Boardmaker resources

Boardmaker is used by all of us.  You are all awair of the power of the icon card and the organization they have brought to our little classroom.  There are so many new applications and activities that can be used.  We can make them interactive and animated.  We can improve our cooking cards and social stories.   If you have the chance, please take the time to go to the downloaded versions (on both high school computers) and play around with them.  There is so much we can do with what we are already using.
Below are some resources that can add to program without having to reinvent the wheel.

http://www.tinsnips.org

Tinsnips is filled with boards and activities.  From simple yes/ no communication boards to ideas that work for any season, this site is a great starting point.  The social stories are well thought out and simple in design.  While the focus disability is Autism, I have successfully used many of the social stories with students with Downs Syndrome and Mental Retardation.  Defiantly a bookmark for all special education providers.

http://www.accpc.ca

Safety for People who use AAC.  These boards provide a voice in situations including financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emergencies.  These are the boards our students need and most of us want to avoid.  Facts show that our students are likely to be abused.  They need to be taught what should not happen to them and they need to be given the power (a voice) to advocate for themselves.  This site is valuable and these boards need to be used.

http://www.childrenwithspecialneeds.com

Oh how I wish I had had this site bookmarked when I started teaching.  The boards are organized and easy to use.  The feelings, animals, and foods boards are exactly what I spent hours creating.   I can’t wait for the fast-food menus to be finished.  Great resource!