What will be offered?

• Reading texts enhanced with pictures to assist with decoding. We will be using a program entitled Writing with Symbols to develop these.
• Symbolic pictures for answering questions for non-verbal students. We will be using Boardmaker with its extended library to make these.
• For those few students who are unable to use Boardmaker symbols, we will make photographic representations using an extensive photo library software program.
• Overlays that correspond to writing tasks for students who are using Intellitools keyboards and customized overlays.
• A limited number of object sets will be available for checkout for students unable to answer questions through verbal, AC or pictorial communication methods. These sets include plastic (and when plausible, real) objects of items from the required stories. Not all stories are represented.

Click here to view an example of what will be offered. 

What won’t be offered?

• Augmentative communication overlays or programming. If you have a student who will be using an AC device and requires assistance, please contact the AT specialist for your building.
  
• Specialized icons or photos specific to your student. If you need help with these again, please contact the AT specialist for your building.
  
• Information on how to give the CSAP-A to students.

Who can use which materials?

• The CDE guidelines are that the student must have been using the adaptations for three or more months prior to the exam for it to be used on the exam. For example, if you have never used a text enhanced with symbols, don’t surprise the student with it now.

What happens to the materials when you are done with them?

• All materials must be returned to me! I will be keeping records of what is distributed and will be collecting them once CSAP-A testing is completed. I’ll give them to the special education office and they will be kept in a secure location. They will be distributed again next year on an as needed basis.

How can I get them?

• Anja Kintsch from the Assistive Technology Team will send out request forms in January. Please fill one out and send it to Anja at BCSIS as soon as possible. Materials that are not yet developed will be developed and sent to you as soon as possible. Previously made materials will be sent out immediately upon request.