SWAAAC

03/20/2026

We’re hoping for rain this spring! Read the book, Rain Feet by Angela Johnson, available in adapted versions from the SWAAAC loan library. Link in bio.

[Image: Header reads “AAC Rain Activity.” Illustration of a boy in yellow rain coat and yellow boots, about to jump into a puddle. Text in graphic reads, “Words to use and learn on a rainy day. I/you/we go outside, all, wet, cold, go, fast, get inside, hurry up, dry off, put on a coat and boots, get umbrella, water, look, puddle, jump, splash, again, where, sun.” At bottom, illustration of rain drops and the words, “Read the book: Rain Boots by Angela Johnson.” ]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

03/20/2026

CATE 2026 Featured Short Course Session

For details on this short course and the full schedule of sessions visit the CATE registration webpage!—Early bird discounts available through April 29th! Link in bio.


[Image: Graphic featuring two presenters, Kelly Fonner and Sharon Redmon. Header reads “Conference for Assistive Technology in Education.” Thursday, June 4 – Friday, June 5. Virtual. Bottom text: ”Short Course: Supporting Written Expression for Students Who Use AAC.”]

03/18/2026

Eid al-Fitr is nearly here! Follow along with Safa and her loved ones during their vibrant celebration of Eid, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

Safa can't wait to participate in all of her favorite holiday traditions, but she's having a hard time sharing her Eid gifts with her cousin, Alissa. Will Safa learn what the spirit of Eid al-Fitr is truly all about?

SWAAAC has adapted this book in both Google Slides and PPT formats. Request them at the link in bio! This resource is available to all, not just SWAAAC members.

[Image: Front cover of "The Most Exciting Eid" book; an illustration of a young girl on a crescent moon, surrounded by Eid al-Fitr decorations.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

03/18/2026

The FlexSpeak app is a cloud-based, AI-assisted AAC solution that supports multilingual communicators, communication partners, and service providers. This app is available on a dedicated iPad through our Loan Library. Borrow today-- link in bio.

[Image: Large text at top reads “New! FlexSpeak on iPad.” In the center are an iPad and a smartphone displaying on their screens the colorful communication icons of the FlexSpeak app. Text at the bottom reads “Borrow Today SWAAAC Loan Library.”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

03/17/2026

It’s week 15 of the US Department of Education's document clarifying common AT misconceptions! Today it’s about whether AT devices and services improve outcomes. To learn more, visit the link in our bio to the DOE’s document.

[Graphic titled “Assistive Technology Myths and Facts.” A red X appears next to a box that reads: “Myth 15: Using AT devices and services will not improve child outcomes.” Below it, a green checkmark appears next to a box that reads: “Fact 15: Research demonstrates that the use of AT devices and services improves child outcomes in all settings.” The bottom of the image shows the Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE) SWAAAC logo.]

03/13/2026

Looking to build a little background knowledge and vocabulary for St. Patrick's Day? Checkout the free digital book, "It's St. Patrick's Day" from monarchreader.com.

Image: Landing page for Monarch Reader website. Adventure awaits! Digital books for beginning readers of all ages.

Digital books for beginning readers of all ages

03/12/2026

The “ADA Mini-Unit for High School Educators: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Reasons They Matter” is a collection of FREE resources that can be used to teach youth about the basics of the ADA. It includes a PowerPoint slide deck, instructor guide, and extension activities. Check it out here:

https://adata.org/educators-mini-unit

The “ADA Mini-Unit for High School Educators: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Reasons They Matter” is a collection of resources to give educators tools, including a PowerPoint presentation, to teach youth about the basics of the ADA. People of all ages have disabilities, and the ADA covers peo...

03/12/2026

Our office will be closed Friday, March 13. We will respond to your needs the following Monday. Thank you!

[Image: Taped note on a flowered background reads “The CIDE/SWAAAC office will be closed Friday, March 13th, for a departmental meeting.”]

03/12/2026

Our new compact musical toy plays a cascade of sounds when activated with a switch. It’s great for teaching cause and effect and building listening skills. The small size fits well on a wheelchair tray. Borrow Melody Bells today from the SWAAAC Loan Library. Link in bio.

[Image: Colorful spinning musical bell toy with multiple horn-shaped bells on a striped base. Decorative music note icons surround the toy. Text on the image reads “New! Melody Bells” and “Borrow Today – SWAAAC Loan Library.”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

03/10/2026

Graphic Novels aren't just fun to read—they’re powerful tools for building literacy, boosting engagement, and supporting diverse learners. Check out this article on Control Alt Archive from Eric Curts. It's packed with examples and ideas that demonstrate how you can use Gemini and NotebookLM to create graphic novels for your students. Will you try this?

https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2026/01/graphicnovels.html

Graphic novels have long been an excellent medium to engage students in reading. Some of the benefits of graphic novels include: Dual-Codin...

03/10/2026

Sensory Tools for Teens is a curated kit of tools and items that may help promote sensory regulation, focus and participation for students in middle and high school. Check out the kit today!

[Image: Graphic labeled ‘SWAAAC Spotlight’ featuring a variety of sensory regulation tools for teens, including fidget and tactile items. Bottom text reads ‘Sensory Tools for Teens.’]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

03/09/2026

This session addresses the need to bridge the participation gap so students with complex support needs are not left on the sidelines during physical education and recreation. Presented by Teresa Giardina. Register today! Link is in the bio.

[Image: Title reads “Switch Hitters: Using technology to adapt games for all, presented by Teresa Giardina.” Colored box reads “Join this webinar to explore adaptations ensuring students with complex support needs are not left on the sidelines during physical education and recreation.” Photo of a smiling boy with a switch. Text near bottom reads “April 14, 2026, 3 – 4 PM MT. Registration deadline: March 31, 2026. Virtual webinar. Registration link in bio.”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.