AUSSIE EDUCATOR

 AUSTRALIAN SITES

 ASSOCIATIONS

• ACD Information and Resources
  ‘You can find all our resources under these headings - NDIS, School, Early years, Teenage years and Help for you and your family [including New ! Workshops - over 100 free online and face-to-face workshops across Victoria each year]. You can also read some family stories and watch our videos’.

 ADHD ASSOCIATIONS

• ADHD Australia - Resources
  ‘ADHD Australia has collated a number of helpful resources which may be of interest to those people affected by ADHD. Below are links to some contacts for supporter groups and
• AADPA - Australian ADHD Professionals Association
  ‘AADPA was formed in 2016 by a diverse group of professionals with the common goal of providing a unified professional perspective on the causes, diagnosis, management and treatment of ADHD’. Information on Resources, Research, Webinars, Guidelines and a Conference.
• ADDults with ADHD - Supporting adults and families with ADHD
  ‘ADDults with ADHD has provided free information, support and self-help resources to adults and families coping with ADHD for 25 years’. Sections include About ADHD, Research, Our Services, Events, News and more.
• ADHD Foundation
  Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria. ‘What is ADHD ?, NDIS, Support, Resources, News and more’.
• ADHD Support Australia
  ‘Our comprehensive ADHD directory has links to practitioners, services, resources and products to support you on your journey’. Sections include ADHD, Resources, Events, Directory, Parenting, a Blog and more.
• Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia
  ‘Shaping the best future for young people with ADHD’. Sections include Advocacy Initiatives, News, Resources and Contact details.

• ASEPA
  ‘Online resources for students and families, Leading Learning 4 all’. Useful PDFs free to download; Compilations of Useful Websites [Microsoft Education, Online Switch games, etc., Online Storytime, Other Links, Children with Low Vision or who are Blind and Wildlife Live Cam Fees].
• AUSPELD
  ‘Represents all state and territory SPELD Associations. These organisations, in turn, represent and support the many thousands of children and adults struggling with both learning difficulties and Specific learning disorders [SLDs] throughout Australia’. Links to all state bodies and has sections on Resources, Articles and Useful Links. Fee-based.
• Australian Association of Special Education [AASE]
  ‘AASE is a broad-based, non-categorical association concerned with all who have special education needs. Each Australian state and territory has its own AASE chapter [links to these on the site]’.

 AUTISM

• Autism Association of Western Australia - For Teachers and Educators
  ‘The following resources have been created to support teachers and educators working with students with Autism in the classroom’.
• Autism Awareness Australia - Educational Resources
  ‘Find information about teaching children with autism, running a successful autism classroom, setting up spaces in the home and community for a child with autism, locate books and apps helpful in educating children with autism’.
• Autism Spectrum Australia [Aspect]
  Check the ‘How can we Help’ listing of services available. They range across all ages while also including Aspect @nywhere and Going to School.
• Positive Partnerships - Resources
  ‘Positive Partnerships is a national project funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment through the Helping Children with Autism program. We’re delivered by Autism Spectrum Australia [Aspect]. We provide practical tools and resources across a range of autism-related topics to help you better understand and support those with autism’.

• Better Health Channel - School support for children with special needs
  ‘On this page : Developing a positive partnership with your child’s school; Choosing a school; Preparing for secondary school; Disability supports at school; Supporting your child’s learning at home; Raising concerns with your child’s school; and Where to get help’. There is also a listing of Related Pages.
• Cerebral Palsy Alliance - All Services and Programs
  Scroll down the page to see all services and programs available including Early Childhood Intervention, Going to School, School Leaver Employment Supports, Technology, Aids and Equipment and many more. Use the menu at the top to access further information and assistance.
• Children and Young People with Disability
  ‘CYDA’s purpose is to ensure governments, communities and families, are empowering children and young people with disability to fully exercise their rights and aspirations are valued and living empowered lives with equality of opportunity’.
• Communication Rights Australia - 12 Amazing Resources For Teachers Of Students With Disabilities
  ‘12 online teaching resources for teachers of students with disabilities, all working towards one common goal : inclusive classrooms’. A strong emphasis on children with autism.
• Down Syndrome Australia - Education
  ‘Our education resources provide up-to-date advice about how to support people with Down syndrome in schools and education’.

