Resources and Guidance
Being Socially Isolated With Mental Illness: A Perspective for Loved Ones
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
It can be hard to understand the needs of loved ones with mental health issues. This blog post, written by an individual with multiple mental health conditions, explains how the social isolation of the COVID-19 crisis triggers some of her symptoms—and how her family and friends can help.
Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The coronavirus pandemic may be affecting a loved one’s mental health, or your own, and it’s especially true for those with mental illness. This article describes symptoms to watch out for and offers practical coping strategies to help protect mental health.
Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The coronavirus pandemic may be affecting a loved one’s mental health, or your own, and it’s especially true for those with mental illness. This article describes symptoms to watch out for and offers practical coping strategies to help protect mental health.
COVID-19 Resources for Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Association of America
People with Tourette syndrome and tic disorders, as well as those impacted by co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression, can use these resources from the Tourette Association of America. It includes videos, webinars, and other resources that address issues related to COVID-19.
Navigating COVID-19 When Your Child/Youth Has a Disability
Families Together, Inc.
Families of students with health impairments or disabilities can use this compilation to navigate issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes resources for dealing with anxiety and remote learning, as well as issues facing those with specific impairments or disabilities.
Caring for Your Child’s Hearing Health at Home: Guidance for Maintaining Hearing Devices, Improving Communication
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
As families shelter in place due to COVID-19, children with hearing loss may need additional help. ASHA offers this guidance to parents (available in English and in Spanish) about hearing aids, communication habits, and prioritizing regular care.
Hearing Loss and Remote Work: Advice for Effective Communication During Virtual Meetings
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
With virtual meetings a critical tool for U.S. workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, people with hearing loss may experience new communication challenges. ASHA offers tips for making virtual meetings more effective for everyone, including students and families.
Guidance for People Sheltering at Home With Swallowing Disorders
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
People with swallowing disorders may not have access to their usual treatment sessions with speech-language pathologists during the COVID-19 crisis. ASHA suggests steps to promote recovery, as well as tips to safely eat and drink to avoid rehospitalization.
10 Ways Children With Language Disorders Can Maintain Both Physical Distance and Social Connection During the Coronavirus Pandemic
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
For children with language disorders, social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can lead to fewer opportunities to practice language skills. ASHA suggests ways to help kids interact socially during this time, including setting up video playdates, reading together, and talking about TV shows.
At Home With Young Children? Build Preschoolers’ Speech and Language Skills With Everyday Interactions and Activities
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
As families shelter in place, parents of preschoolers can help build their child’s speech and language skills during everyday activities at home. ASHA describes key communication skills for children ages 3–5, and offers suggestions for how parents can help.
Re-Opening Resource: Brooklyn LAB Back to School Facilities Tool Kit
Brooklyn LAB
Brooklyn LAB worked with several partners to develop a tool kit for returning to school buildings, consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Federation of Teachers. It focuses on health and safety and ways to update classrooms, breakout rooms, and common spaces.
Communication Supports for Children and Adults With Complex Communication Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (RERC on AAC)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with complex communication challenges may find it more difficult than usual to understand what is happening, to express needs and wants, and to get important information. This site offers tips and resources for these individuals and their families and caregivers.
COVID-19 Materials for People Living With Spina Bifida: Guidance During a Global Pandemic
Spina Bifida Association
This reference sheet for educators of individuals with spina bifida outlines academic struggles and strengths common among these students. It may be especially useful for educators and administrators who are working on distance learning accommodations for students with spina bifida.
Recommendations for School Accommodations: Physical and Occupational Therapy
Muscular Dystrophy Association
These accommodations and adaptations for students with muscular dystrophy are useful both for educators in the school setting and for parents during distance learning. Parents can use this list to remind them what they need to make a plan for with their child’s teachers.
COVID-19 Recommendations for the Neuromuscular Community
Muscular Dystrophy Association
This booklet from MDA will help teachers understand the challenges faced by children and adolescents with neuromuscular conditions. Students with conditions like muscular dystrophy may be particularly at risk from exposure to the coronavirus, and care must be taken regarding the spread of germs in the classroom and beyond.
