Hook-and-Loop Fastener

A fastening system that is applied using adhesive or sewing to fasten two parts together. Hook-and-loop fasteners allow for the quick addition and removal of commonly used AT tools.

AT Category: Access
- Communication
- Environmental
- Physical
AT Category: Executive Functioning
- Organization
- Self-regulation

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.
Recreational Therapist (RT): An RT is a healthcare professional who utilizes recreational activities, leisure pursuits, and therapeutic interventions to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities, injuries, illnesses, or other health conditions. RTs in Texas adhere to state guidelines, which may include licensure requirements, scope of practice regulations, and ethical standards, ensuring the delivery of effective and ethical care to their students.

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

Can be used alone or to support other assistive technology (AT) tools
Attaching and detaching materials and items

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

Hook-and-loop fasteners can be a versatile and helpful tool for students with various needs. Hook-and-loop fasteners can be beneficial to students with sensory needs as it provides tactile stimulation and can aid in organization and focus. Here are some additional ways it could be used as assistive technology:

Adaptive clothing: Some students may have difficulty with fine motor skills, making it challenging to manipulate buttons or zippers. Hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to fasten clothing, such as pants, shirts, or shoes, providing a simpler and more accessible way for students to dress themselves independently.
Visual organization: Hook-and-loop fastener strips or dots can be used to create visual schedules or organizational systems. For students with autism or ADHD who benefit from visual cues and routines, attaching pictures or labels to hook-and-loop fastener strips can help them understand and follow daily tasks or classroom schedules.
Securing items: Students with physical disabilities or limited mobility may struggle to grasp or manipulate objects. Hook-and-loop fastener straps or grips can be attached to pens, pencils, utensils, or other classroom tools, providing a more secure and ergonomic grip for easier use.
Interactive learning materials: Hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to create interactive learning materials, such as tactile books or educational games. By attaching hook-and-loop fasteners to pieces that can be manipulated or moved around, students can engage with the material in a hands-on way, promoting sensory exploration and learning.
Adapted furniture: Hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to secure adaptive seating cushions or back supports onto chairs or wheelchairs, providing additional comfort and stability for students with physical disabilities.
Communication aids: For students with communication difficulties or non-verbal students, hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to create communication boards or picture exchange systems. By attaching picture symbols or words to hook-and-loop fastener strips, students can effectively communicate their needs, preferences, or thoughts.
Fine motor skill development: Hook-and-loop fastener-based activities, such as peeling apart hook-and-loop fastener strips or attaching hook-and-loop fastener dots, can help students improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in a fun and engaging way.