Tuesday 4 December 2012

Low Tech AT

Full disclosure: I haven't looked at anyone else's blogs yet this week, because I'm sure you've all got great ideas and I don't want to feel like I've copied anyone else's! Can't wait to see what you've all thought up :)

1. Elbow Pipes 
 Great tools for quiet reading time - we call them 'whisper phones' and they're great for kids who have trouble reading silently. The pipe amplifies their voice so they can speak very quietly but still hear themselves. Helps to keep them focussed on their reading and practice making their reading 'sound like talking' (fluency).
2. Gardening scissors
Spring loaded scissors that only require squeezing frees kids up from the coordination needed to open and close regular paper scissors. Please attempt to find ones that are blunt on the end, these ones look deadly!

3. Toddler light switch extension: designed for toddlers but great for anyone in a wheelchair, these light switch extenders make all types of light switches accessible at a lower level. They even glow in the dark!


4. The Clapper: who knew these were still available? Great for anyone with mobility challenges, turn electronics not able to be controlled with a remote on and off without having to move!




5. Staple-free stapler: I want one of these. For anyone with fine motor issues that would make reloading staples into a traditional stapler, check this out! All you have to do is mash down the button and it crimps the paper in such as way as to make it as secure as a if you used a staple!


6. Ruler: For students with attention issues or vision impairments, can be used to slide down the page as they read to help keep their eyes where they should be. A transparent coloured plastic ruler can also be used as a highlighter over the words instead of a line under them. Also makes a handy number line for kids who have trouble with arithmetic and need that visual component - much less obviously than having a paper number line taped to their desks.

7. Hand mirror: Great tool to help autistic students practice their facial expressions. Students can look at photographic models (or a human partner) and try to match their expressions.

8. Glue pen: once these are empty, you can fill them with plain water and use them to practice printing on a chalkboard, construction paper, sidewalk, or even the wall of the school. They come in a variety of thicknesses from skinny to chunky, which helps you customize 

9. Hourglass: These come in a variety of 'times', and are great visual reminders for students with difficulty staying on task and independently managing their time efficiently.

10. Electrical tape: Great for visually impaired students to tape a path along the floor or wall for them to follow. Also good for students who need assistance to stay in their seat (ADHD for example) - tape out an area around their desk as 'their space' to help them contain their movements.

1 comment:

  1. Excellent ideas for low tech. Yes...those garden scissors look deadly:)

    ReplyDelete