 HEARING

• Deaf Children Australia - Our Resources
  ‘Our goal is provide quality resources to children, young people and their families. We have a range of videos, downloadable material and stories to share’.
• Deafness Foundation
  Click on the Home link in the top menu to access pages covering Resources, Teaching Resources and Useful Links.
• DeafNav - Resources
  ‘Gain access to the support services you need. We will keep adding to this list of resources as we discover more’. 11 sections ranging from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to Technology.
• VDEN – Victorian Deaf Education Network
  ‘Explore the range of deaf facilities within Victoria. Browse facilities from early intervention through to secondary schools. The Victorian Deaf Education Network is made up of educational professionals who specialise in teaching children who are hard of hearing’.

• Inclusion Resources – KU Children’s Services
  ‘Peak Body Inclusion Resources, Resources for Educators, Accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Early Intervention Services and Supporting Social and Emotional Development’. A wide array of resources.
• InSpEd - Institute of Special Educators, Australian Special Education
  ‘The Institute of Special Educators has been established to improve the quality of special education in Australia, including special education for infants and young children, children and young adults in school programs, adults in tertiary education, job support programs, post school activity programs and other services designed to improve quality of life’.
• Position statement on the inclusion of children with a disability in Early Childhood Education and Care
  Early Childhood Australia and Early Childhood Intervention Australia. ‘The position statement reflects the broad evidence base and the collective values and wisdom of our organisations on the inclusion of children with a disability, and was informed by input from consultations with members of both organisations’.
• Raising Children Network - Child and parent disability services
  ‘This page provides links to a range of child and parent disability services, resources and support organisations’. You might also check the various age groups for material on other learning aspects.
• Resources - ADCET
  Geared to the tertiary education sector. It has sections covering Resources and Inclusive Education.

 TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICAL AID

• Assistive Technology Australia
  ‘Our purpose is to provide impartial advice, information and leadership that builds capacity and optimises the value of assistive technology in leading a life of choice’. Assistive Technology, Product Search, Training, Publications and more.
• Technical Aid to the Disabled
  TAD [Qld] provides design, engineering, rehabilitation, computer, therapy, other professional and technical skills. Another group, Solve Disability Solutions [Previously TADVIC] does the same in Victoria. Other State Groups are linked from this page.

 CURRICULUM

Curriculum implementation in states and territories may vary in some ways. Any state and territory entries are found on the Special Education page.

• Diversity and Inclusion Curriculum Resources [Cool Australia]
  ‘These resources have been developed to promote a better understanding of diversity and inclusive education and what adjustments can be made at school [and home] to support the participation of all. Resources for Teachers and Parents/Carers and Resources for Teachers’.
• Meeting the needs of students with a disability [The Australian Curriculum]
  ‘The Australian Curriculum provides opportunities for teachers to develop inclusive teaching and learning programs that build on students’ interests, strengths, goals and learning needs to support all students to achieve their potential. Sections include : Definition of students with disability; Planning for students with disability; Disability legislation, policies and principles; Links to state and territory resources; and links to View further resources’.

 GOVERNMENT BODIES

Several bodies listed in the first section above are funded, though not necessarily run, by different Australian governments. This may not be obvious in their title. Examples include the Better Health Channel and the Raising Children Network. Note : This section only covers Commonwealth government entries. State entries are found on the Special Education page.

• Disability Gateway
  ‘The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia’. 10 sections, including Education, each provide considerable information.
• For People with Disability
  Department of Social Services, Australian Government. While the annotated links cover all age groups there are several relevant to students of all ages.
• MyTime
  ‘MyTime is for parents and carers of children with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. It’s a place for you to unwind and talk about your experiences. It’s a world away from appointments and therapy. Free support for parents of children with disabilities’.
• Updated !  Students with Disability - Department of Education, Aust. Government
  ‘The Australian Government supports the rights of children and young people with disability to have the same educational opportunities as other school students’.
• Student Wellbeing Hub
  ‘Resources to build safe, inclusive and connected school communities’.

