Assistive Technology Low Technology Tools

Transcription

1 Assistive Technology Low Technology Tools Instructional Interventions Testing done at the same time of day beneficial for the student Untimed assignments Oral administration of tests Use of large print Use of word bank Short answers accepted for lengthy essay assignments Projects accepted instead of major written assignments Teacher or assistant records answers when given orally Accept manuscript or cursive writing Supply copies of notes Instructions given in hard copy to the student, not just orally Pressure-sensitive paper for user to tear off copies of notes to share with a student who has difficulty listening and taking notes Classroom Participation Reduce the number of problems Eliminate the need to copy problems. Avoid mixing signs on a page Have student dictate answers to a pal who writes for them Have student dictate answers into a tape player Use peel stickers with the answers and student sticks the answer on worksheet Simplify the worksheet in Microsoft word and have student complete the worksheet on the computer Have student answer questions by performing the operation with manipulatives Student work on a calculator and show the answer (or doing it on a white/dry erase board) Student shows card with the answer Drawing a line with a magic marker from the math problem to the answer on a worksheet Use magnetic numbers to answer the question Having the answers on a little card and student attaches them to the problem (stapler, paper clip, etc.) Reading Highlighter tape can be purchased at Beacon-Ridge Alter materials to increase the size of the print to point Putting more space between words and lines The use of a typoscope may be helpful so he sees one word at a time. Use pointers to follow along while reading. Writing

2 Writing Tool Continuum This is a one page, full color chart showing a continuum of tool ideas for all areas of writing and writing related tasks. Writing Desk Helpers -This Desk Helper was designed to help students with frequently used words and vowel sounds. You can make as many copies as you want. Please retain the credits. They were developed by Judi Cumley, WATI Consultant. Extra time for completion Shorten assignments Study carrel for individual work Pencil grips - building up the shaft of a pencil or pen can help the user control the pencil for easier writing. Shape chunks of ethafoam with a serrated knife to create pencil and/or crayon grips. Slant Board or Incline Board writing on a degree surface can help especially young writers get better control on the paper. Customized self-inking stamps can be ordered from: Rubber Stamp Champ The font size and style are the same options that are in Microsoft word font choices. This makes it easier to determine what size and style your student can handle/read Clipboards Bold lined or Raised Line Paper Tools originally used for persons with visual impairments can also help those with learning disabilities. Paper with bolder lines or raised lines helps writers stay on the lines while writing. Writing guides Plastic guides for one to multiple lines provide more of a guide than raised line. Wipe-Off Boards beginning writers can practice writing using personal dry erase boards. To keep letters/words from "floating", place a color cue on the line or darken/thicken the line for him to write on. Have words written on paper strips for student to paste on the worksheet Use "finger-for-spacing" strategy Color coding strategies for letter placement To keep letters/words from floating, place a color cue on the line or darken/thicken the line for him to write on. Since writing is sometimes difficult for a student, use words that are cut apart and have him paste them on a paper. When copying words, write each word in a different color so that the student sees them as different words (with good spacing between them). Word Lists word lists provide models for correct spelling Problem with copying words? write each word in a different color so that the student can "see" them as different words than having words run together Utilize content outlines "Webbing" strategies Writing/story starters Formulate sentences aloud Word cards Sentence cards Pocket dictionary Pocket thesaurus

3 Keep small pieces of Plexiglas to push into slits in ethafoam for writing. Teacher writes backwards on one side while student follows on the other. Use old plastic place mats to cut into letter shapes in any size that works best for the student. Can place sticky back magnets on back to use on vertical. Have student verbally record the answers Verbally record the answers to a tape recorder Tape record thoughts before writing Tape record story to proof read Give the verbal responses to a peer to write Math Math Desk Helpers - Elementary Desk Helper and Middle School Desk Helper are designed to help students remember important and sometimes confusing facts. You can make as many copies as you want. Please retain the credits. They were developed by Judi Cumley, the WATI Consultant. Graph paper Calculation/Number fact charts Turn paper sideways for large area to do math work Modified paper - enlarged paper size, raised lines, green marker to start/red to stop Dry erase board Enlarge worksheets Number stamps Hand-held calculators that can help a learner who has problems writing numbers in the correct order. Talking calculators that vocalize data and resulting calculations through speech synthesis. Math Line Raised number lines Large number lines Life-sized number line Make your own number line by using two suction cup clips on a table to hold ends of red and white beads on a string for math. This holds the string tightly for students who can not manipulate with both hands. Color coding for maintaining columns. Counters Manipulative counters Flash cards Tactile numbers/signs Reduce the number of problems Eliminate the need to copy problems Avoid mixing "signs" on page Minimize number of items on page Provide more time for completion Peer support Cross-age tutoring

4 Art Activities Put a sponge in a hamburger press (Tupperware) for sponge painting. The handle of the hamburger makes it easy to hold onto. Bingo markers can be substituted for paint brushes and are easy to hang onto. Place clear contact paper sticky side up on a table. Have the child who is to glue pictures, place their selections upside down anywhere on this surface. This can then be placed on paper and their "gluing" project is done. Sure grip crayons are designed for very young children to hold and therefore also work well for older children with prehension problems. Check out various scissors: banded, rolling, spring, and electric scissors. Glue Stick T-Bar This idea is from Carolyn Musslewhite. Its purpose is to help children who have poor prehension and are unable to pick up small pieces of paper. This item allows them to actively participate in these classroom activities. Materials: ruler; hot glue gun; hot glue sticks; utility scissors; clay adhesive e.g. "blue tac" or "Hold It' (these products or similar ones adheres posters to the walls.); double sided tape. Directions: Cut 2 lengths from a large glue stick-one 4" and one 2" using utility scissors. Place a glob of hot glue in the middle of the 4" stick and attach the 2" stick, forming a "t". Let it dry. Place a small wad of clay adhesive to the tip of the 2" stick. To use: Place double sided tape onto the picture the child is attaching smaller pieces of paper to. The child holds onto the 4" section of the t-bar and picks up the small pieces of paper. The child then places the small paper onto the double sided tape. Computer Tips & Tricks Using the Form Function of Microsoft Word for Multiple Choice Responses Increase size of the font for easier viewing Add space between words and lines to increase easier scanning by student Add a green dot at the beginning and a red dot at the end of sentences to guide the student where to start and stop Positioning Aids Quick vertical holding device: Cut two parallel slits into a 15"x15" piece of Ethafoam, about 5 to 6 inches apart. Turn a 4 inch binder inside out and push the outer edges into the slits. Can use non skid cabinet materials to keep it from sliding. Slant Board - materials needed Plexiglas and Ethafoam. Lay Plexiglas sheet on table, place Ethafoam block under sheet to create slant board on a desk top.

5 Miscellaneous Ideas Long barbecue tongs can be used as an inexpensive teaching device. Use foam curlers (minus the tubes) for foam rubber bicycle handles to make it easier to grasp handles. "Clapper" device to turn on electrical devices. Cut out a five point star that covers the palm of the hand or smaller. Write vowels or other letters on each point. Student turn star with finger tips / eyes closed. Which ever letter comes up between the pointer and thumb is the letter the student must use to think of a word to write. Can do this with beginning letter sounds, diagraphs, beginning and ending blends. This is excellent classroom activity for students to develop palmer arch and practice finger mobility in the classroom. Use holiday LED lights under opaque Plexiglas in a sensory table to use as a light box for children in EC or K. Promotes working on shape, letter and number discrimination the classroom. Use an overhead projector top for back lighting with see through forms to enhance figure-ground awareness and visual attention.