Disabilities
Recent Newsletter Articles
PANDA’s FREE Universal Design for Learning Training
It’s that time of year again! Please join us for PANDA’s upcoming free Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training. This training can be taken at your own pace during the month of January 2023, and you can earn 16 CEUs! Based on scientific insights into how humans learn, UDL is an approach that minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students. Read More
Announcing NEW PANDA Website Links and Comments/Suggestions Form!
PANDA’s website is loaded with great information about various disabilities along with community resources. We have recently added two new chapters with helpful information for students with disabilities, as well as a form for comments and suggestions. Read More
PANDA Offers Free Online Relicensure Courses
PANDA provides free disability training and support for teachers. In collaboration with Literacy Minnesota, these are FREE online courses, available to take at your own pace. Check out the newest course, "The 3 L’s: The Difference Between Learning Disability, Low Ability, and Low Literacy", or any of the other courses on PTSD/traumas, suicide prevention, reducing the stigma of mental illness, and teaching about mental health. Read More
Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs): The Symptoms, the Myths, the Facts
Often called a “learning disability”, specific learning disorders (SLDs) are frequently misunderstood. Learn about common symptoms as well as SLD facts and resources to help prevent misunderstandings and respond appropriately to student needs. Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
COVID-19 has caused distractions and worry for many people due to the uncertainties in our world. But is it Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Many adults have trouble sitting still, getting distracted, paying attention, or being impulsive on occasion. It becomes troublesome when lack of concentration is consistently occurring and significantly impacting student learning. Read More
Universal Design for Learning FREE Webinar
Do not miss this free, recorded webinar training you can take at your own pace during the month of January 2022! Universal Design for Learning (UDL) emphasizes the creation of inclusive, flexible learning environments to meet the needs of diverse learners. Read More
Updates from PANDA
Updates from PANDA! We’ve changed our tagline from “Minnesota ABE Disability Specialists” to the acronym for PANDA: Physical And Nonapparent Disability Assistance. Same services, same website. Just a different tagline! Read More
I Think My Student Has Dyslexia
"I think my student has dyslexia." This is a statement often heard in PANDA’s office. Read on to find out facts and symptoms of dyslexia, as well as best practices in teaching an individual with dyslexia and next steps if you have a student you suspect has dyslexia. Read More
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
100,000 Minnesotans live with a disability due to brain injury. In Minnesota, falls are the leading cause of brain injury. Approximately one in four adults with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unable to return to work one year after injury. Read More
Assistive Technology
There are no limits to what people can achieve when technology reflects the diversity of everyone. Accessibility options help all students, not only those with disabilities. Options are available on all computers and phones and include a magnifier, large text, zoom text, assistive touch, headphone accommodations, spoken content, audio descriptions, voice control, dictation, and much more! Read More