 OTHER RESOURCES

• Apps for Special Education : Spectronics
  Inclusive Learning Technologies. ‘General criteria for inclusion into this list is that the app was specifically designed for use in Special Education or it has been used by us or others effectively with students with diverse learning needs’. Check the Catalogue link at the top for further information and resources.
• Boardmaker Software Family
  There is also a Boardmaker Online version which you can access. Fee-based. Australia.
  You now need to be able to log in to access this last site.
• Cap that !
  ‘We focused on the significance of using captions to benefit even more students, including students with English as an Additional Language, those who have reading difficulties, children on the autism spectrum, as well as students who are Deaf or hearing impaired’. Annotated links to Australian and international sources.
• New !  Coding for Life
  ‘The post below is a selection of learning activities from a new iTunes U course [2016] that Aspect Hunter School colleague Heath Wild and I have put together for Hour of Code’. Related links include New ! Coding Life on Apple Podcasts [note the name change] and a collection of videos, group titled New !  Code for Life [these are all very short].
• EISAU - School Special Needs Resources Australia
  ‘Connecting schools and quality providers with ease. Search for a Provider - Use one or more of the search fields to search for Providers who supply to your School’.
• FUSE - Additional Learning Needs Resources
  Over 1 100 resources listed at time of update. Use the filters for Level, Learning Areas and Resource Types to narrow your search [e.g. Foundation, Mathematics, Interactive].
• Learning Links • Useful Links
  ‘Some links that you may find of interest’ for resources and information in areas of special needs and disability support.
• LifeTec® Resources
  ‘LifeTec offers a range of resources that are available for you to download. Please check regularly for updated and new information’. There is a separate Education section in addition to several others.
• Low Vision Aids - HumanWare Australia
  ‘HumanWare products are designed to last, to grow [and in many cases, to go] with the user. Giving them the independence to compete effectively with peers, to feel connected - to be a vital part of the global information age in which we live’. They also have resources for Learning Disabilities. Fee-based, often expensive.
• Modern Teaching Aids - Developmental & Inclusion
  ‘MTA has a great selection of products for developing children’s abilities to grow, learn and develop their fine motor, gross motor and cognitive skills. This range also includes inclusive educational resources featuring sensory, tactile and relaxation products, along with resources which cover areas in belonging and wellbeing, social and emotional development and visual and language communications’.
• My Diffability Australia - Special Needs Toys and Resources
  ‘Providing resources and special needs toys for children, adolescents and adults, including those with issues and differences in areas like speech, communication, sensory processing and social, gross and fine motor skills. Our products are carefully selected because they not only assist in the development of skills in a wide range of areas, they are also engaging and lots of fun’.
• Updated !  Nelle Frances Asperger Child
  ‘Our Resource shop is committed to providing the latest resources and programs designed to help children on the Autism spectrum in all facets of life’. Fee-based.
• Precision Academics^©
  ‘The world’s largest independent collection of resources to support students who have special learning needs’. Fee-based, but costs are within the scope of schools and individual families. ‘Download some free samples to try with your students [or children]’.
• Quantum RLV [Reading, Learning, Vision]
  ‘For over 30 years, Quantum has been providing products and services to people with a print disability [low vision, blindness or a learning difficulty]’.
• Relevant Legislation - Inclusive Schools Australia
  ‘International legislation; Australian legislation; and What does the legislation mean for schools and teachers ?’.
• Silvereye Learning Resources
  ‘Silvereye is the best place to find resources to help those with learning difficulties, special needs or emotional and behavioural challenges’. Use the menu on the left to narrow your search.
• Speech Language Therapy
  Caroline Bowen PhD. ‘The intended audience is families and others close to children with communication difficulties and people working in the field of communication sciences and disorders’. Check the Links and Resources sections in particular.
• Special Educational Needs Teaching Resources, Worksheets & Activities [Teach Starter]
  ‘An extensive collection of educational resources relating to special educational needs. Classroom Printables, Activities and Worksheets’. Use the menu on the left to filter items to specific learning areas.
• Special Education Needs - User Friendly Resources
  Use the Menu on the left to filter offerings to suit your needs. Fee-based.
• Special Education Needs Resources [TES Australia]
  ‘Special needs teaching activities including sign language worksheets, dyslexia tests, games, lesson plans for gifted children, ADHD resources, Asperger’s Syndrome activities and other ideas’.
• Special Needs Resources Australia
  ‘Special Needs Resources aim at providing products that help our customers face their challenges, physically, emotionally and cognitively. We stock reputable brands from leading manufacturers to provide products that can assist in addressing special needs challenges. We are always expanding our ranges to meet our clients needs’.
• Teaching Learners with Special Needs
  Victorian Institute of Teaching - Resources. ‘The VIT has compiled the following list of professional learning resources for teaching learners living with a disability’.
• The Brainary
  ‘Has excellent specialist educational resources and often uploads interesting articles and news and articles about special education issues’. Fee-based.
• The Spectrum - Resources
  ‘The following list includes links to support organisations, services and resources across Australia, for adults and children who have been diagnosed, or are in the process of being diagnosed, with Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. [Available in several languages]’.
• The Therapy Store [Autism Resources]
  ‘The Therapy Store stocks special needs resources, therapy toys, educational toys, autism resources and more ! The Therapy Store ships all around Australia and accepts orders from families, schools, therapy clinics, health departments, hospitals and government institutions’. Fee-based
• Tremendaspie - The Book
  ‘A refreshing and insightful tale told through the eyes of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome’.

