Assistive Technology Ideas for Writing

Strategies & Modifications

• Extend time for assignments/tasks
• Reduce or use alternative assignments/tasks
• Adjust seating position (90" x 90" x 90")
• Peer "scribe" for note taking or dictation
• Seating needs (hearing, seeing, distractibility noise level, traffic pattern, front/back of room, 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
• Allow word cards, spelling list, hints, etc.
• Allow alternative methods i.e. oral reports
• Do not penalize for misspellings, poor writing, or grammar
• Allow single word or short answers
• Give multiple choice tests
• Allow either printing or cursive
• Use checklists to help get started
• Teach and review test taking vocabulary
• Provide models of assignments/tests
• NCR paper for peer to provide notes
• Lighting adjustments (more, less, direction)
• Provide outline/lecture notes beforehand
• Spelling journals

Light-Tech

• Pencil grips/holders
• Short pencil stub
• Pens with different grips
• Tape recorder
• Straps/splints for pencil
• “T” holder for pencil
• Chalk holder
• Writing frame
• Wrist weight/hold down
• Slantboard
• Dycem/other material to prevent slippage
• Name/number/date stamps
• Line indicators (raised line, with mid-line, etc.)
• Sections on paper (draw lines, fold, etc.)
• Type of paper (graph, textured, colored, etc.)
• Provide extra white space
• Highlight or color code
• Cover parts of worksheet
• Put less information on page
• High contrast colors
• “Post It” notes for “fill in the blank” tests
• Word cards, book, wall, or file
• Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
• Pencil/pen attached to desk
• Word/sentence windows
• Trace letters/numbers/words with highlighter
• Stencils to trace letters
• Tactile letters/words
• Pictures, drawings, photos, etc.
• Sentence strips
• 3” three ring binder as slant board
• Spinner with parts of story

Higher-Tech

• Tape recorder with/without adapted controls
• Electronic/talking dictionary/thesaurus
• Digital tape recorder/Voice organizer
• Portable notetaker (regular or Braille)

Computer/Software

• Word processors/text output devices
• Spelling and grammar checker
• Keyguard (with reduced # of keys)
• Keyguard (for all keys)
• Alternative mouse and/or keyboard
• Accessibility options in Control Panel\
• Screen/text reader
• Screen magnifier
• Enlarged or Braille key caps/labels/covers
• Screen flasher when sound is emitted
• Alternative methods to access keyboard (mouthsticks, headsticks, electronic)
• On-screen keyboard
• Touch window/screen
• Switch control (single or multiple)
• Utilities to enlarge the cursor, hold windows open, assist with click-and-drag, etc.
• Voice recognition
• Software strategies (word prediction, abbreviation expansion, etc.)
• Software for alternative output
• Software for screen magnification
• Interactive writing software
• Graphic organizers – Inspiration/Kidspiration
• Word processor forms feature
• Draw/paint software