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An example of different types of pencil grips. 

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Pencil grips come in a vast majority of shapes and sizes. There are so many to choose from. Pencil grips help people with fine motor skill problems to maintain adequate grip on pencils and other writing tools. Through the use of pencil grips the user is able to achieve better hand positioning and movement while writing. Pencil grips are made of soft pliable materials and available in both regular and jumbo sizes. Pencil grips can be bought at most retail stores and are typically inexpensive. Prices range from $1.20 (shein) to $42.99 for a pack of 12 from Oriental trading.

Oriental Trading

$42.99

Walmart

Prices vary depending on preference.

Pros of device:

Reduce frustration for students when writing .

Increases students writing speed and movement.

Low-tech device that can be taken anywhere

Inexpensive

Due to the variety available the positioning of each is different and can be changed until a comfortable position is found.

Cons of device:

Easily lost

Students may find that playing with the pencil grip is more beneficial.

Depending on the grip used it can be uncomfortable to use.

Video about pencil grips

Post was created by Melody Garland

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Slant board Flip video (Samantha Goswick)

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Slant board Flip video (Samantha Goswick)

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Math Paper & Algebra Touch (Samantha Goswick)

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Math Paper & Algebra Touch (Samantha Goswick)

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An example of one of the most common types of slant boards

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Slant boards can be purchased from many retailers or even made at home using a 3-ring binder and clips. A homemade/DIY slant board can be made cheaply (less than $5) but pre-made ones can range from $20-$100.

Here are some examples of where you may purchase a slant board:

Amazon.com : Folding Slant Board for Writing - Small (14"W x 12"H) $18.95

Ergo-Rite Slant Board for Writing $99.99

Advantage – Economy Writing Slant Board $53.86

DIY Slant board

Slant boards are frequently used and beneficial for individuals who have vision impairments, attention deficits, or postural problems. There are many ways in which slant boards can be effective:

Decreases eye strain due to materials being at eye level

Promotes better posture during writing and reading (the neck will be straight instead of looking down)

Increases attention to task by presenting it more clearly

Pros of device:

Readily available at several retailers and various price points

Ability to make yourself very inexpensively

Lightweight

Does not require batteries or electricity

Cons of device:

Some slant boards are flimsy and do not stand up to wear and tear

Can be bulky and hard to take from location to location (such as from class to class)

Very obvious device: some students may not like using due to being “different” than everyone else

Not all slant boards are appropriate for each task and several types may be needed. For example, some only have a small clip at the top designed to hold a paper but this may not be able to hold a full sized book.

Video about slant boards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51wZG9NdW98

This post was created by Samantha Goswick

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An example of different types of counting manipulatives. 

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These are objects that students can use to help them with their counting skills.  Students can count the number of a given object physically to increase their number sense. This helps those special needs students that are really struggling with math skills such as counting. These students can use these colorful objects to provide them with a concrete picture of what the number you are asking them to count really looks like. Counting manipulatives also include place value blocks which can help students understand all about the concept of place value.

Prices range from $36.75-$17.42.

Can be bought at the following sites.

Amazon

Wissner

Pros:

Physical Manipulative for greater understanding.

Allow students to bridge to gap between addressing the math in a logical way and a hypothetical.

Last a long time.

Allow students to visualize their thought process for teachers to understand.

Great younger ages when they are in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development.

Cons:

Students often use them as building blocks and play rather than stay on task.

Pieces are lost easily.

Expensive when needing multiple sets.

Does not help wth academic language or verbal explanation.

Video about the use of Math Manipulative

Post was created by Samantha Jenkins

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The overall look of the average flash cards. 

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Sometimes it’s easier for people with dyslexia to read text one line or one word at a time. Well a flash card may be all the AT you need. These tools keep the reader’s attention focused, limiting the distraction of seemingly endless text fields hidden away behind the flash card. This simple card can help prevent students with dyslexia or other reading challenges from getting overwhelmed with all the information being presenting in reading.

Price Range: $0.72 to $16.99 depending on quantity.

Flash Cards can be bought at the following websites:

Walmart

Amazon

Target

Pros:

Affordable

Easily accessible

Large versatility of use

Allowing students an easier time at reading the assignments with more understanding.

Making connections for students to further comprehend wording without the distraction of others.