 INTERNATIONAL SITES

 RESOURCES

• AFB Technology Resources for People with Vision Loss
  AFB. Links covering assistive technology for those who are blind or visually impaired.
  USA.
• A Medical Guide to Autism
  The article covers ‘Characteristics, Causes, Diagnosis, Screening and Other common conditions in children with Autism. The Resources section adds a wide range of links to other resources in this area such as Signs and Symptoms, Autism Fact Sheet, Frequently Asked Questions, Myths and Misconceptions, Autism Spectrum Disorders Resource Booklet to name a fw while there is one very important link that urges you to Beware of False or Misleading Claims for Treating Autism’. A number are in PDF format. Well worth visiting.
  USA.
• Closing The Gap
  Multiple sections include reports, training, and a conference but most importantly it ‘helps you grow your assistive technology [AT] knowledge’. Perhaps the most valuable section will prove to be the Resource Directory that will help you ‘discover over 600
  assistive technology [software] products that are on the market today’. Fee-based and membership may be required.
  USA.
• Updated !  Do2Learn
  ‘Provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioural regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material and transition guides for employment and life skills. In addition, we offer premier products including View2do, JobTIPS and books’.
  USA.
• Free Printable SEN Teaching Resources
  ‘All resources on this site are free to use and share but if you are putting them on a school website please link back to this page’. Multiple sections, even “Pingbacks” from people who have used them providing links to other quality resources.
  UK.
• Hands-On Tasks^®
  ‘Designed for children and adults with special needs who are in need of basic skills training or vocational skills training. They are designed to promote independent work habits and encourage success’. Fee-based.
  USA.
• Inclusive Education - Guides
  ‘These guides have everything you need to recognise, plan for and meet the needs of the diverse learners in your community. They bring together strategies, suggestions and resources from Aotearoa and around the world. These have been curated by the Ministry of Education for the Aotearoa learning context’. Examples include Dyslexia and learning and ADHD and learning. Extensive number of Guides.
  NEW ZEALAND.
• Innovative Educational Resources for Specific Learning Needs
  Switch Learning. ‘An online store for parents, teachers, SENCo’s, resource teachers, private providers, speech therapists and occupational therapists’. Specials, All Products, Resource Advice. Fee-based.
  NEW ZEALAND.
• LD@school
  300+ at time of updating. Use the filter options on the left to narrow your search for specific aspects and ideas. Also check the Learn about LDs and Learning Modules sections of the site.
  CANADA.
• LD Online
  ‘Getting Started [Basics, Q&As, Glossary]; Learning Difficulty Topics; For Educators; For Families; Your Stories’. Some sections may not be directly useful for the Australian setting.
  USA.
• Learning - Special Education Products - Abilitations
  ‘Shop Our Products; Shop by Learning Environment; Shop by Learning Model; Featured Assortments; Deals & Clearance; Quick Order. From crayons to curriculum to comprehensive learning environments, we offer over 150 000 products thoughtfully designed to work together to elevate outcomes and transform not just schools, but students themselves’. Featured Categories are linked from the home page.
  CANADA.
• Perkins - Resources and Stories
  2 200+. resources at the time of updating. Use the filter options available to narrow the range to check and assess.
  USA.
• Professional Resources
  NASET. Multiple sections with annotated links. Not all will be relevant.
  USA.
• SEN Teacher
  ‘Our learning materials are free to share and use in schools or at home. Has printables, specialist links, software downloads and search tools for all types and levels of special and remedial education’. Use the Web Links section to find Free Resources, Specialist Sites and Other Sites. Be sure to check the other menu sections as well.
  UK.
• Special Educational Needs Resources [TESConnect]
  ‘Free learning resources for special educational needs [SEN] teachers including lesson plans, activities, games, teaching ideas, classroom resources and worksheets’. Links to further resources.
  UK.
• Teachers Pay Teachers - Special Education Worksheets
  A huge collection of resources for this area. Costs range from Freebies up.
  USA.
• SEND - Engage Education
  A collection of short [3min.] articles relating to different aspects, including employment, in the special needs area of education.
  UK.
• Updated !  Special Needs [Teaching Ideas]
  A short collection of ideas and activities for this area. Organisation as either Newest First, Highest rated first, Most popular first and Random [order].
  UK.
• Special Education - Needs Resources
  TeacherVision. ‘We have resources on everything you need to know about teaching special needs students effectively. Get help teaching Special Needs Students. from the basics to inclusion and behaviour management, select a category of special education resources below’.
  USA.

