Sunday, December 5, 2010
Writing
Oftentimes, having the inability to properly grasp a pencil is the root of a child's handwriting difficulties. Using pencil grips can be a cheap, easy fix to build up the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
This grip is my personal favorite. It was developed by a pediatric Occupational Therapist in Charlotte, NC and it used in her Fine Motor and Early Writing Pre-K Curriculum.
Communication
Does your child need assistive technology to communicate? These a few devices that you may find helpful!
This device is a simple switch that is a great dual-purpose aid for those who have speech or language disorders, the blind or low vision or those with mobility difficulties. You can record a simple message on the device, and then the user can simply touch the 5-inch activation switch to hear the message. The device also has the capability to be connected to toys or other appliances and can be easily turned on and off.
This device is designed for pre-recording a series of messages in a sequence to be used throughout the day or to correspond with a particular activity. It is perfect for giving step-by-step directions to a task, or to teach a song line-by-line. The user can easily tap the switch to play the message one part at a time.
This device is a progressive communicator that provides crystal-clear sound. It is easy to learn and use but also powerful enough to be a successful communication device. It uses simple messages to communicate for beginners and progress to a 2, 4, or 8 message communicator as the user’s needs and abilities change.
R-E-A-D
Teaching a child to read can be a full-time job, so I set out to look for something to help.
Edmark has a series of reading programs that could be helpful for children of any age. Check out some of the links below to see if one is right for your child's needs.
I consider time telling a "reading" skill. This program does both analog and digital since our society is quickly making the analog watch less popular.
I recommended this program because of its ability to teach students with developmental disabilities and ESL students. It is NOT cheap, so consider using your resources.
This is includes 2 different worksheet supplements, which you may find helpful on their own for extra practice.
Cognition
If your child is developmentally delayed, teaching them basic school skills can be more than a challenge. Take a look at these cognitive enhancement programs that may be helpful for your child!
An educational software program that helps students learn to read. The program helps students master the 224 most commonly used words in the English language. It uses educational video games, worksheets, flash cards, activity plans and statistical thinking along with a 5-step learning process to help children build confidence as they improve their reading abilities.
A software program that helps students with limited or no reading skills to learn commonly used words heard in everyday life. Teaches children 1,200 picture words and its definition taught in groups of 2-5 words at a time. The program covers school and basic concept words, body, clothes, grooming and health words, grocery store food words, community words, household words and kitchen and bathroom words.
Software program that teaches essential reading, writing and typing skills using phonics to link reading with writing. Helps students that are just learning these skills by providing spoken instruction and demonstrating each keystroke to helps students learn the sounds of each letter and where each letter is located on the keyboard.
Funding source
I came across a resource for funding documents that may be useful when thinking about purchasing some of the more high priced assistive technology devices. It seems like a great place to start. I would like to point out that the documents are listed under the DynaVox website, which means it may be more geared towards augmentative and alternative communication devices only. Best of luck!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Vision: In the classroom
Any child with a visual impairment can struggle significantly in the classroom setting without the proper assistive technology. Here are a few that can help your child for their job as a student!
**NOTE: If I found more than 1 of the same type of device, I listed multiple and gave you a quick price reference.***
Giant Calculator($49.00)
Giant Calculator($39.95)
Great hearing devices!
I have been doing some research on devices that would work for children with hearing impairments. Depending upon the severity of your child's hearing disability, some of these may be what you are looking for!
Call Bell
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