PRESS RELEASE From: Norman Coombs, Ph.D. Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology Chair of EASI: Equal Access to Software and information Consultant on distance learning and adaptive computing Contact: [log in to unmask] ANNOUNCING: The redesign and grand opening of: 'EASI's K to 12 Education Technology Centre' A website dedicated to providing information to educators, parents and students regarding increasing access to science, technology and math for K-12 students with disabilities. (EASI: Equal Access to Software and Information) http://www.rit.edu/~easi From there, select the link for K-12. In 1997 The National Science Foundation awarded EASI a grant to collect and disseminate materials to better enable K-12 students to succeed in math and science. This section will include information for math and science teachers and students; for special education teachers; for school administrators; for parents and others with interest in this area. EASI will be updating and expanding this page regularly and is still under construction. We have many resources, current events and an upcoming Teacher's Incentive to share their with you in the near future. Please leave us your ideas and comments when you visit. We want to hear from you! Here's the layout and highlights of the introductory page: The BASICS of Adaptive Technology; Adaptive Technology and special education can be complex and intimidating subjects if you are not familiar with the language and devices available. Therefore, we are providing a Glossary of Adaptive Technology and Special Education Terminology, two EASI Online Handbooks of hardware and software products (including photographs where possible) and other misc. items to better guide you in your understanding and advocacy efforts. Taking a Closer Look at Adaptive Technology and Services. This portion of the web site goes into much more depth regarding adaptive technology and software evaluations, funding methods, IEP's and other legal documents that address the technology and services delivery and much more. Department of Education Support for Adaptive Technology: Books, Newsletters, Assorted Memos, Policy Letters, Journals and Papers to assist you in the process of understanding Adaptive Technology from the Government's point of view. EASI's K-12 Science Engineering and Math Resources In 1997 The National Science Foundation awarded EASI a grant to collect and disseminate materials to better enable K-12 students to succeed in math and science. This section will include information for math and science teachers and students; for special education teachers; for school administrators; for parents and others with interest in this area. Just For Kids! Learning can be a blast. Check here for cool places to visit just for the fun of it. Internet Resources for Parents Other Special Education and Adaptive Resources on the Internet Resources for Teachers Teachers will find help in the area of working with students with disabilities to utilize the computer as a tool towards inclusion. Effective Curriculum Integration Teachers 'Tried and True' Lesson Plans for Effective Integration of Technology into their Curriculum. General Internet Resources A wealth of Internet Resources covering a wide range of areas. (Current events in Science and Math K-12) Kids: CHECK it OUT! EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Association for Higher Education with a mission to help make information technologies more accessible to users with disabilities. http://www.rit.edu/~easi Norman Coombs, Ph.D. Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology Chair of EASI: Equal Access to Software and information Consultant on distance learning and adaptive computing [log in to unmask] http://www.rit.edu/~nrcgsh Richard Banks EASI Electronic Resource Manager Adjunct Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Thailand [log in to unmask] Anne Macleod EASI's K-12 Outreach & Webbie [log in to unmask]