Assistive Technology for WritingAssistive Technology can be implemented to help student in any subject for any disability. Especially in writing where many kids struggle, assistive technology can be a way to help and improve a students learning, understanding and perception of themselves. It is important however, to know what tools and supports your students need and will actually use when choosing the assistive technology. In writing specifically, there a multiple technologies that are used for students to thrive in this subject.
Where can I access assistive technology for writing? Many tools for writing are in fact right in our own classrooms and schools. Assistive technology is not just computers, keyboards, and iPads that we would automatically think of. Whether it be text enlargers, pencil grips, slant boards etc. these are easily accessible and even some are able to be recreated if the exact object is not accessible. If your student needs a slant board for example, and there are no slant boards in your class or school, simply taking binders and taping the reading is one way to make this concept work. Examples of Assistive Tech in Writing
|
Here is a graph of different writing technologies grouped in age, device, skill area and examples. |
See Some Examples
TOP: Alternative Keyboard
LEFT: Slant Board
MIDDLE: Picture Board
RIGHT: Graphic Organizer
References
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-for-writing
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-tools-writing
http://archives.gadoe.org/DMGetDocument.aspx/Writing_Chart_4-10.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F69BD40055318FE41B627D32D2BE14782E2125A78632F8446F&Type=D
LEFT: Slant Board
MIDDLE: Picture Board
RIGHT: Graphic Organizer
References
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-for-writing
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-tools-writing
http://archives.gadoe.org/DMGetDocument.aspx/Writing_Chart_4-10.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F69BD40055318FE41B627D32D2BE14782E2125A78632F8446F&Type=D