COVID-19 Video Series: Creating a Routine While You Are Stuck at Home
Brain Injury Association of America
People with brain injury who are staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic may find it useful to organize their days. In this video, a clinical neuropsychologist gives advice for creating daily routines, based on research and clinical expertise in working with people with brain injury.
Home Learning During the Pandemic for Students With Concussion
G. F. Strong School Program (VSB), Adolescent and Young Adult Program, G. F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Students recovering from concussion may find it especially challenging to engage in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This tip sheet offers practical advice for setting up a workspace, creating a daily schedule, managing symptoms, and more.
How TVIs and O&M Instructors Are Handling the Challenges of Distance Learning, Part 1
American Foundation for the Blind
Teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors share their experiences from distance learning during the COVID-19 crisis. In part 1, a parent describes what’s been challenging and what’s gone well for her daughter, a high school sophomore enrolled in AP classes.
How TVIs and O&M Instructors Are Handling the Challenges of Distance Learning, Part 2
American Foundation for the Blind
Teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors share their experiences from distance learning during the COVID-19 crisis. In part 2, the president of the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind and a TVI and O&M instructor describe how they’ve been meeting students’ needs.
COVID-19: Families Seeking Accessible PreK-12 Remote Education
National Association of the Deaf
Families of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing may need to advocate for their child’s needs in remote learning, especially if their child is in a mainstreamed setting. Issues like videoconferencing, captioning, and using interpreters are included.
Distance Learning Opportunities
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This compilation for parents of blind, visually impaired, and deafblind children, from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, includes information about health and wellness, family resources, working from home when your child is at home, and more. Their curriculum books for basic skills and independent living are especially robust resources.
What Is the Expanded Core Curriculum?
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is a disability-specific set of skills that compensates for vision loss and is foundational to all other learning. It focuses on independence, assistive technology, vocational training, social engagement and more to prepare your child for his or her fullest life possible. Parents of students who are blind or visually impaired can learn more about its nine areas in this flyer, including career education, assistive technology, independent living skills, and more.
Leader Dogs for the Blind Summer Camp
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Leader Dogs for the Blind offers teens ages 14–17 an awesome lineup of virtual summer camp activities. Explore guide dog travel, leadership skills, and more via Zoom, and keep the fun going all week with a game session, a private Facebook group, and lots more!
Coronavirus: Mental Health Treatment
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
During the COVID-19 crisis, some people may experience added stress, anxiety, and depression and need to seek out mental health treatment. This resource covers options such as telepsychiatry, medication, and mental health apps, along with issues related to health insurance.
Family Resources for Students With Complex Learning Needs
PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
PaTTAN and the Bureau of Special Education have put together information to help families and professionals supporting children with disabilities in remote learning. Included are resources for academic subjects, adapted PE, assistive technology, and more for complex learners.
Dealing With COVID-19 When Working With People Who Have Developmental Disabilities
Smore.com
Special educators, therapists, and families of people with developmental disabilities can find curated COVID-19 resources here. It includes graphics, videos, and more about topics like hygiene, social distancing, and learning at home, with some materials available in Spanish.
Distance Learning Resources to Support Students With Significant Intellectual Disabilities
Project SUCCESS
This compilation features resources to help teachers and administrators support higher academic achievement for students with disabilities. While primarily created for Indiana educators, the general resources, webinars, and virtual trainings could be useful to any educator whose students have significant cognitive disabilities.
Helping Traumatized Students Learn
Trauma Sensitive Schools
Students, familes and educators alike are facing stressful challenges resulting from sudden school closures and abrupt shifts to remote learning. The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative convened a group of trauma-sensitive school leaders to listen to the many ways in which they are using the trauma lens to buffer the traumatic effects of these challenges and to guide their work in these difficult times.