 TECHNOLOGY

 ACCESSIBILITY TECHNOLOGY

Assistance from some major players in IT, beneficial in schools & other educational settings.

• Access Firefox
  ‘Accessibility tools and resources for Firefox end users with disabilities [primarily visual impairments]’.
• Adobe Accessibility
  ‘Adobe is an industry leader in accessibility and supports the creation of outstanding web experiences by encouraging developers to produce rich, engaging content that is accessible to all’.
• Android Accessibility Help
  ‘Browse help topics : Get started; Use a screen reader; Change your display; Interaction controls; Audio & on-screen text;and Support & updates’.
• Apple Accessibility
  Multiple solutions are grouped under the headings of Discover, Vision, Mobility, Hearing and Cognitive, e.g. Hover Text, Sensory Alerts, Accessibility Keyboard and Spoken Content. Some sections have YouTube videos to provide further clarification.
• Google Accessibility - Products and Features
  Information about accessibility with a range of products as well as some of the resources that help achieve this.
• Google Accessible Web Search
  ‘Designed to identify and prioritise search results that are more easily usable by blind and visually impaired users. Accessible Search goes one step further by helping you find the most accessible pages in that result set’.
• Microsoft Accessibility
  ‘Products and services for everyone. Vision; Hearing; Neurodiversity; Learning; Mobility; Mental Health; and Accessibility in Microsoft products and apps’. Accessibility Features on Windows 11 - ‘The new Accessibility pane and human icon in Windows 11 settings were designed to make it easier to find and use all the built-in accessibility features Windows offers to tailor your device to your unique needs’.
• Microsoft Learn Educator Centre - Accessibility and Inclusivity
  ‘Foster inclusive and accessible classrooms with trainings and Microsoft tools. Browse all content or check their Resources, Support and Videos; Your path to get started; and Popular learning paths and modules’. Particularly geared for online learning.

