Useful Web Site Links

Below is a selection of web site links that we hope you will find useful.

If you have any suggestions for web sites that you have found useful please let us know.

Information & Free Resources Sites

• Access YouTube
  Access YouTube is an accessible interface for users of assistive technologies to play YouTube videos independently. Highly recommended by Ian Bean.
• Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies (C4LPT)
  Directory of Learning Tools 2011. Over 2,000 tools for learning and working in education and the workplace. The site was set up by Jane Hart as a free resource site on the use of new technologies for learning and performance. It has now become one of the world's most visited learning sites on the Web.
• HelpKidzLearn
  HelpKidzLearn is a web site full of free software and resources from Inclusive Technology.
• Ian Bean Online
  The web site of Ian Bean, former teacher and ICT coordinator at Priory Woods School, Inclusive Technology's Consultancy and Training Manager now Independent Special Needs ICT consultant and trainer specialising in the use of ICT and assistive technology to support learners of all ages with severe and complex additional needs.
• Ideas To Inspire
  'Ideas to Inspire' is a collection of collaborative presentations, which offer a large number of ideas for engaging lesson activities. They are the result of the collaboration of teachers from all around the world.
• Inclusive London
  Inclusive London website is a resource for finding accessible venues and activities across the capital. This includes parks and leisure venues, restaurants, toilets, and even banks and post offices. You can purchase the iPad/Smartphone App from iTunes.
• iPad ideas
  Richard Hirstwood has created lots of useful videos on how to get the best out of your iPad.
• Knee Bouncers
  Educational games, fun and activities to stimulate your baby, toddler or Pre-school child and begin the learning process.
  
• Learning Disability Today
  Here you will find the latest news and views in learning disabilities, videos and a selection of the best articles from the print edition of Learning Disability Today. Additionally, there is a bookshop and jobs section.
  
• Living made easy for children
  If you are a parent or carer of a disabled child, or a healthcare professional looking for ideas, advice and information about daily living equipment then this web site is a wonderful resource that you can trust.
  
• Netbuddy
  Supporting children and adults with learning disabilities. Netbuddy is an award-winning site for swapping practical tips and information on all aspects of supporting people with learning disabilities.
• Pixlr - Online Photo Editor
  Pixlr Editor is a free online photo editor with a prefessional touch. Fix, adjust and filter your images. Manage your images in your browser, no registration required!
• Priory Woods School
  Priory Woods School and Arts College is an all age community special school situated in east Middlesbrough.
• NorthernGrid
  SENSwitcher - Accessible Special Needs Software.
• Schoolsworld.tv
  Teacher’s TV Re-launched as Schools World 11th May 2011. Teachers TV is back free for anyone to view. Ten Alps was the major provider of the service and has subsequently negotiated a ‘non-exclusive distribution agreement’ with the Department of Education to provide its’ entire library of 3,500 training videos to UK users, including parents and children.
• Special Educational Needs ICT Directory
  The sen / ict directory has been set up to gather information and resources surrounding special needs. Teachers and parents can list useful websites and online resources. Companies can submit themselves and their products such as software, hardware and equipment, along with jobs and events that may interest you.
• Special Kids in the UK
  Online support group for families of disabled children with special needs. Special Kids in the UK is a charity for families who have a child of any age with special needs.
• Skybadger
  Skybadger is a charity which provides help, advice and opportunities for children with disabilities. Their website includes special offers and free tickets,disabled sports and clubs, toys and gadgets.
• Teaching Ideas
  Teaching Ideas has thousands of free lesson ideas, activities and resources which you can use in your classroom or even at home.
• VICTA
  (Visually Impaired Children taking Action) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports visually impaired children and young people by providing funding for equipment (CCTV’s, laptops, Braillers, sensory toys etc) and for vacation schemes such as those run by Action for the Blind.
• Whizz-Kidz
  Their aim is to ensure that every disabled child has an opportunity to be something special…a kid. There are an estimated 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK waiting for a wheelchair that fits their young lives. That’s where we come in. Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children with the essential wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need to lead fun and active childhoods.
• The Whiteboard Room
  The Plasma Screen & Whiteboard Room is a free website where teachers in special schools can download teaching resources, created by other teachers, that they can use on their plasma screens, interactive whiteboards, etc. All the resources have been created by teachers and are free to use for educational purposes.

