ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WRITING Lowtech Devices Binder use

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WRITING

Low-tech Devices • Binder – use as a slant board; hold in place with rug lock • Rubber stamps – letters, numbers, math functions facilitate simple tasks

• Pencil grips • Grip It! – a holder for pens that attaches to desk, computer, etc. • Evo pen – oval pen that fits in the palm of the hand • Plastic signature guide and writing guide –guides the writer’s hand; keeps within lines

Mid-tech Devices • Talking dictionary - This device is a speaking electronic dictionary and thesaurus with a phonetic checker. This device can speak each letter, word and definition. All you need to do is type the word in, and you can choose the feature you want to access.

• Neo 2 portable keyboard - It is a simple word processor that connects directly to a computer and transfers text • Iris pen - It is a handheld device that you plug into the computer. You highlight/scan the text that you want to use, from any text source, and it scans it to the computer. When transferred, the text is editable and can be read aloud.

• Sticky keys - With any Microsoft program, you press the shift button 5 times to enable the Sticky Key function. When enabled, it allows students to press one key at a time for functions that would normally use two keys. (Capitalizing letters for example, or pressing CTRL + ALT + DELETE) With sticky keys, you can press one key after the other and have it perform the same function. • Timers - you set a time limit for tasks.

High-tech Devices • Variations in keyboard design - ergonomic, natural, adjustable, etc. • MP 3 player/CD player/Tape Player - audio players to listen to textbooks and lectures • Optical character recognition/Scanner - scan books and notes onto PC (also used by individuals, libraries and government to store information) • Tape Recorder/Digital Recorder - record lectures, books • Word Processor - access to print, writing, communication • Text Messaging

Example of using pencil grips

Example of the talking dictionary