Every School OT Should Know About

A growing number of children are receiving occupational therapy services at school, and school-based occupational therapists are tasked with providing helpful activities for students with varying abilities and issues. Finding fresh, new ideas to keep students engaged is important, as is finding new resources and techniques to assist in more challenging cases. Thankfully, living in this digital generation, there are many online resources available for occupational therapists. Here are just a few information-packed websites to help you create the best therapy experience for your students.

1. ToolsToGrow

ToolsToGrow is a subscription-based website that offers a variety of resources in a number of different occupational therapy tracks. There are a number of activities and worksheets available for download with a free basic subscription and even more with a paid membership. There is also a blog within the site that regularly shares great tips, ideas, and products.

2. OTs with Apps

On the OTs with Apps and Technology blog, you can find a variety of links and information about apps and tools that are useful for occupational therapists. You’ll find posts by therapy topic, product reviews and recommendations, and much more that may be useful in preparing therapy strategies for your students.

3. YourTherapySource

The YourTherapySource website offers a wide range of free and paid forms, activities, handouts, and more. There is also a free monthly digital magazine with tips, activities, and articles available for download, as well as past issues.

4. OTinPublicSchools

The OTinPublicSchools blog is written by a school-based occupational therapist to share information and techniques with other occupational therapists. You’ll find 8 years of activity ideas and tips, with a few personal posts sprinkled in.

5. TeachersPayTeachers

At TeachersPayTeachers, you can find many OT activities and resources for purchase. Everything is created by teachers and allows educators who have developed lesson plans, unit studies, and other resources for their classroom to make a little extra money by selling them to others in the educational space.

6. AOTA Connections

Connections is an online forum and blog site by the American Occupational Therapy Association. There are public boards with certification and other information for those interested in occupational therapy, plus private forums for AOTA members to share information and resources.

7. Pinterest

To those who have been in the profession for a long time, Pinterest may already be known as a great place to hunt for new and creative techniques and activities for occupational therapy sessions. However, to someone new to the field, Pinterest is a vast field of untapped resources. Take some time to search keywords that are complementary to your current students’ needs, follow some active occupational therapy Pinterest boards, and be sure to pin your favorite finds to share with the community.

Explore more occupational therapy career guides and practical resources with Soliant here, including insights on new therapy tools, strategies for developing trust, and more! Looking for career opportunities in school-based occupational therapy? Find openings for passionate OTs across the country with Soliant here.

Guide to Becoming a School Nurse

A school nurse is an essential member of a school site. Not only do they ensure the health and safety of all students, but they are also trusted sources of information and expert guidance for the educational community. School nurses serve a more critical role than ever, with increasing factors, such as stress and disease, affecting students’ physical well-being.

What is the Role of a School Nurse?

School nurses are the go-to whenever students feel ill, suffer an injury, or are concerned about their health. When a child doesn’t feel well, it directly impacts their educational progress. By providing the specialized care that each student needs, these nurses help all children succeed in school.

What Does a School Nurse Do?

School nurses have many roles and responsibilities, including:

• Provide healthcare services to students. The nurse provides assessment, intervention, and evaluation of all students. Besides analyzing the physical condition of children, nurses check in on the emotional, mental, and social demands affecting kids.
• Serve the school community. As integral community members, school nurses design and implement individual, school-wide, and district policies and procedures. They also participate in school safety plans, help coordinate emergency drills and procedures, and confront bullying and violence issues.
• Focus on community health, care coordination, and quality improvement. A critical role of the position is to inform and protect the greater community, helping to educate others in disease prevention and health promotion. They also coordinate care between medical professionals, the family, and the school, including specialized situations such as IEP implementation. 
• Have unique responsibilities. School nurses span the worlds of education and medicine. Like other nurses, they deal with physical ailments, but also tackle school-based concerns such as social problems and conditions that interfere with learning. As a result, they have diverse roles separate from nurses in other settings. For example, leadership is a primary requirement in school nursing, involving teaching physical and mental health programs.

How to Become a School Nurse: School Nurse Requirements

Below, we take a look at some of the requirements for becoming a school nurse.

1. Earn A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Becoming a school nurse requires graduating from an accredited nursing program, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. However, many school districts require additional education and certification. The National Association of School Nurses recommends schools and facilities hire Registered Nurses with a 4-year BSN degree or higher.

2. Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)

To become a registered nurse, you must first complete prerequisites for your BSN degree. The next step is to attain your BSN degree by completing four years of comprehensive nursing education, including coursework in leadership, interpersonal communication, and clinical nursing. Additionally, all RNs need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam, or NCLEX. Finally, one must apply to the state’s board of nursing.

3. Meet The State’s Requirements for Becoming a School Nurse

Since school nurse requirements vary by state, it is a good idea to check your state’s regulations. After you have achieved your RN status, you may need to be certified. Depending on the location, nurses may be required to get certification by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses. To be eligible for the School Nurse Certification Exam, students must have at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience or three years of full-time academic experience. Upon passing the exam, you may apply for school nurse positions.

Where Do School Nurses Work?

School nurses work in a variety of school-based positions. Depending on the nurse’s preferences and where jobs are available, there are several options to pursue. Some of these locations include:

• Daycare centers
• Public elementary, middle, and high schools
• Private schools
• Summer camps
• Charter schools
• Colleges and universities

School Nurse Salary: How Much Does a School Nurse Make?