Specialist Suppliers of Special Needs Toys and Play

• The Big Sensory Catalogue
  The Big Sensory Catalogue has catapulted Kirton Healthcare from being a supplier of sensory products to being the UK authority and leading provider of sensory environments, equipment and advice. Now in its sixth edition, the Big Sensory Catalogue brings together more than 1,000 products.
• cactuskids.com
  CactusKids.com is a special needs company that sells fun and educational software for students with disabilities from birth all the way to adulthood. Their software programs utilize assistive technologies like switch access and scanning to give users access to a wide variety of fun programs, including cause and effect and switch training up through early mathematics, literacy and arcade-style games.
• Clarke's Safety Mirrors Ltd
  Manufacturers of flat safety mirrors suitable for environments where glass mirrors would be impractical or a safety hazard. Materials used are shatterproof acrylic, virtually unbreakable polycarbonate and unbreakable stainless steel.
• Dream Racer
  Produce switch adapted technology that helps put children and young adults in control. The switches and products they design let them use their body movements to control racing cars, PlayStation games, PC access, Soundbeam equipment and, for younger children, award winning switch adapted toys, train sets and bubble machines.
• Fledglings
  Fledglings is a national charity which aims to assist parents and carers of disabled children, or those with additional needs of any kind, by identifying, sourcing and supplying practical, affordable products to address every day issues.
• Inclusive Technology
  Inclusive Technology provides the very best special educational needs software, switches and computer access devices, simple communication aids and assistive technology for learners with a physical disability, sensory impairment or learning difficulty. As well as their own resources they also supply products from AbleNet, AMDi, Crick, IntelliTools, Keytools, Maxess, Mayer Johnson, SoftTouch, Traxsys, Widgit and others.
• Just Outdoor Toys
  Established in 2003, they are a family run business specialising in outdoor play equipment many of which are suitable for special needs children such as activity panels, swings, slides and sandpits.
• National Association of Toys & Leisure Libraries
  The Association has over 35 years experience in helping toy and leisure libraries as well as working across the voluntary and statutory sector developing policy and using our expertise to promote the value of play and leisure opportunities for all.
• ROMPA®
  ROMPA has been designing and installing high quality, tailor-made facilities for over 25 years. ROMPA offers a wide range of Sensory Integration resources for everyone, including options for the home and classroom.
• SenseToys
  From educational wooden toys for pre-schoolers to games for special needs children and gifts for autistic children, SenseToys helps you find exactly what you need. With play tips and ideas for each toy, you can help your child have fun while learning through play.
• Sensory Toy Warehouse
  This is a source of low-cost novelty developmental toys and sensory items for Special Needs. Items are categorised according to each of the five senses.
• The Sensory Company
  The Sensory Company manufacture bespoke Sensory Rooms and sensory equipment such as bubble tubes, fibre optics and lots more to suit all budgets. They also offer a free no obligation design and quotation service.
• SpaceKraft
  SpaceKraft was primarily established to develop and manufacture a full range of sensory products that provide genuine solutions for carers and teachers who face the difficult challenges of special needs people.
• STEPS
  Special Toys Educational Postal Service - STEPS provide a free service for children between the ages of 2 and 16 who are unable to play with battery operated toys. They buy and adapt the toys with switches suitable for the individual child. The switches are provided on long term loan, the toy is changed every 3 months.
• StoryPhones - MP3 Audio System
  The multi-award winning MP3 audio system for children – a powerful learning tool to make listening easy and help your children to develop their language, communication, listening and literacy skills.
• TFH UK (Special Needs Toys)
  TFH present a large range of Special Needs Toys, from mobile Multi-Sensory, to Swings, Trampolines and other Sensory Integration kit, Switches, Rewards and small Sensory toys. With over 1,000 to choose from - they are fun, innovative and often unique!
• True to Life
  Special needs, Sensory & Educational Resources. Their product range (Wooden Toys for Indoor Play) is selected for children who may have a physical, sensory or global developmental need.
• Tocki Toys
  Their products are designed to help people with a number of different disabilities. They are designed to either stimulate the mind or help as a calming influence for hyper activity. These special needs toys for the disabled are multi-sensory and come in a number of different concepts and designs.
• TTS: Educational Supplies for Schools, Nurseries & Childminders
  TTS is home to innovative, educational resources. Celebrating over 25 years of supplying high quality educational resources to schools and parents across the UK through their website and free catalogues.