Assistive Technology Ideas for Reading

Strategies & Modifications

• Seating position
• Extend time for assignments/tasks
• Use alternative assignments/tasks
• Seating needs (hearing, seeing, distractibility, noise level, traffic pattern, near teacher or peers, etc.)
• Desk (wheelchair accessible, laptop, tilt, flip top desk, lip on side of desk, large table, stand rather than sit, study carrel, etc.)
• Reduce clutter on desk
• Supply appropriate reading level
• Provide means for self-selection of books
• Reduce # of items and/or items per page
• Give take-home/open book/use of notes tests
• Tape tests, untimed tests, or use a reader Allow alternative methods to demonstrate comprehension
• Select question format carefully
• Teach and review test taking vocabulary
• Teach strategies to prepare for different types of tests/assignments
• Provide extra cues or prompts
• List critical vocabulary for content material
• Provide discussion questions before reading
• Easy access to books
• Use provided pictures for context
• Discuss assignment before reading
• Skim material before reading
• Use alternative page set-ups
• Use extra space between lines of print
• Change text size, spacing, colors, etc.
• Provide extra cues or prompts
• Choral reading/singing
• Use student interests

Light-Tech

• Slant board
• Book holder
• Page fluffers to help turn pages
• Page extenders to turn pages
• Laminate book pages
• Enlarged print
• High contrast materials
• Tactile enhancements
• Lighting adjustments (more, less, direction)
• Books on tape
• Highlight key points in textbooks and notes
• Rubber tabs to turn page
• Paper clips and a magnet to turn pages
• Loose-leaf notebooks and page protectors
• Word/sentence windows to guide reading
• Eye gaze to choose books
• Large print books
• Pictorial directions (rebus, PCS symbols, etc.)
• Add pictures, symbols, and/or signs
• Label important items in room
• Classroom devices with speech output (language master, talking cards, etc.)
• Teacher created books
• Use pictures with text
• Visual strategies picture/symbol with word
• Letter/word tiles, Scrabble tiles, magnetic
• Highlight syllables
• Highlight target words from larger field of text
• Magnifying ruler/word windows
• Mini-flashlight
• Word searches, crosswords, mazes
• Colored acetate filters
• Enhance/adapt/modify books
• Colored pens for note-taking
• Segment components of stories/words