To this day, I don`t know how well I implemented Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Did he hear that I allowed students to choose topics to write based on their interests? Did he know that I start each speech-language pathology session with a lot of basic knowledge? Or did he see that I was encouraging students to use the low- and high-tech assistive technologies that work best for them? I can only guess. At the time, I thought UDL was a term everyone knew, and I missed it after six years of university. Breaking glass is very easy, this is the hard part of breaking it the way you want. It takes practice, learning and reflection. Similarly, I will receive at least six calls this school year complaining that the communication tool they borrowed from the SKATES library was not working for a student, and when I am asked if they are inspired by it and how often, the phone goes silent and we start the conversation about it. how students don`t learn by osmosis, and a good tool doesn`t compensate for evidence-based techniques. Every item in our lending library, we offer free support and training to help you hone your skills and maximize student success. If you and your team need suggestions on how to implement any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Taylor, National Specialist for the SKATES for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Project in ktaylor@patinsproject.org.

Fear also plays a role in schools. I see learners taking multiple AP courses, relentlessly putting themselves under pressure and participating in multiple activities. While none of this is a problem on the surface, our learners are now identified as «at risk» in this powerful dynamic. It doesn`t even begin to scratch the surface of the mental health problems of those who remain disenfranchised, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, and disability. Where access to mental health services is totally inadequate and unfair. Chronic stress affects health and well-being. Simply «vacuuming» doesn`t work and only exacerbates the problem. As an assistive technology specialist, I`m always looking for tools to help others.

In this research, I found tools that helped me manage my anxiety in a way that makes sense to me. Maybe one of these tools makes sense to you. When I use the tools and constantly take care of myself, my fear hovers over a small swollen cloud instead of raising its ugly head. Meditation/Mindfulness The best tool that probably helped me better manage my anxiety was daily meditation/mindfulness practices. I talk about how mindfulness helped me save my life in other blog posts for Everyday Mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness must resonate with you. There are apps that can help you start your own mindfulness practice. Calm is an app and website that is packed with evidence-based mindfulness and sleep resources.

The app is free and includes a lot of great meditations. I use this breathing exercise in workshops and classes to set the tone for everyone, and when I need to step back and take a minute. The use of sound has existed since ancient times. Research has shown that the use of sound is helpful in relieving emotional, mental and physical suffering. Fauble (2016) has shown in his research that «music and sound healing can help us resolve emotional trauma and end the downward spiral of PTSD.» In addition, Akimoto et.al (2018) found that using the 528 Hz music theory frequency in their study resulted in decreased levels of cortisol, tension, and anxiety, even at exposures as low as 5 minutes. Personally, I have been using sound therapy for years. I play frequencies at different times depending on how I feel and I use music theory sounds in daily meditations. Here`s a great one: MovementExercise is a great way to keep yourself healthy, but it`s also a great tool for keeping your anxiety manageable. Workouts don`t have to be complex. They can be a walk on the beach, yoga, weightlifting, cycling.

The key is to do an activity that will make you sweat a little, give you pleasure and connect you with nature. TA comes into play with my fitness monitor. You can use a wearable device like the Apple Watch, a Fitbit, or MyZone. Find the features that work best for you and use them to track your heart rate and emotions during and after exercise. GratitudePracticing gratitude daily helps manage stress and increase happiness (Wong, et al. 2017). A daily practice of gratitude is as simple as pen and paper. You can keep a gratitude journal to write down what you`re grateful for (I kept a gratitude journal listing 5 things I was grateful for when my uncle and grandmother passed away in 2016. It helped tremendously). There are also apps you can use to keep a gratitude journal, including Apple Notes. Practicing an «attitude of gratitude» helps keep things in perspective during difficult times.

It can be as simple as having your favorite show running, watching the sunset, or laughing with a dear friend. As a famous psychiatrist put it, «You can`t change what you don`t recognize.» There are options and ways to manage anxiety that involve taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Please consult a doctor first. Talk to your doctor.