The Handouts section contains educational content, in printer friendly PDF format, on a wide variety of topics of interest to our community. If you're looking for content on a specific topic and don't find it here, please contact us.

Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities as Communicators	Date: 05/16/2008
This is the powerpoint presentation for Karen Casey and Gretchen Hanser's May 20th WATCH videoconference presentation. [HANDOUT]
Writing With Alernative Pencils CD	Date: 05/16/2008
This resource on "Writing with Alternative Pencils CD", was provided as a reference for the "Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers, and Writers" WATCH videconference session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 facilitated by Gretchen Hanser and Karen Casey. [HANDOUT]
Wheelchair Maintenance	Date: 03/01/2003
Wheelchairs are very much like any other vehicle in that they need to have regular maintenance to extend their lives. Sometimes this maintenance has to be done by outside experts, but there are some things that can be done at home that can prolong the usefulness of the chair and reduce the overall repair costs. This handout describes basic maintenance for both standard and power chairs. [HANDOUT]
WATCH - An Introduction to the MOVE Model	Date: 02/24/2012
MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education)? is an activity-based curriculum designed to teach individuals basic, functional motor skills needed for adult life. These skills allow them to enjoy a more inclusive life-style. It combines natural body movement with an instructional process designed to help children and adults acquire increasing amounts of independence in sitting, standing and walking. The MOVE Curriculum recognizes that carers (a British term for parents and care givers) and individuals themselves have immense knowledge of what their needs are and fully involves them in developing a program to meet those needs. The framework also helps coordinate services provided by therapists, educators, agencies and others-a real team approach. MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience) helps children and adults with severe disabilities acquire more abilities (and independence) to sit, stand, walk and transition. This is achieved through instruction and adaptive equipment. With these increased abilities, there is: 1) better health, 2) less burden for care providers to move or lift people, 3) more dignity, and 4) new opportunities for fuller participation and inclusion in family life, school and community. Life is no longer relegated to a bean bag, floor mat, wheelchair or bed. [HANDOUT]
WATCH - An Introduction to the MOVE Model	Date: 02/24/2012
MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education)? is an activity-based curriculum designed to teach individuals basic, functional motor skills needed for adult life. These skills allow them to enjoy a more inclusive life-style. It combines natural body movement with an instructional process designed to help children and adults acquire increasing amounts of independence in sitting, standing and walking. The MOVE Curriculum recognizes that carers (a British term for parents and care givers) and individuals themselves have immense knowledge of what their needs are and fully involves them in developing a program to meet those needs. The framework also helps coordinate services provided by therapists, educators, agencies and others-a real team approach. MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience) helps children and adults with severe disabilities acquire more abilities (and independence) to sit, stand, walk and transition. This is achieved through instruction and adaptive equipment. With these increased abilities, there is: 1) better health, 2) less burden for care providers to move or lift people, 3) more dignity, and 4) new opportunities for fuller participation and inclusion in family life, school and community. Life is no longer relegated to a bean bag, floor mat, wheelchair or bed. [HANDOUT]
WATCH - An Introduction to the MOVE Model	Date: 02/24/2012
MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education)? is an activity-based curriculum designed to teach individuals basic, functional motor skills needed for adult life. These skills allow them to enjoy a more inclusive life-style. It combines natural body movement with an instructional process designed to help children and adults acquire increasing amounts of independence in sitting, standing and walking. The MOVE Curriculum recognizes that carers (a British term for parents and care givers) and individuals themselves have immense knowledge of what their needs are and fully involves them in developing a program to meet those needs. The framework also helps coordinate services provided by therapists, educators, agencies and others-a real team approach. MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience) helps children and adults with severe disabilities acquire more abilities (and independence) to sit, stand, walk and transition. This is achieved through instruction and adaptive equipment. With these increased abilities, there is: 1) better health, 2) less burden for care providers to move or lift people, 3) more dignity, and 4) new opportunities for fuller participation and inclusion in family life, school and community. Life is no longer relegated to a bean bag, floor mat, wheelchair or bed. [HANDOUT]
Therapeutic Taping	Date: 06/01/2002
Adhesive taping techniques have been used with athletes to support a joint following injury. With the development of new and more elastic taping materials these techniques have been modified and used for a wider variety of conditions. For example, specific taping techniques have been developed with the intended purpose of relaxing an overactive muscle or supporting contraction of a weakened muscle. [HANDOUT]
The A to Z of Adapting Books	Date: 05/16/2008
This resource entitled, "The A to Z of Adaptng Books" was provided as a reference for the "Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers, and Writers" WATCH videconference session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by Gretchen Hanser and Karen Casey. [HANDOUT]
Switch Adapted Rotating Plate Activities	Date: 01/01/2001
This article on Switch Adapted Rotating Plate Activities was provided as a reference for the "Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers, and Writers" WATCH videconference session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 facilitated by Gretchen Hanser and Karen Casey. [HANDOUT]