Cons:

Use of manual movement from word to word.

Will only cover a specific portion of the page.

Break and come apart easily.

Requires student to stay on task to be able to use it properly.

Created by Samantha Jenkins

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Example of a more common and affordable basic function talking calculator. 

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Talking calculators allows students with visual impairments to be able to independently perform math calculations. Each button is raised and well spread apart to prevent wrong keys from being hit with the number being raised as well to tell what number it is without seeing it. The calculator reads allowed what is being pressed as well as the final calculation after hitting the equal sign. This calculator.

Average Cost: $10.56 - $682.00 (Depending on basic calculations or scientific)

Can be bought at the following sites:

MaxiAIDS

Walmart

Amazon

Pros:

Many come with an aux port to plug in headphones.

Large and separated buttons.

Volume options.

Large print on buttons and calculation screen.

Allows for better accessibility for those with vision impairment.

Cons:

The scientific calculator version are substantially more expensive than the basic version.

Very few stores have on hand so they often have to be ordered.

Some don't come with an aux port for headphones so the reading allowed can be distracting or uncomfortable for users in public.

Batteries require, cannot be charged.

Video over the use of a talking calculator.

Post was created by Samantha Jenkins

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FM (Frequency Modulation)/DM (Digital Modulation) System are designed to help those with hearing loss or impairment particularly in settings that may have a large amount of background noise. The speaker uses a microphone, while the listener wears a receiver. The receiver can be a simple pair of headphones, ear-level receivers that deliver the sound into the ears, or a hearing device, such as Cochlear Implant or hearing aids. The FM version uses radio frequencies to transmit sound from the speakers equipment they wear to the listener. The DM version uses digitalized signals and is often easier to work with because there is less possibility of signal interruptions than there is in the FM version. This system allows for students with hearing impairment to both block out the surrounding sounds that may be coming from around the classroom while being able to better focus hear more clearly the teachers voice.

Average Cost: $54.99 - $350.00

Places to buy these systems:

Amazon

HearingAid

These can often times be bought/provided through health insurance as well.

Pros:

Amplification of sound.

Focus on a specific speaker.

Can be used in many settings like; restaurant, movie theatre, lecture halls, church, and other settings.

Can be used with already owned hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Cancel out surrounding sounds.

Cons:

Frequency can be interrupted.

Can be expensive depending on the type being used.

Learning how to trouble when there is a problem.

Can be uncomfortable to wear.

Video describing how to use the system in the classroom.

Post was created by Samantha Jenkins

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PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is an alternative/augmentative communication system that can be used by learners of all ages who have various cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. This tool is an evidenced-based practice that allows users to communicate with the world around them. The user will go through six phases to increase the word usage.

My favorite feature of PECS is that it is versatile and can fit anybody that needs to communicate. I also like the ease of it and accessibility. It can travel easily and does not require batteries or power.

This is an aided tool as there must be at least two people to utilize it. The user makes requests for desired items from another person through picture exchange.

Low/No Tech tool. This communication tool requires no low-tech due to the need to print pictures. However, the system itself can be used without tech.

This system is easily adaptable to all users regardless of their disability.

Accessibility Features:

PECS is accessible to all. It incorporates the presentation of everyday objects and actions in pictures or images on cards. The user exchanges the cards for the desired items.

Instruction Example:

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=PECS&&mid=75BFF2B1332AE06F78DB75BFF2B1332AE06F78DB&&FORM=VRDGAR

To use PECS with fidelity there is a training that needs to be attended. The training is an intensive 13-hour interactive workshop that teaches teachers and caregivers the theory and protocol for using PECS. Here is a link where training is available.

PECS Level 1 Training (pecsusa.com)

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This is an example of a very common visual timer.

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About:
Visual timers are timers that keep track of a specific amount of time while allowing the viewer to see a representation of the movement of time. An individual is able to set the timer to a designated amount of time and while time is dwindling, a visual is given to show the decrease of time until the time is up and auditory and/or visual cues are given.

Cost/where to find:
Visual timers come in many different forms and are readily available online. Timers can range from $5-$50 depending on the size, visual, and capability of the device.  Many simple visual timers, such as the sand timer, are available at most stores such as Walmart or Dollar Tree for less than $5. There are also several free visual timer apps on iOS such as Visual Countdown Timer or Time Timer as well as videos on Youtube that show a visual timer such as this traditional one or this fun rollercoaster one.