 APPS for SPECIAL EDUCATION

• 20 Useful Apps for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities in 2022
  ‘With how expensive some of these apps can be and with how many there are, it can be difficult figuring out which one is best. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 20 apps that can be useful for kids and parents of kids with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. If you give some of these a try, I hope they prove useful’. Listed in specific learning areas. This article contains on the right hand side provides a good summary of what is included. Click on the links box to go to that section.
  USA.
• 25 Most Effective Apps to Manage ADD for Kids + Adults in 2021
  ‘While there’s no perfect app for ADHD, the 25 that made the list come pretty close’. The collection is broken into multiple sections. Each app is complete with findings about how it can be used and how it will help you. This article contains on the right hand side provides a good summary of what is included. Click on the links box to go to that section.
  USA.
• 8 Great Apps for Special Education Teachers
  ‘Technological tools to assist educators in teaching, planning, and designing curriculum have become highly and inexpensively accessible and as simple to download as a simple click or tap. Here are eight must-have apps for special education teachers’. Also has links to other related resources at the bottom of the page.
  USA.
• Apps for Kids with Special Needs and Learning Disabilities
  ‘No matter which hurdles your kid faces, the apps and other media included in this guide can give him or her an added boost. We don’t expect an app to be a complete solution, of course. Our goal is to offer you a host of fun, well-designed apps that were recommended and tested by field experts’.
  USA.
• Apps for Students With Special Needs [Edutopia]
  This ‘is just the tip of the iceberg of what is available. Remember, as with any tool, what may work wonders for some students will only frustrate others. Customisation is key with any app, so adults and educators should be prepared to put in some time learning the apps themselves or how to make modifications in the settings. Many apps come with great teacher-made materials; look for video tutorials, lesson plans and extension activities’.
  USA.
• Best Free Special Education Apps in 2022 [iPhone, iPad, iPod]
  ‘We’ve gathered 70 educational apps and grouped them based on special education categories. This list contains not only special education apps but also tools that will be helpful in everyday life’. Free ad Fee-based.
  USA.

 SOFTWARE and HARDWARE

• AbleNet
  A range of products and resources. Select Resources from the top menu, then select from the range of sub-topics listed under Switches, Speech Generating Devices and Computer and Tablet Access.
  USA.
• Best Special Education Software [G2]
  ‘Compare Reviews on 40+ items. G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies’.
  USA.
• Claro Software Assistive Technology
  ‘Claro Software develops Assistive Technology software for people with disabilities such as print and reading difficulties like dyslexia, to help them achieve all they can’. Software and apps for all major platforms. Select from the Product screens part way down the page.
  UK.
• Don Johnston Human Learning Tools
  ‘We merge the best parts of technology with our experience and human learning expertise to build tools that transform the lives of people across all learning styles and abilities’. Products are listed on the above page.
  USA.
• Dragon Home Version 15 Speech Recognition
  Nuance Australia. ‘Transform your ideas into text at the speed of thought. Simply speak and watch your words appear on the screen 3x faster than typing by hand, and with up to 99% recognition accuracy’. Fee-based.
  INTERNATIONAL.
• Ghotit
  ‘Ghotit helps people with Dyslexia and/or Dysgraphia become independent writers and readers. Advanced Desktop and Mobile Apps for People with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia’. Can also access an Australian English dictionary. Multiple options with this. Additional information sections. Fee-based.
  USA.
• Inclusive Technology
  ‘Inclusive have been producing switch accessible software for twenty years and have recently developed our online software offering, including HelpKidzLearn and ChooseIt! Maker 3, as well as creating over 50 Apps for iPad and Android devices’. Check the Software and Hardware menus on the left for more details. Fee-based.
  UK.
• Innovation Management Group, Inc.
  Assistive Technology - Software & hardware. A Mix of free and fee-based resources. You might also check their Useful Links [see menu].
  USA.
• JAWS^® for Windows^®
  This screen reader is a major item from them. Check the Software and Products items in the top menu for further options. Fee-based.
  USA.
• Talking Dictionary
  ‘Talking Dictionary is a speech enabled 250 000 word English dictionary and thesaurus. Like all the talking software products on this site, Talking Dictionary has been designed for use by the non-sighted person’. There is a Talking Calculator and several other items available. Fee-based.
  UK.