The salary of a school nurse can vary depending on several factors. Your location, experience, academic setting, and educational and certification levels all play a role. However, the average school nurse’s salary across the country is $48,330. Obtaining an RN license boosts your pay, as do other certifications that you can add to bolster yourself professionally.

Ready to Become a School Nurse?

Take the next step in your school nurse career with Soliant! . Remember to obtain your BSN degree, get your RN license, apply to the state board of nurses, and, if able, become certified via the National Board for Certification of School Nurses. After those steps, you will be on your way to the school nurse position of your dreams.

Explore more helpful career articles for school nurses with Soliant here, including school nurse resume templates and more.

School Psychologist Tips: Strategies for Building a Relationship with Your Students

No matter where you are in the school year, new ideas are always lingering at the back of the mind of most school psychologists. You may be thinking about what new challenges will pop up or be on the lookout for new activities that you can use to help your students. As icebreaker activities will be a great asset during the school year and a way to develop relationships with students or those who are facing new situations in their lives, we have gathered a few activity ideas for school psychologists looking for a way to break the ice.

1. Tell Me One Thing

This is a simple game that you can play with students of any age. All you need is a die or spinner and a list of questions. Assign a question to each number or color on the die or spinner, then go back and forth with your student and answer icebreaker questions about yourselves. For instance, you can use questions like “Tell me one thing you did over summer vacation,” or “Tell me one thing about your favorite food.” To expand on the activity, allow the student to come up with a list of their questions and play together again.

2. Block Tower Games

Block tower games can have questions attached to each block for a simple icebreaker. As you pull a block from the tower, you must answer the question before placing it back on the stack. Continue the game until the tower collapses. Play this as many times as necessary to help your students get more comfortable and start opening up a bit.

3. Never Have I Ever

This modified version of “Never Have I Ever” is a fun way to get students who are less talkative to tell you more about themselves. Simply make statements that begin with the phrase “Never Have I Ever”, and they simply can hold up a “I have” or “Never” card, raise a hand if they agree or disagree with the statement, or speak out that they have or have never done that activity. Keep the questions light and silly to begin, as this will help them relax and feel more confident that they can share with you.

4. Snack Icebreakers

For this game, students will answer questions about themselves by the snack they choose to eat. Write a list of questions out, assigning each to a candy or other snack, then invite the student to answer the question that is associated with the snack that they would like. If you use this frequently with the same students, be sure to mix the questions up periodically, as they may gravitate to one particular snack.

5. Two Truths and a Lie

This is a classic game that allows everyone to be silly while sharing facts about themselves and opening up a bit. They (or you) will announce three statements about themselves, one of which is not true. Then the other person will try to guess which of the things is a lie. With this game, you may want to go first to help set boundaries and give an example so that you can get a little useful information out of your students.

There are plenty of options out there for breaking the ice with new students or refreshing your relationship with returning students at the beginning of the school year. Leave us a comment with some of your favorites!

Looking for more resources and career advice for school psychologists? Check out Soliant’s school psychology articles here, including online tools for school psychologists and insights on psychology vs. counseling in schools.  

Using Yoga as a Physical Therapy Tool for Students

As a school-based physical therapist, you might be trying to develop new ways to help your students reach their goals. One approach, which may be beneficial for some children, is integrating yoga into your treatment plan.

About Yoga in Physical Therapy for Kids

To determine if yoga is a good tool to use in therapy, it’s important to consider several factors, including the child’s condition, age, and goals. Yoga therapy may help treat various conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, and autism spectrum disorders. It can also be useful for students with cerebral palsy. Children with certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy, may have rigid muscle tone and tension. Yoga can help decrease rigidity.

Not all children can participate in yoga therapy. Depending on the child’s condition and limitations, yoga may not be appropriate. But in many cases, with proper planning, children might gain some benefits from yoga. One of the great things about yoga is that you can modify moves to accommodate children in wheelchairs with limited mobility.

Benefits of Yoga in School Physical Therapy

Implementing yoga into a school-based physical therapy session might prove useful in your classroomLearn how yoga benefits students with disabilities:

• Improved concentration: As students learn the breathing techniques and poses involved in yoga, they must concentrate to do the moves correctly. Yoga moves should be modified and adapted as needed, but they still require concentration. Students develop a better ability to focus, which can transfer to improved concentration in the classroom and at home.
• Reduced muscle tension: Yoga involves a lot of stretching, which can help students get rid of tension. The movements may also increase flexibility and improve the range of motion.
• Improved coordination: Physical therapists can also implement yoga in the classroom to improve coordination. Yoga involves a series of interacting moves. Students move from one pose to another. The flow of movement may help children improve coordination and body awareness. Students gain a better understanding of how their bodies move.
• Increased strength: When we consider yoga as a form of exercise, we may think it mostly improves flexibility. Yoga can also increase strength. As students hold poses, it may improve strength.
• Reduces anxiety: Yoga often involves breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can also be performed independently of the yoga poses in some children. The breathing techniques can have a calming effect on children. Depending on the student, therapists can teach children how to use the breathing techniques to ease anxiety.

Lastly, using yoga as part of physical therapy can be fun for kids. It is also something you can work on with parents to do at home. The benefits of yoga therapy may not happen overnight, but as a regular practice, it can be helpful as part of a treatment plan.

Explore more school PT career tips with Soliant, including insights on different therapy tools or essential skills for school-based PTs. Looking for job opportunities in school-based physical therapy? Check out Soliant’s current openings here!