Spina Bifida Update 2011	Date: 03/25/2011
Slides from Dr. Alexander's presentation on updates with Spina Bifida in children [HANDOUT]
Spina Bifida - Study of Home Based Treadmill Training for Ambulatory Children with Spina Bifida	Date: 03/25/2011
[HANDOUT]
Shoes Selection for Infant and Young Children	Date: 06/01/2002
This handout provides information on shoe selection for the infant or young child... [HANDOUT]
Recap of Theratogs Videconference Discussion	Date: 11/30/2007
On Friday, November 16th, the WATCH Project hosted a videoconference discussion on Theratogs, a piece of adaptive equipment that can be used for muscle stimulation and positioning assistance for children with special needs. The session included 16 therapists from the Raleigh and Wilmington area. Click the link below for a recap of what was discussed during this session. [HANDOUT]
Promoting Communication on the Fly for Students with Significant Disabilities	Date: 05/16/2008
This article was presented during the WATCH videoconference session entitled, "Yes They Can! Students wth Signficant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindnes as Communicators, Readers and Writers", on May 20,2008, faclitated by Karen Casey and Gretchen Hanser. [HANDOUT]
Lower Extremity Orthoses (Orthotics)	Date: 05/01/2004
This TelAbility handout provides an overview of orthoses (orthotics), including definitions, why they are used, and what they do. [HANDOUT]
Helpful Resources for Authoring Books	Date: 05/16/2008
This resource on "Helpful Resources for Authoring Books: Finding the Right Pictures and Sounds" was presented during the May 20th WATCH videoconference session facilitated by Karen Casey and Gretchen Hanser. [HANDOUT]
Hands-On Adapting Toys Session- Power Point Presentation	Date: 03/27/2007
This power point presentation uses pictures from a hands on session facilitated by Diane Scoggins, of Hilltop Home, to provide a brief overview of how to adapt a battery operated press toy into a swich activated toy. For more complete directions search for Diane's handout entitled "Adapting Push/Press Buttons Toys". [HANDOUT]
First Flex Videoconference Evaluation Results	Date: 01/04/2008
On December 7th, the WATCH Project sponsored a videoconference session demonstating the First Flex bracing and electrical stimulation treatment system. The First Flex system is best suited for patients ages 3-20 with spastic hemiplegia affecting the upper extremity. A representative from First Flex provided a powerpoint presentation and had many of the splints and braces available. 7 people participated in this session. All of the participants stated the session provided them with new knowledge and skills and all were satisfied with and comfortable during the session. Click the link for full evaluation results. A total of $81.00 dollars was saved in travel cost and 2.8 hours was saved in travel time by holding this session via videoconference. Thanks to Brian Gentry, PT, at Pediatric Therapy Associates, for organizing this event with the First Flex representative. [HANDOUT]
Don't Walk Away From the Walking Toy!	Date: 06/20/2002
This resource was presented during the WATCH session "Yes They Can. Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers and Writers" on May 20, 2008, facilitated by Gretchen Hanser and Karen Casey. [HANDOUT]
Creating and Using Remnant Books for Self Selected Writing	Date: 05/16/2008
This article on Creating and Using Remnant Books for Self-Selected Writing was provided as a reference for the "Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers, and Writers" WATCH videconference session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 facilitated by Gretchen Hanser and Karen Casey. [HANDOUT]
Cortical Visual Impairment	Date: 05/16/2008
This article on Cortical Visual Impairment was provided as a reference for the "Yes, They Can! Students with Significant Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness as Communicators, Readers, and Writers" WATCH videconference session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, facilitated by Karen Casey and Gretchen Hanser. [HANDOUT]
Augmentative Communication: What and Why?	Date: 06/01/2002
Children learn language partly by interacting with their environment. They need opportunities for interesting interactions with their environment in order to develop early communication skills. Some children, however, such as those with physical or cognitive difficulties do not always have the opportunity or the interest to explore their environment. For these children language development may be delayed (Williamson, 1987). It is therefore, important to give these children some way to communicate their wants, feelings, and needs. One such way is with augmentative or alternative communication. This can give your child a "voice" or a more efficient way of communicating, therefore increasing the quality of life for both the child and family (Browder, Anderson, & Meek, 1986). [HANDOUT]
Assitive Technology Resources	Date: 05/16/2008
This handouts provides website and contact informaton for the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the American Printing House for the Blind. (from "Yes, They Can WATCH session facilitated by Karen Casey and Gretchen Hanser.) [HANDOUT]
Assistive Technology: What is it and how can it help my child?	Date: 06/01/2002
A general overview of assistive technology.. [HANDOUT]
Adapting Toys: A Troubleshooting Guide	Date: 03/20/2007
Having problems adapting battery operated toys into ones that can be used with a switch? This handout address several issues which may lead to problems and gives simple solutions. [HANDOUT]
Adapting Toys for Children with Special Needs Round Table Evaluation Results	Date: 02/20/2007
This handout provides the aggregate feedback and evaluation results for the Adapting Toys for Children with Special Need Round Table video conference session held on February 16th. Fourteen people from 6 different WATCH Sites attended this forum. Diane Scoggins, Special Education Teacher at Hilltop Home for Children, shared many of the toys she has easily and inexpensively adapted for the children in their care. [HANDOUT]
Adapting Battery Operated Toys: An Overview	Date: 03/26/2007
This handouts provides an overview of how to adapt a battery operated toy to one that can be used with a switch. [HANDOUT]
Adapting "Push/Press" Buttons on Animated Toys	Date: 02/20/2007
This handout details the steps involved in adapting a battery operated toy (such as "Tickle Me Elmo") into one that is activated by a switch. [HANDOUT]