eSchool News: Six Resources that Aim to Help Special-Education Stakeholders

It’s sometimes challenging finding useful information on special education, especially when it comes to technology-related activities.  The following are 6 resources compiled by Meris Stansbury, editor of eSchoolNews.  You'll find them to be resourceful in various issues that concern children with disabilities.


1. AbilityHub Assistive Technology Solutions
An index, and description, of assistive technology for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. This website will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers.

2. Apps for Children with Special Needs
Gary James at A4CWSN.com maintains a large list of educational apps for children with special needs. James reviews the apps and posts demonstration videos so that users can see what each one is all about before spending money to purchase them. By producing these videos, James demonstrates how products designed to educate children and build their life skills really work from a user perspective.

3. CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) Learning Tools
CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning. UDL free multimedia learning tools are designed for students, teachers, and parents.

4. DREAMMS (Developmental Research for the Effective Advancement of Memory and Motor Skills) for Kids
An assistive technology information clearinghouse and search facility, DREAMMS was founded in 1988 by the parents of a child with Down syndrome. DREAMMS is committed to increasing the use of computers, high-quality instructional technology, and assistive technology for children with special needs in schools, homes, and the workplace.

5. SERGE (Special Education Resources for General Educators)
Designed by the Council of Chief State School Officers and sponsored by the MetLife Foundation, SERGE was created to give general classroom educators quick access to information and professional development about addressing the special-ed needs of students who have disabilities.

6. Technology in Special Education
This is a website to collect and share tools, hardware, and applications available for the enhancement of technology in education with an emphasis on special education. The site has been collecting material over the last seven years in an attempt to compile all information in a categorized format so parents, educators, and other professionals who work with kids with special needs can benefit from the knowledge acquired. The reviews are thorough and well-written, and the site organizes events where developers offer special deals to their readers.

Source:  eSchoolNews.com

UOG SOE Alumni Update - May 4

1) SAVE THE DATE, JUNE 30, FOUNDER’S DAY GALA!

Help us celebrate the University’s rich past and promising future at the Founder’s Day Gala, themed “Guam's Pioneers in Higher Education.” Enjoy an outstanding four-course dinner and exciting entertainment at this special signature event. Plus, get the opportunity to win exciting raffle prizes. Hyatt Regency Guam, Grand Ballroom. 6p.m. to 10p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. Space is limited.

Visit our facebook page to see who is attending and who has been invited. Feel free to send out links to your contacts as well.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/396369250387435/

Please call 735-2586 (ALUM) or email  nanalista@uguam.uog.edu

2) SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 1, “THE G-FACTOR” UOG ALUMNI MIXER, ALUMNI ARTISTS & PERFORMERS WANTED!

On June 1, the Office of Alumni Affairs will host a mixer for alumni and friends of the University! The highlight of the event will be a talent showcase ranging from artwork and singing to stand-up comedy and a special hip hop dance performance by alumni! New Development: The School of Business and Public Administration will be hosting a karaoke contest from 8:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at this exciting event! Sign up today. Chance to win great prizes as well!

This event is open to the public!

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Purchase your tickets at: The Triton Book Store, UOG President’s Office - Chris Mabayag, Office of Alumni Affairs. To see a complete list of ticket sales representatives, and send invitations to your friends, visit our facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/378495128856856/

Please call 735-2586 (ALUM) or email  nanalista@uguam.uog.edu

3) EAT AT CPK AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UNIVERSITY!

This whole month, when you dine at CPK, 20% of your check will benefit the University. You have to download the flier found on this link and present it when you pay your bill. Please spread the word!

http://www.uog.edu/admin/assetmanager/images/fundraiser%20flyer%20-%20uog%20april%202012.pdf

4)THE TRITON PRIVILEGES CARD IS AVAILABLE! ENJOY DISCOUNTS AND FREE OFFERS!

Sign up for membership with the UOG Alumni Association and you can get the Triton Privileges card as a benefit to you. You can get 15 cents off a gallon of gas from 76 among other great offers!

Visit this link to check for any updates to the Triton Privileges Card:

http://www.uog.edu/dynamicdata/AlumniTritonPrivileges.aspx?siteid=3&p=649

 

5) ALUMNI OUTREACH THROUGH FACEBOOK – WE NEED YOUR HELP!

·        Norm Analista has created the official University of Guam Alumni Facebook page. There are many exciting activities in store for you this year as we celebrate the University's 60th Anniversary! The Facebook page is just one of the methods the Office of Alumni Affairs will use to keep you informed. To best address the objectives of this group, only UOG alumni are permitted to be part of it and interact with other members. We need this group to grow, so please feel free to send invitations to your fellow alum to join this group. But, please be aware that their inclusion is subject to verification.