Coronavirus: Building Mental Health Resilience
National Alliance of Mental Illness
Families and educators can use these tips from the National Alliance of Mental Illness to find healthy ways to adapt and cope with adversity and distress during the pandemic. Older students may also find this information useful for independent use.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus
Tolerance.Org
Educators supporting students during the COVID-19 pandemic can use this information from National Child Traumatic Stress Network experts. Their trauma-informed recommendations can help educators navigate routines, communcation, relationships, well-being, and more.
Key Considerations for Promoting Culturally Relevant SEL During COVID-19
IES REL Pacific
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique social-emotional challenges to students across the globe. Social distancing efforts have changed daily routines, separated many students from their social support networks and, for some, have introduced and exacerbated stressors within their living environments. These social-emotional challenges disproportionately affect students who are racial minorities and from working-class families, as they are at higher risk for exposure to the coronavirus and the stresses related to social distancing efforts.
STEM Classes and Kids With Special Needs
MiddleWeb
STEM educators can help students with disabilities—and all students—experience success with methods like hands-on engagement, built-in stopping and starting points, and project-based learning. Strategies for students with special needs include assuming competency, building on strengths and interests, and using assistive technology.
25 Practical Ways to Use Google Forms in Class and at School
Ditch That Textbook
Educators and administrators can use Google Forms to track student performance, create lesson plans, brainstorm with colleagues, and more. Plus students can learn how to create their own Google Form–it’s a fun way for them to show what they know.
English Learners With Disabilities: Shining a Light on Dual-Identified Students
New America
This brief can help policymakers, advocates, and practitioners take strategic action on behalf of ELs with disabilities. It provides an overview of the separate but intersecting federal policies that govern the identification of and services provided to these students.
Assessing Language Proficiency During Extended School Closures
Council of the Great City Schools
These sample questionnaires can be used remotely during school closures to provisionally identify K–12 students as beginning, intermediate, or advanced English learners (ELs). Also find suggestions for supports that are appropriate for ELs, including those with disabilities.
Case Manager Closeout
Diverse Learners Cooperative
IEP case managers who need to wrap up their responsibilities for this unusual school year—and plan for next year—can use this checklist to be sure that students are sent to their next setting with all the information the team needs. Steps for compliance, student transfer, and caseload planning are included.
Step-by-Step Planner: UDL Lesson Design
Understood
Teachers can use this template to plan lessons using the principles of Universal Design for Learning. A lesson planned with UDL principles meets the needs of all students, presenting information in multiple formats and allowing students to display mastery in various ways.
GUIDANCE: USDOE English Language Learner Guidelines
United States Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education offers guidances to help states, districts, and schools provide effective services to English learners (ELs), to improve their proficiency and achievement and ensure that they’re college and career ready. It can be used with the department’s guidance on IDEA to support ELs with a specific learning disability (SLD).
National Deaf Center: COVID-19 Information Page
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Educators will find information on best practices for serving deaf and hard of hearing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deaf students will also find resources, such as tips for getting the most out of online learning.
Get the Life You Want: A Transition Toolbox
Green Mountain Self-Advocates
This toolkit offers plain language information about the COVID-19 pandemic for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It includes resources for working with support staff, getting unemployment benefits, and more.
Guidance on Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Remote Education
Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools
This document outlines what teachers, families, school leaders, and students need to know about learning from home. It includes recommendations and resources for creating culturally responsive-sustaining remote education.
Pathways to Practice Resources
AIM Institute for Learning & Research
Educators and parents can use AIM’s evidence-based literacy instruction to support children’s reading skills in a remote setting. The “Pathways to Practice” series features videos that explore literacy instruction, enabling teachers and parents to apply the principles as kids learn at home.
UFLI Virtual Teaching Resource Hub
University of Florida Literacy Institute
The University of Florida Literacy Institute developed this site to assist teachers as they explore new ways to teach foundational reading skills using technology. This site has tools and lesson templates for reading instruction and intervention with children in the elementary grades.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board COVID-19 Updates
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Registered behavior technicians, ABA providers, and BCBAs can use this compilation of COVID-19 resources from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. It includes information about examination schedules, continuing education, and more.
Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills With Children From Infancy to Adolescence
Harvard University
Families and educators can find out what kind of executive function and self-regulation skills are typical at what age in this overview from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. Activities for building executive skills are included.
