While the common belief is that teens don’t read anymore, they are in fact reading–just not books.  In her article, “Using Social Networking to Connect Teens with Young Adult Literature” in the May/June Public Libraries, Janet Hilbun states that “In fact, research shows that teens read constantly–text messages, e-mail, MySpace and Facebook, magazines, instant messages, websites, required school reading, and books.  Even teens who say they are non-readers or do not like to read spend a great deal of each day actually reading.”  So, connecting teens to books they might really enjoy means giving them the information in a way that best suites their reading style.Continue reading→

A recent Pacesetter article discussed the value of the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone as assistive technologies for children with disabilities.  The touch screens, built-in accessibility features and variety of apps make them great educational and communication tools.  Some of the assistive technology that comes standard on the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone include screen magnification and VoiceOver.  Pacer has created a resource for families looking into using an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone as an assistive technology device called “There’s an App for That: iPod/iPad 101”.   This document gives in-depth information to help determine which device will be most helpful and links directly to sites listing special needs apps, as well as accessories that can be purchased to make the devices more compatible with the user.