·         To access the alumni group page, click the link below or cut and paste it. You must have a facebook account to log on.

·         http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/universityofguamalumni/363700670322882/?notif_t=like

·          

·        

April is National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month*

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) is now held every April, when schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, and poets around the country come together to celebrate poetry and its vital importance in American culture.  Thousands of businesses and organizations participate through festivals, readings, workshops, book displays, and various other events.

	What is National Poetry Month?
	30 Ways to Celebrate NPM
	Celebration Highlights

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the following is a poem I wrote.  Enjoy!

MY POETRY

My imagination runs wild,
As I grab a pen and write away.
The emotions linger about,
Pushing me to set it free.
It shall be set free in the words that I write.
It shall be set free in the feelings that I express.
It shall be set free, just by knowing it is mine.
My own thoughts,
My own words,
My own feelings --
That in itself is poetry,
Whether it is liked by others or not;
I know this to be true,
That as long as it is dear to my heart,
It's as special as can be,
And no one can deny that it is poetry!
©mnrivera


*Source: www.poets.org

A Message to All AmeriCorps Alumni

Dear AmeriCorps Alumni: Each year more than 80,000 Americans, just like you, serve their community and their country throughAmeriCorps.  Since the program launched in 1994, more than 775,000 Americans have served as AmeriCorps members.  Your example of service and leadership is an important catalyst for others to serve and a  resource for those currently serving in AmeriCorps.  You are a remarkable community of leaders and we want to help you connect with each other and share your current leadership experiences.  Your experience as an AmeriCorps member helping communities tackle some of the toughest  and most crucial challenges of our time has given you invaluable life and work skills and an understanding that one person can make a difference.   As an alumni, AmeriCorps can continue to work for you too. We’d like to help you stay  connected to other individuals who share a common service experience and continue to highlight your leadership.   Please take a moment to: Like AmeriCorps on Facebook Sign up to receive emails from the Corporation for National and Community Service Follow @AmeriCorps on Twitter Enter the AmeriCorps Week photo and video contest (deadline July 1, 2012; cash prizes up to $4000) Nominate an individual or program for the National Service Impact Award (deadline May 1, 2012)  Learn about AmeriCorps Alums Thank you for your service – you exemplify what is best about America.  We look forward to connecting you with current members and alumni. Sincerely, Rosa Moreno-Mahoney Acting Director, AmeriCorps

UOG-SOE Alumni Election

PIBBA Story Hour and Cultural Presentations a Success!

The PIBBA Guam Chapter continued its service in celebration of CHamoru Month at the Hagatna Public Library's Saturday Story Hour on March 24, 2012 with coconut weaving conducted by Dr. Greg Tainatongo & grandchildren, stories by Bobbie Benavente & Liz Langas, chants by Toni Salas & Lois Gumataotao, cultural activities by Zan Refilong & Professor Palomo. The PIBBA Guam Chapter also conducted cultural presentations at the Navy Exchange with Professor Palomo's White Lady story, Malia Ramirez's Puntan & Fu'una legend/song/dance, and Dr. Rivera's Guahan/Mangga/Flores poem presentations, with the assistance of Mye Ganan-Flores and Bobbie Manibusan. What a busy, yet rewarding cultural day! BIBA PIBBA! BIBA MES CHAMORU! Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this culture-packed day!

PIBBA Saturday Story Hour Features Sirena

PIBBA's Saturday Story on March 17, 2012 began with PIBBA Webmaster Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera reading a book on Rainbow Fish. She then asked for the children to think about the fish (guihan) and see how it relates to the story of Sirena. Thereafter, she read the story of Sirena, which captivated the children. The Read Aloud culminated with a coloring activity of Sirena and gluing of scales on the bottom half of Sirena to give her a 3D affect. The children had a meaningful literacy experience! Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this PIBBA cultural literacy event!

PIBBA Guam Meeting Meaningful

The PIBBA Guam meeting held March 17, 2012 was meaningful, as we discussed details of PIBBA events and logistics pertaining to the upcoming PIBBA Conference in Pohnpei. In particular, among the topics discussed were hosting of Monday's Inachaigen Fino CHamoru Fina'se'pe, Mes CHamoru activities at the Nieves M. Flores Hagatna Public Library, fundraising activities towards PIBBA Pohnpei, PIBBA Guam Chapter Conference presenters, air fare, hotel/car reservations, gift baskets, PIBBA Constitution and by-laws committee report, and other important PIBBA news. The next meeting will be held Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Center for Independent Living. Enjoy the following snapshots taken during the meeting!