Practical Access Podcast
Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines, University of Central Florida
Teachers, parents, and people with disabilities can get practical, real-world answers for a wide variety of common issues, from time management to online learning in this fun podcast. The hosts, Dr. Lisa Dieker and Dr. Rebecca Hines, are professors at the University of Central Florida in the College of Community Innovation and Education.
The Communication Matrix Assessment and Community
Communication Matrix
Families and professionals can use this free assessment tool from the Communication Matrix. It helps them easily understand the communication status, progress, and unique needs of anyone functioning at the early stages of communication or using forms of communication other than speaking or writing. Recommended by WestEd.
Managing Severe Challenging Behavior in the Home During the COVID-19 Crisis
Autism New Jersey
Many families with a child who has autism are on their own during the COVID-19 crisis, with little or no day-to-day assistance or guidance. This blog post gives some proactive strategies for managing behavior and ensuring safety.
In-Home Suggestions for Parents During Quarantine
Autism New Jersey
Families of children with autism have diverse needs, concerns, and priorities, and they’re impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in different ways. This blog post offers tips and strategies for modifying the home environment, providing visual supports, and more.
Free Sample Books, From Friends on the Block
Friends on the Block
These free resources are created especially for beginning and struggling readers, including those with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and cognitive disabilities. They can read these books with a teacher, tutor, family member, or peer. Like with all controlled text, it is important to pair with more natural stories for listening activities.
EXAMPLE: Introducing IContinue Learning Plan
iLearn Schools
Administrators, teachers, and case managers in charter schools can use this charter network’s comprehensive COVID-19 plan to get ideas for their own. Plans are included for their special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and members of the child study team.
Teacher Guide to Online Learning
Michigan Virtual
Teachers with limited experience in online and distance learning can use this get-started guide as an overview of best practices. It offers recommendations about technology and tools, supporting diverse learners, plus lessons learned from educators who have taught online.
Teacher Guide to Online Learning
Michigan Virtual
Teachers with limited experience in online and distance learning can use this get-started guide as an overview of best practices. It offers recommendations about technology and tools, supporting diverse learners, plus lessons learned from educators who have taught online.
Self-Reg Toolkit: 2017–2018 Individual Tools
The Mehrit Center
Adults working with kids on self-regulation skills can find downloadable tools here. A self-regulation rubric, suggestions to reduce stress, and examples of ways to restore energy are included, along with discussion guides and more. The homepage also profiles a video series about self-regulation during COVID.
Wrightslaw: Resources for Special Education Law
Wrightslaw
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. Their COVID-19 resources include informations about waivers to rights under the IDEA and Section 504, IEP meetings, and more.
Virtual Expanded Core Education Learning (ExCEL) Academy for Students With Visual Impairments
Paths to Literacy
Daily webinars and lessons at this site are created for students with visual impairments. Paths to Literacy is collaborating with the American Printing House for the Blind and CalState University to present this programming.
Resources for Providing TA During the Pandemic
National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB)
Useful, relevant resources from state deaf-blind projects, NCDB, and other sources offer information about providing distance technical assistance (TA) while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find fact sheets, best practices, and more virtual TA ideas.
Literacy for Children With Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
OCALI Disabilities Center
Individuals interested in literacy instruction for children with combined vision and hearing loss, multiple disabilities, and other complex learning challenges will find in-depth information here. The site organizes useful, relevant resources from state deaf-blind projects, NCDB, and other sources to inform distance TA while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended by WestEd.
Family Engagement: Supporting Students With Disabilities During COVID-19
Marshall Street
Educators can give their students’ families useful materials about how they can support distance learning. There are also resources to help educators to plan online lessons, adapt IEPs for distance learning, and communicate with families.
American Foundation for the Blind COVID Resource Hub
American Foundation for the Blind
These resources have been compiled for students and adults with vision loss to use during the COVID-19 outbreak. Topics include online learning, accessible medical devices, work-from-home solutions, social gaming, staying connected with others, and more.
