Zipper Pulls

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Specialized attachments designed to make zippers easier to use for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility to increase independence when opening and closing a zipper.

  • Access
    • Environmental
    • Physical

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.

Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

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Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • Dressing
  • Opening and closing zippers (clothing, backpacks, bags)

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

Zipper pulls typically feature larger grips or handles that are easier to grasp and manipulate, allowing users to open and close zippers more easily. They can be particularly helpful for people with conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or other mobility impairments. Some assistive zipper pulls may also incorporate features like loops or hooks to aid in gripping and pulling the zipper. Overall, they aim to increase independence and accessibility for individuals with disabilities when dressing or accessing items with zippers.

Resources and Training

CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v) requires the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee to consider whether a child needs assistive technology devices and services in the development, review, and revision of their IEP. This resource is intended to serve as a repository of the most commonly used AT resources to assist users with understanding the purpose of each AT tool, aspects of use for consideration within IEP development for students, and additional AT implementation resources.

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