Nice PR for Us OTs About Choosing Appropriate Toys for Kids with Disabilities

One of our OT buddies (Angela Meyers) has a great quote in this article.

Article on Modified Toys

Using the On-Screen Keyboard

Have you used the On-Screen Keyboard, one of the Accessibility features found in Windows?  You can drag it over to where your student's text is located on the screen so the student can view it while it's close to the text they've written on the computer.

You can use the regular keyboard at the same time you use the mouse to click letters/symbols, in case an adult or other student is taking turns using the keyboard to write while the first student writes with the mouse.

Now that I have Windows 7 I can enlarge the On-Screen Keyboard to increase its visability; an improvement over past versions.

Textured Grabber for Chewing

In a class for students with intellectual disabilities this morning, a grandma of a student with autism recommended this chewy, saying that her grandson loved it:
Textured Grabber for Chewing

Has anyone had experience with it?  The product description states that it is latex-free.

Fundraising in Class for Students with Autism

When you're organizing a successful fundraiser, it's very helpful to have artists in your classroom.

What's not to love?

These ornaments were created by students and staff, with the illustrations drawn by the student who presented Coach Smart with pictures last year during VCU's run to the Final Four.
Drawings   Students will be marketing their wares and selling them during lunches over the next week or so.

Turns out there are several students artists in the group.  Next project...silk-screened t-shirts!

12-10-2012 Update--Arrived at school this morning and learned that all the ornaments sold out the first day!

AOTA Members--Get Yer iPad App Recommendations Here

True, you must be a member of AOTA with a valid log-in.  So join AOTA!

Here's the link to accessing the recommended apps:
Info on iPad apps

Neck Pain and Work Station Ergonomics

In the summers we should consult with big companies on their workstation ergonomics...

Back and Neck Pain Secondary to Computer Use

DIY Light Box

I hope this is as simple to make as it looks, and that the LED light isn't too expensive:

DIY Light Box