Homebound for Adventure
Homebound for Adventure
Kids can listen to these podcasts and then do orientation and mobility (O&M) activities in their home and neighborhood. An O&M instructor created these fun activities for mapping, identifying landmarks, and picking up clues like sounds, smells, and temperatures.
Distance Learning for Proficient Communicators
National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB)
These resources on providing instruction to students with deaf-blindness during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically focus on students who are proficient communicators. Many of the items were suggested by experts in services for students and adults who are deaf-blind, deaf/hard of hearing, or blind/visually impaired.
Virtual IEP Progress Monitoring Guidance
Marshall Street
During remote learning, educators continue to monitor their students’ progress toward IEP goals. This article discusses questions to consider, how to use existing resources for progress monitoring, and ways to foster a strong partnership with students’ families.
Supporting Student Collaboration in a Virtual Setting: General Education and Small Group Services
Marshall Street
Teachers facilitating student collaboration during remote learning will need to explicitly teach and model new skills. This resource outlines planning lessons, modeling collaboration skills, and providing feedback.
Sustaining Engagement of Students with Disabilities in Distance Learning Environments
Marshall Street
Teachers can learn new strategies for keeping students with disabilities engaged during remote learning. This resource offers step-by-step tips for connecting with students, and encouraging and monitoring their participation and attendance.
Supporting Teachers With Accommodations and Modifications in Distance Learning Environment
Marshall Street
Teachers whose students have IEPs need new ways to implement accommodations and modifications during virtual learning. This resource includes suggestions and best practices, plus tools that can be used directly by the student.
Small Group Virtual Instruction: A Quick Guide for Service Delivery
Marshall Street
Teachers in virtual learning environments will need new ways to lead small group instruction. This resource gives pointers for different models of instruction, differentiating instruction, anticipating barriers, and more.
Providing Supports to Students With Low-Incidence Disabilities
Marshall Street
Educators and families of students with low-incidence disabilities face barriers in maintaining important structure and routines when schools are closed. This resource includes a discussion of family partnerships, communication with students, and instructional delivery strategies.
Creating Accessible Virtual Learning Environments for Students With Disabilities
Marshall Street
Teachers making online materials accessible for students with disabilities can start with the tools already available on their classroom platform. This resource gives tips for using those tools, guidance for creating accessible content, and more.
Literacy for Children With Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
OCALI Disabilities Center
Individuals interested in literacy instruction for children with combined vision and hearing loss, multiple disabilities, and other complex learning challenges will find in-depth information here. The site organizes useful, relevant resources from state deaf-blind projects, NCDB, and other sources to inform distance TA while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended by WestEd.
Resources for the Three Rs for At-Home Learning and Re-Entry: Relationships, Routines, and Resilience
Turnaround for Children
Families, educators, and service providers can use these resources to work on building relationships, creating and maintaining routines, and building resilience. The materials are useful for at-home learning and also for re-entry when school buildings open again.
Transition Resource Tables
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Professionals, students with disabilities, and their families can use this listing to find low-cost and no-cost web-based transition resources. The table format lets users find materials related to self-determination, employment, postsecondary education, and more.
DCDT Webcast Resources for COVID-19
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Educators working with teens and young adults with disabilities can find tools for distance learning in this collection from the CEC’s Division of Career Development and Transition. This will be of interest to those working with students who, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, are exploring career interests.
COVID-19 Resources for Chief State School Officers for the Education of Students With Disabilities
Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)
This resource for educators of students with disabilities, provided by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), has links to virtual learning guidance from state education departments and local school districts. It also features information from local and national professional organizations.
I See You. I Care. How Can I Help You Grow?
Charter School Growth Fund
Educators doing 1:1 check-ins with students during remote learning can use this strategy for giving culturally responsive, asset-based feedback. This model can be particularly useful for students with disabilities or learning differences.
Why Captions Provide Equal Access
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Educators who use captioning technology can find out about different types that are available, as well as alternate accommodations to captions. This may be particularly helpful for IEP teams as they work to provide access during virtual learning.
