Assistive Technology that supports the Motor Aspects for Writing
Other students may find it hard to physically write with a pen or a pencil. Students with a physical disability with such as cerebral palsy or those who lack fine motor skills will find it extremely difficulty to use a pencil. Some students may be able to hold a pencil perfectly but are unable to write their ideas on paper correctly. This neurological condition, known as Dysgraphia is when a student has a clear idea and knows what they would like to write but their handwriting is unreadable. As many student's find it difficult to either write or read their own handwriting they often also have trouble taking notes during class. Some student's also lack the skill of listening to their teacher during the lesson and writing what they hear.
Low tech devices: Slant Board
A slant board is a low tech option that can help a student write an assignment. The board has a clip at the top so that the paper stays still and the angle can be adjusted until the student feels he or she can write using it. At times all children need to improve their writing skill is to increase the angle with which they are writing and their penmanship will drastically improve.
Low tech devices: Different sized pens and pencils
Some students with fine motor issues do not have an issue using the pencil but still find that a normal thin pencil is difficult to grasp. A teacher or a parent can purchase thicker pencil that can help the student write within the classroom and complete their homework assignments. Pencils, pens, and even crayons are sold in many different sizes and the parent or teacher can try different sizes until the student find one that he or she feels comfortable using the pencil.
High tech devices: Speech / Voice Recognition
Speech Recognition software can be helpful to student with gross or fine motor issues who find writing to be very difficult. This software recognizes what the user says and converts the audio into text. This will give aid to any student who cannot pick up or use a pen or pencil. Most speech recognition software requires a computer, laptop or notebook, or a tablet. Some computers, laptops, or tablets have speech recognition software already built into the system. However, for better software with more features the school or parent may have to purchase an application or program that will better fit the student's needs. Some software, such as Dragan Diction (shown in the picture to the left) is a free application that can be downloaded to a computer or tablet. It may become cumbersome to have the software record over long periods of time. So the student will have to stop the recording and let the software convert the audio as it may not be able to remember all of the information.
High tech devices: Laptops and desktops
Some students find it easier to type their notes rather than write them out using pencil and paper. Using a laptop or a desktop the student can write their notes and assignments easily and clearly. If the student was using a laptop they can transport the device to another class with ease and take notes within that class as well.
If the student finds that the keyboard is too difficult to use than the school can explore the idea of download the previously mentioned Speech Recognition software to help the student with his or her studies.
If the student finds that the keyboard is too difficult to use than the school can explore the idea of download the previously mentioned Speech Recognition software to help the student with his or her studies.
(Dell, Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities, 2012)
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