COVID-19 Resources for Families, Activity Ideas & more!
Website links, activity ideas, and other information from the Assistive Technology department as resources for the people we serve.
Thanks to Governor Ducey’s recent press conference, private schools and districts have been given the right to manage our reopening plan start date. With that, we are excited to announce that Gompers Private School is set for in-person instruction is set for August 17th.
In the meantime, we are excited to open our school virtually with a remote start to the school year beginning on August 3rd. Online education using Google Classroom and our Readtopia curriculum will be the primary form of instruction.
Throughout this challenging time, we have been engaged in setting the right procedures to reopen in person. Even when we reopen, things will look different. While this plan is continuing to evolve, some very clear steps are coming into focus:
- Employment Services will open first
- School is scheduled to resume virtually on August 3rd
- DTA will resume at some point after this
In all of these cases, transportation services will only be available to our members who utilize a wheelchair and some students.
We thank you all for your patience as we have navigated these challenges for reopening. We are excited to see your smiling facing again soon. Remember, you can always reach me at mjacoby@gompers.org or 602.283.39333. In addition, we’ve created the email connect@gompers.org for your convenience as well.
Resources:
Social Stories for Understanding COVID-19.
Social Stories for Hand Washing.
Social Stories for Understanding Social Distancing.
Printable Communication Board for Medical Needs
Dealing with Stress
- Here is a pdf about Coping with stress_anxiety STUDENTS from Thulasi Prasad.
Step for Putting on a Face Mask
There are a variety of resources that you can go to find additional information regarding COVID19. These are a few:
Use the links below to help pass the time while at home. Turn this time of social distancing into a time to connect and support your loved one with developmental disabilities.
Zoom Set Up –
Zoom is an app that can be downloaded to video chat with several people at a time. This is the format most people are using this time to meet with Support Coordinators, therapists, etc. Here is a simple guide to set up Zoom on a tablet, phone, or computer by Scattered Solutions.
Turn on Closed Captions
Most streaming services provide options for turning on subtitles or closed captioning. This is a great tool to use to increase awareness of words and build literacy. It is also an accessibility tool used for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Turn Technology Use into Teaching Time
Take this opportunity to sit together! Practice how to search online by spelling what you what to watch, listen to, shop for, or research.
- Use this tip from AAC Intervention on how to support spelling using QWERTY letter board.
- Hop on to our Symbaloo Site. We use this in our program rooms to share educational websites for our members. Each ’tile’ is a direct link to a website! Here is a video to show you how to use it!
- Try this site to learn how to type! Dance Mat Typing
Cooking @ Home
- This is a resource from The Accessible Chef. It is a website full of FREE visual recipes and other resources for individuals with disabilities to learn to cook.
AAC at Home
Being stuck at home, doesn’t mean you can’t communicate! This is a great opportunity to learn your son or daughter’s communication device! There are a TON of great and FREE resources surging online right now!
AAC Language Lab
AAC Language Lab is a subscription based resource for ALL device users, which is usually $20/year. In response to the pandemic, the AAC Language LAb is FREE for 2 months! On this site, you can find the BRICS (Building Relationships and Independence through Communication Supports) curriculum. This curriculum is focused on teen and adult AAC users to become more proficient in their communication. Also, check out their YouTube Channel for fun videos to implement AAC at home!
AAC Community Resources
These resources have been published by Tech Owl from the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
AZ Talks Together Facebook group. This is a private group created by AAC users from Gompers and Valley Life. We are connecting over Zoom every few weeks to stay connected. Search for the group on Facebook and ask to join!
Tech Owl strikes again with a full list (with links) of printable paper-based communication boards. If you do not have access to a communication device at home, these are GREAT alternatives to keep language learning and voices being heard!