IDEA Illinois: Remote Learning Resources
Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA)
Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) compiled webinars and resources to support educators in planning and delivering virtual learning. Included are strategies for special education, speech, OT, and other related services, as well as learning calendars and links to accessibility guidance for Apple, Google, and Microsoft programs.
Tips to Decrease Anxiety of Diverse Learners
Diverse Learners Cooperative
This guide helps teachers, counselors, and other school staff work with students and their families to ease anxiety during distance learning. Students learn words to express what they’re feeling as well as coping strategies to use at home.
Special Education Services Tracker
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Case managers or school teams can use this tracker to monitor students’ engagement with distance learning and to provide accommodations. Options include ways to track teacher time; small group, individual, and consultation services; and changes from the original IEP to remote IEP services.
Guide to Selecting Alternative Service Models During School Closure
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Educators looking for ways to meet IEP service mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic can explore framing mindsets and options here. Sample service scenarios show what interventions and related services could look like when provided remotely.
Supporting Learners With Significant Disabilities: 5 Ideas for Virtual Education
McGraw-Hill via Medium
This post lays out five ways to support students with complex needs in virtual learning. It includes suggestions for check-in topics, as well as practical strategies for working with families and partnering with paraprofessionals.
Kent ISD Distance Learning Supports for Students With Disabilities
Kent ISD
Educators striving to make virtual learning more accessible for students with disabilities will find step-by-step sheets, daily tips, and links to resources. This site is an example of how districts can provide guidance and tools for educators.
Resources to Support Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Division for Early Childhood
The Council for Exceptional Children’s Division for Early Childhood offers resources for supporting students in early intervention and early childhood special education during remote learning. It features articles, videos, webinars, and more for educators, as well as stories for children.
Offline Choice Boards: How Are You Integrating Offline Learning Into Your Online Class?
Catlin Tucker
A choice board can help students with and without disabilities engage with online learning activities at home. Teachers can get ideas from the sample choice board and then create their own using the included template.
Collaborative Teaching Virtual Instruction Tips
Florida Inclusion Network
Co-teaching pairs are taking their collaborative practices from traditional classrooms to virtual formats. Get suggestions for how various models of co-teaching can be used in distance learning for both general and special education.
School Responses to COVID-19: ELL/Immigrant Considerations
Colorín Colorado
How can ELLs—including those with disabilities and other challenges—and their families access school communications and closure plans related to COVID-19? Here are some considerations to help educators, schools, and districts. Recommended by WestEd.
The EnvisionIT (EIT) Curriculum
The Ohio State University
EnvisionIT (EIT) is a free, evidence-based, standards-aligned, college and career readiness curriculum for students with and without disabilities in middle and high school. The teacher-guided, digital curriculum focuses on helping students develop key literacy and career skills needed for the 21st-century workplace. Recommended by WestEd.
Deafverse, From the National Deaf Center
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Deaf teens can try out Deafverse, the first online game entirely in American Sign Language. The web-based game is designed to support self-determination skills, such as working with interpreters, advocating for access, and requesting accommodations—and it’s fun. Recommended by WestEd
Assistive Listening Systems 101
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Schools and students both have responsibilities regarding the use of assistive listening systems for deaf and hard of hearing students, in the classroom and remotely. This resource offers helpful guidelines, explanations, and tools that can be used in the process of team decision-making and implementation.
Remote Speech-to-Text Services
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
IEP teams can use this easy-to-read document to help them think through what is needed for remote speech-to-text services. Remote captionists (or transcribers), equipment, and audio- and videoconferencing software are discussed.
Remote Access Services: Tips for Students
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Students using remote access services like interpreters and captionists can use these tips to have a successful experience. This resource suggests important things to discuss with the service provider as well as some troubleshooting basics.
Remote Access Services: Student Evaluation Template
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Institutions can use student evaluations of remote services to ensure that they’re providing what students need. This evaluation template gathers structured input from students regarding the quality of the technology and the communication access services.
Remember Accessibility in the Rush to Online Instruction: 10 Tips for Educators
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
"These 10 tips from the National Deaf Center can help educators and institutions make sure that everyone has access to the same course content during these challenging times. Tip #2: Remain flexible, because it won’t be “one size fits all.”
