n2y, a leading developer of education products for individuals who have intellectual disabilities or autism, publishes an online weekly current events newspaper, News-2-You, as well as Breaking News articles in different reading levels.
The company is offering free downloadable Breaking News articles about Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma as well as symbol-supported communication boards customized for the different regions, including Florida, Texas and Louisiana. The Advanced Versions of the Breaking News stories include large photos with captions and text. The Regular versions of the same stories include symbol-supported text for unfamiliar vocabulary and greater understanding word by word or sentence by sentence.
“Using symbols or special communication boards can help families and teachers explain what has happened or will happen in a way the child or adult can understand,” said n2y Vice President of Products Alli Vice. “These symbol-based tools can be helpful in getting the individual to ask questions and discuss his or her feelings about the situation.
“Families and teachers should try to remember that there is no rush and no problem repeating calm, safe, messages with soothing voice, symbol-supports, sign language, or other familiar communication methods,” added Vice, who holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
About n2y
n2y is a cloud-based special education company based in Huron, Ohio. n2y’s special education products include News-2-You®, a weekly current events newspaper; Unique Learning System®, a standards-based curriculum; and SymbolStix PRIME®, a dynamic symbol set. Tens of thousands of classrooms across the country rely on n2y’s products and vision for students with complex needs. For additional information, please visit n2y.com.