Tub of Tools (AT Toolboxes)

The AT Tub of Tools was created to help teachers feel comfortable using instructional technology with all students and assistive technology (AT) with students who have disabilities.  The Tub of Tools, or toolbox, is a one-stop collection of tips, frequently asked questions, instructional methods, sample instructional tools, and other resources to support learning.  All toolboxes contain CDs, catalogs, tutorials, and a sampling of inexpensive products that can be used in classrooms.  Toolbox contents may be used to teach content from all disciplines, but prominently feature tools for teaching reading and writing.  Each toolbox contains four sections:

1. Computer access for all learners.
2. Tools for Literacy Development.
3. Tools for Emergent (Beginning-Level and Functional) Literacy.
4. Intervention Methods, including HILIA's Assistive Technology Evaluation Guide and Universal Design for Learning.
 
The AT Tub of Tools is a product of the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association (HILIA), made possible through a five-year grant awarded to Tri-County.  Although the grant period ended June, 2005, The Tub of Tools project continues.  All public schools and many partner organizations within McLean, DeWitt, Logan, and Livingston Counties have a toolbox that can be used by teachers, parents, student assistance teams and others who wish to improve some aspect of a student's learning or participation in school. 
 
The toolbox section of this web site is intended to give interested readers the information needed to either create their own toolboxes or use an existing one in their local schools.  Many of the links at the bottom of this page contain information necessary for putting together a complete AT Tub of Tools.  One link, AT Contacts, lists one person in each Tri-County school who should know where to find and how to use an existing toolbox.  For additional information about toolboxes, contact Kris Dean, Donna Morris, or Sheri Piercy at Tri-County or visit the ISU SEAT Center web site. 
 
"Funding for this project was provided through a State Improvement Grant (SIG) from the Illinois State Board of Education, FY01-FY05. 100% of funds are from federal sources."