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT)
TSLAT’s resources are geared toward educators, but parents and others find the material valuable, too. Its 90+ online courses, teaching manual, video gallery, information on autism evaluations, and more are free and available to all.
20 Learning Activities for Kids
Understood
This compilation of resources from Understood includes links to skill-building and strengthening activities that families can incorporate into their remote learning environment. Educators can integrate into home instruction or share with families for support.
Conducting Virtual IEP Meetings: A Guide for School Teams During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Diverse Learners Cooperative (DLC)
This provides a resource for IEP teams to use as they navigate virtual meetings. The guide includes a sample agenda with questions to think about as you plan, a "how to," and issues to consider around technology.
Lesson Plan Templates (Grades 3-5) for Students with Disabilities on Share My Lesson Platform
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
This is a collection of free, downloadable lesson plans and resources that can be adapted and used for online learning. Search parameters include grade level and subject area, and includes topics relevant to students with disabilities.
eLearning Coalition Accessibility Page
State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
This page contains resource links to support the implementation of accessible materials, many tailored to online learning. It includes a section with suggestions tailored to different types of school staff.
Navigating the Shift [to Online Learning] Annual Report 2019
State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
This comprehensive report explores how different states were navigating the shift to online learning as of 2019. Links to state plans and online resources can provide helpful examples to teachers.
Landmark School Remote Teaching Resources
Landmark Outreach Professional Development
Curated by a school in Massachusetts that serves students with language-based learning disabilities, this page contains resources and best practices to help schools and educators structure remote learning to support all students. Links includes tips for common student support needs, including reading comprehension and written expression.
School Virtually
University of Kansas & University of Hawaii
This site provides information for educators and parents as schools make a quick switch to distance and online learning. School Virtually provides tips on designing online instruction, using technology tools, and supporting students with disabilities and language learners.
Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The US Department of Education
This fact sheet from the US Department of Education discusses the potential implications of COVID-19 on state assessment and accountability systems. This fact sheet also addresses other considerations regarding the use of federal funds under ESEA.
Guidance: Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing Potential Discrimination Associated with COVID-19
The US Department of Education
This letter, from the DOE's Office of Civil Rights, discusses stereotyping, harassment, and bullying directed at persons perceived to be of Chinese American or, more generally, Asian descent, including students.
COVID-19 American Sign Language (ASL) Hotline
Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD)
This page contains a brief explanation of Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD)’s American Sign Language (ASL) Now hotline, administered by Connect Direct. This service has a team of deaf agents who are both fluent in ASL and trained to provide important information about coronavirus to help curb confusion and misinformation.
Evidence-Based Mathematics Resources for Educators
Sarah Powell, PhD
This site contains evidence-based mathematics resources for educators by an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. It contains links to YouTube video examples of how to apply evidence based strategies to teach math concepts. Recommended by WestEd.
How to Support Diverse Learners at Home: Essential Guidance for Parents & Caregivers
The Learning Innovation Catalyst
This resource contains recommendations for educators to assist parents in better understanding the learning needs of their children and how to best support them at home with remote learning. Available in English and Spanish.
Supplemental Learning Activities
Collier County County Public Schools (CCPS)
This resource contains weekly e-learning plans for a school district, including modified curriculum access points, as well as college-, career-, and life-ready and transition activities. It contains practical activities that teachers and service providers can send to students to keep students engaged. To find the modified curriculum access points, scroll to the grades and topics listed. Note: Teachers should plan these with families to provide support in implementation.
Supports for Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Arkansas Department of Education
This resource provides ideas on how to connect learning to the daily activities happening within the home for students with significant cognitive disabilities. It can serve as a helpful compliment to educator-provided remote instruction. The resource is well organized by grade span, provides choices for individualization, alternative options for students who do not read, and reflects appropriate and evidence-based teaching strategies. It also provides a sample daily schedule for families with and without access to technology. Note: some activities require additional support from a family member to transition between activities and keep the student on task depending on their level of need.