Allied Instructional Services

09/24/2025

09/23/2025

Looking for inclusive classroom resources? Explore the Sherlock Center's adapted literature and lessons: a free library of classic stories adapted with accessible formats (including options for students with visual impairments) to support students of all abilities access and enjoy timeless stories.

The Sherlock Center is committed to helping students with complex disabilities to participate in the general curriculum. As resources permit, the Sherlock Center creates adapted versions of popular literature for use by students, teachers and families. For questions, email Stefanie Davit.

09/22/2025

Our team of OT professionals are exceptional, highly trained and qualified individualized. They provide creative, evidence-based, and individualized treatments to meet individual needs of the students in school.

09/17/2025

It's that time of year again. No, not the falling of the Autumn leaves, or the lowering of the temperature, but the dropping of the new Apple iOS update. This new update, IOS 26 was just released earlier this week. Not only does this software come with a new number but a host of new features as well. Some of these features include a way to copy multiple things to the clipboard, a way to stop music from playing when answering a call, an all new braille access feature and so much more. Take a look at this article from AppleVis that outlines the new features of iOS 26 for blind and deaf-blind users. Also, not accessibility related, but you can now snooze an alarm for up to 15 minutes. Not much but who wouldn't benefit from a little extra sleep? Enjoy this update and check back for more posts about these features in the days/weeks to come.

09/09/2025

As we continue to innovate and improve at AIS, we are excited to share a new addition from our AT Team!

The 🤩 NEW 🤩 File Explorer TAM is on the website now! Add it on or purchase a full set of ten!

Products All Products Price: - File Explorer TAM (included with TAMS orders beginning Sept. 2025) Tactual Access Models (TAMS): 3D printed model of "File Explorer Screen" ONLY with audible pre-recorded content through the use of NFC tag that supports the teaching of tactile orientation and concept d...

09/04/2025

Meet Ellie! She is our new Braille Transcription Manager and is absolutely FANTASTIC! She’s also becoming quick friends with our post office employees, as we ship out materials most mornings and afternoons!

09/03/2025

Are you planning on going to the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference in Orlando? If not, make plans to attend and join AIS' Amanda Thompson and Jessica Kleinsteuber in a session on a Matrix of Possibilities: Selecting the Right AT to Support Access. We hope to see you there!

08/24/2025

Ever wondered if there was research around virtual assessment (we call it remote assessment, at AIS)? INTECA has completed OSEP (federally) funded research, and AIS was able to participate in a short documentary to go along with the research. Our very own Amanda Thompson Allied Instructional will be on the panel discussion this Wednesday at 4:00 PM EST. Come check out the panel and learn about their newly released best practices!

Virtual Assessment in EI and ECSE: Why to Do It and How to Do It Well Sheresa Blanchard & Kathy Hebbeler Wednesday, August 27th, 2025, 1:00pm – 2:00pm PT Register for the webinar now! Join Sheresa Blanchard, Kathy Hebbeler and other staff from the Innovative Technology for Early Childhood Assessme...

08/22/2025

As an O&M instructor, I am always seeking ways to support students academically and incorporate literacy skills into O&M lessons. Below are a few ways I incorporate literacy into O&M lessons:

Menus: Collect braille menus or use tech to read the menus of their favorite restaurants.

Read alouds: Take text from the web that the student has gained information about a good or a service they are interested in.

O&M skills log or checklist: Have students keep track of the O&M skills they have learned by checking them off or writing them down.

Story cards: Have the students collect real items from their environment and create a storybook of the items they have found by gluing and labeling the items.

GPS tech: Use GPS tech to plan and execute a route by utilizing written directions within a route.

These are just a few quick and easy ideas to incorporate literacy into your lessons. Have you created Story cards? Check out this resource from Perkins on Travel cards O & M Travel Cards and Book – Paths to Literacy

Paths to Literacy O & M Travel Cards and Book. For teachers, families, and others interested in literacy for children and youth with visual impairments

08/20/2025

Save the Date for Virginia Superhero Cane Quest 10/15/25. Be on the lookout for more info.

08/11/2025

We are so proud of our fantastic team of independent contractors, who not only provide the highest quality services for our students, but also empower and inspire beyond the classroom. We are about to welcome a new TVI to the field thanks to the great work of T. Jones!