$18 visual timer

$20 timer for preschool

$45 light up timer

Purpose:
The purpose of the visual timer is to provide a visual for the concept of time. This can be especially difficult for individuals with disabilities. The visual timer also gives a visual representation or warning of an upcoming event or task, which can be very beneficial for individuals who struggle with transition or behavior.

Pros:

Provides a visual of the concept of time.

Gives warning of upcoming events.

Allows some individuals to attend to a task independently.

Visual timers come in many shapes, colors, and sizes which allow for customization based on individual needs.

Cons:

The low cost of visual timers means that they are easy to break and may not last long if used frequently or if users are rough with the device.

Due to the availability of visual timers, they can sometimes be inconsistent from one device to another which can become confusing for some individuals.

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Examples of many types of flexible seating.

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About:
Flexible seating is any type of seating that allows a student to sit as an alternative to a typical classroom chair. Most flexible seating allows the individual to wiggle, rock, bounce, sway, or fidget in such a way that allows them to move and get out their “wiggles” while also remaining in their designated area and on task. While flexible seating can benefit all students, it can be especially useful for students with disabilities who may have positioning difficulties or attention deficits. Incorporating movement while completing tasks allows students to increase their blood flow, allowing them to be more focused. This can also be important for students with sensory needs, allowing them extra sensory input from the seating while completing their tasks.

Types and cost:
There are numerous forms of flexible seating ranging from $20-$100 . The following is a summary of 3 of the most common types in my classroom:

Wiggle seats ($39 for a pack of 4). These allow students to sit in a typical classroom chair while providing sensory input (small nubs on the seats) and allowing the students to wiggle in their chair. They also provide a much softer cushion to sit on as opposed to the hard chair.

Wobble chairs ($72 for 1). Wobble chairs are an alternative to a typical chair and allow the user to “wobble” while in a seated position. Most wobble chairs are able to be used in two different ways, one in a more secure position and another where the user can wobble. These chairs engage the core muscles.

Ball chairs ($67 for ball and chair). Ball chairs allow the user to sit on a soft ball and bounce while remaining in a designated space. The ball has a base that allows it to stay in place. These are great for students who need extra movement and a soft place to sit.

Pros:

Allows user to move during structured activities

Increases blood flow to the body

Readily available on most websites and in stores like Walmart or sporting goods stores

Cons:

Can be disruptive if not used properly

Expensive to buy for more than one student

Not accepted in every classroom (some teachers do not “buy into” it)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cscJcRKYxA

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About:
Raised line paper is paper that uses a multi-sensory approach (tactile raised lines and visual colored guidelines) to help individuals complete written assignments. The raised lines can be on the top, bottom, or center (or a combination of the above) in order to provide guides to stay within the designated writing space. This helps a variety of students with different needs and abilities with their letter formation, appropriate spacing, and overall writing ability. Students who can benefit from raised line paper include students with visual impairments, students with fine motor difficulties, students with attention deficits, and students who are just learning to write.

Cost and availability:
Raised line paper is available on many different websites and ranges from $15-$30 for 50-10 sheets. The paper comes in many different widths, colors, and raised line types to accommodate for different student needs. Raised line paper can be made yourself using a blank sheet of paper, drawing lines and going over the lines with glue. When the glue dries, a raised surface will be present.

Wide raised lines paper

Customizable raised line paper

Pros:

Great visual guide for beginning or struggling writers

Can be made DIY using blank paper, pens, and dried glue.

Simple and small

Mimics the look of typical beginning writing paper

Cons:

Expensive.

One-time use only

Has to be ordered online

Video: How to make your own raised line paper

Video demo of raised line paper

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Read and Write is an app offered from Texthelp.com. This tool is an online tool that provides help with tasks such as read out louds and text to word, to name a few.

Price Range: free for teachers

Can be found on texhelp.com and can be used on most platforms.

Pros:

Text-to-speech-Will read what is typed.

Text & Picture Dictionaries: Provides definitions and displays images to help with word comprehension.

Vocabulary List: Creates a list instantly into a new doc.

Cons:

Requires a computer

Requires internet

Created by Melody Garland