Virtual manipulatives are increasingly being used to support students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disability (ASD/IDD), in mathematics. However, to date, virtual manipulatives have not been examined or classified as an evidence-based practice for students with ASD/IDD, despite classifications of virtual…

Researchers established virtual manipulatives as an evidence-based practice for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, much of the existing research for this population targets middle school students with IDD. This study examined a virtual number line paired with teacher modeling and the system of least prompts…

Mathematics education for students with and at-risk for a disability is important and high-quality, research-supported practices should be used for online teaching--whether intentional or as a result of a global pandemic. This single-case design multiple probe replicated across participants study explored the online delivery of an intervention…

Algebra is considered by many to be a gateway to higher-level mathematics and eventual economic success yet students with and without disabilities often struggle to develop algebra skills. This study builds on the limited understanding of how virtual manipulatives support students with disabilities in the area of algebra by investigating their use…

Manipulatives are an effective mathematical tool to support students with disabilities in the area of mathematics. Yet, there remain inconsistencies in terms of which type -- concrete or virtual -- is more effective for students with disabilities working on algebra related content and which type is preferred by students. The researchers used an…

Fractions are an important mathematical concept for both more advanced mathematical concepts and daily living activities (e.g., cooking) and thus are important for all students to learn. In this study, researchers explored the use of the virtual-abstract (VA) instructional sequence to teach three middle school students with disabilities three…

To live independently, it is critical that students with disabilities maintain the basic mathematical skills they have acquired so they may apply these skills in daily life. To support maintenance of mathematical skills among students with developmental disabilities, the researchers used a multiple probe across participants design to examine the…

The virtual-representational-abstract (VRA) instructional sequence presents as a viable mathematics intervention for students with disabilities, including students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, to date, all research has been conducted face-to-face with students. However, virtual manipulatives provide an opportunity for educators to…

Manipulative-based instructional sequences--including both concrete and virtual manipulative instructional sequences--are evidence-based or research-based mathematical interventions for students with disabilities. However, as options for manipulative-based instructional sequences increase, educators need support in deciding the best approach. In…

Research exists on mathematical interventions to support elementary students experiencing mathematical difficulties, yet little examines the provision of such interventions within an online learning environment. This study explored the online delivery of the virtual-representational-abstract (VRA) instructional sequence, taught via explicit…

Manipulatives offer students with disabilities access and support in classrooms. However, it is important for educators to be aware that concrete manipulatives are not the only option. Teachers serving students identified with a disability in the middle grades may consider selecting virtual manipulatives as supplement, complement, or in lieu of…

Assistive technology supports students with disabilities in a variety of ways, including serving as a means of instruction. Although virtual manipulatives can serve as an assistive technology tool, limited research examines virtual manipulatives in-and-of-themselves to support students with disabilities. This study explored app-based virtual…

Basic mathematic skills at the early age are foundational for later learning. Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle in academic learning without sufficient support. Research in the area of concrete manipulatives--tangible representations of abstract concepts--has been found effective. In addition, promising research has…

The virtual-representational-abstract (VRA) framework adapts an evidence-based practice, the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) framework, while trying to meet students and teachers where they are in terms of technology interest and use in education. This article discusses the VRA framework and the advantages of virtual manipulatives, and…

Fractions are foundational concepts for more advanced mathematics as well as used throughout daily living, for all students, including students with disabilities. This study explored the virtual-abstract (VA) instructional sequence with regard to the acquisition and maintenance of fraction behaviors for three middle school students with mild…