Adapted Writing Aids

Adapted writing aids making writing easier by helping people with writing difficulties develop finger dexterity. Adapted writing aids include pencil grips, weighted pencils, and pens and pencils of varying sizes, shapes, and textures, along with letter boards and stamps.

AT Category: Academic
- Writing

Low - Mid Tech

Considerations

Take the following considerations into account when selecting and implementing AT to ensure that the chosen tools are well-suited to the student’s needs, align with their goals, and seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. By embracing a collaborative approach and considering the specific skills, tasks, and implementation context, educators can provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and functionally, promoting inclusivity and fostering their overall success.

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Occupational Therapist (OT): An OT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability, including dysgraphia, and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related services of occupational therapy. An OT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature. Examples are graphomotor skills needed for handwriting; fine motor skills which include small, finely coordinated hand movements; visual perceptual skills which include the ability to understand and interpret what is seen; visual motor skills which include the ability to coordinate visual and motor skills; and/or self-care skills which include feeding, dressing, hygiene, and toileting skills for increasing independence in necessary life skills. The OT may be a member of the Local Education Agency (LEA) assistive technology (AT) team.
Physical Therapist (PT): A PT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related service of physical therapy. A PT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature depending on the age or grade-level of the student's curriculum. Physical therapy in schools primarily addresses gross motor skills of students, and may include exercises designed to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. The PT may be a member of the LEA assistive technology (AT) team.
Special Education (SpEd) Teacher: A SpEd teacher delivers specially designed instruction (SDI) to students with disabilities. The teacher may serve differing roles, including but not limited to, a co-teacher, provider of direct instruction, and/or provider of indirect services, including consultative services. This teacher is a required member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee who participates in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). The teacher contributes to drafting annual goals, developing how student progress will be measured, and determining any needed modifications to the student's general education curriculum and accommodations. The teacher makes recommendations about supplementary aids and services which may include any needed assistive technology (AT) services. The special education teacher may be a member of the LEA assistive technology (AT) team.

Skills and Tasks What skills or tasks will the student utilize this tool for? What areas, functional or academic, does this tool support?

Develop handwriting
Complete writing assignments
Develop pre-writing skills

Implementation Context In what activities, classes, or environments will the student utilize this tool?

Adapted writing utensils may be beneficial for students who have difficulty securing and maintaining a steady grasp on a standard pen or pencil or difficulty accessing a standard keyboard. These assistive technologies are tailored or adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments that may hinder their ability to write in a conventional manner.