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This is a video tutorial for using dictation in either Microsoft Word (subscription) and google docs (free)

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How To Use Voice Typing in Word and Google Docs

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There are several types of accessible keyboards designed to accommodate various needs:

1. Large Key Keyboards: Featuring oversized keys, these keyboards are easier to see and press, helpful for those with visual impairments or limited dexterity.

2. On-screen Keyboards: These can be accessed via touchscreens or mouse input.

3. Ergonomic Keyboards: Designed to reduce strain and discomfort, these keyboards have curved or split designs to promote more natural hand and wrist positions.

Each type targets different accessibility needs, it is best to test these out where possible.

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Using a computer or other technology won't detract from learning handwriting, but it will mean your child can share their ideas with the world!

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https://snaptypeapp.com/

Allows the user to take a photo of a worksheet on an iPad, input the answer digitally, then send to the teacher or save it to a file.

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Frequently Asked Questions - you asked we answered! 

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Frequently Asked Questions - you asked we answered! 

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Ask a question by filling in this form here https://forms.office.com/e/ZiNAjje7bv and we will try to answer it!

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Tell us which Apps your child finds helpful

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Tell us which Apps your child finds helpful

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The landscape of apps and digi-technology moves very quickly- there just isn't time to assess all the new products. If your child finds a particular app or programme helpful to their daily life we would love to know about it so we can share it with others!

Tell us using this link https://forms.office.com/e/ZiNAjje7bv

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https://www.roomrecess.com/ has a variety of games including ‘dragon drop’ which requires students to practice using the mouse to bring the dragon to the food. There are many levels of difficulty to work through.

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Digital literacy, as defined by Health Education England, is 'The capabilities that fit someone for living, learning, working, participating and thriving in a digital society'.

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Abilitynet has this fantastic fact sheet outlining many options available.

Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations (abilitynet.org.uk)

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Making writing exciting - alternatives to handwriting 

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Making writing exciting - alternatives to handwriting 

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if your child is finding handwriting hard, encourage them to play with digital technologies to record their thinking, thoughts, feelings, ideas and plans. You may find that your child increases in confidence when handwriting is not the only way to capture their ideas.

You can try :

Practicing typing on a keyboard

play on an old fashioned typewriter

Using a diary app on a phone or ipad to journal

Playing around with speech to text technology (free in MSword)

Using voice/audio notes to capture an idea

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Think about how many different types of digital technology you use each day in and out of work.

My list is

Phone alarm to get up

Preferred music to listen to in car on way to work

Calendar app to check what I have planned today

Texting to communicate with team members

Quick voice note to a friend

Speech to text email using my phone

Banking - paying bills on my laptop

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Whether we are writing or typing our brains have to process this movement. With years of practice at school, many people find that handwriting becomes 'automatic'. The same can be said of typing- if you practice enough. In secondary school, for most children, we assume that handwriting does not take effort and that there is space for the brain to absorb information from the class.

However, if writing (whether typing or handwriting) is still difficult, this takes up thinking space ('cognitive load') instead of the subject being taught!

This can be even harder for pupils who have difficulties processing language and the fine motor movements of typing or writing.

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colgate magik toothbrush uses motion sensors to track toothbrushing movements making this into a game for your child colgate-kids-magik-brushing-kit

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The Colgate Magik toothbrush kit uses Augmented Reality to give your children a brand new brushing experience. The Colgate Kids 6+ manual brush, with extra soft bristles, fits easily into the Colgate Magik Connector to turn the manual toothbrush into a connected smart toothbrush.

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Colgate® Magik Brushing Kit Toothbrush | Colgate®

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Discover the Colgate® Magik Brushing Kit toothbrush, designed to give kids a fun experience brushing teeth, with soft bristles ideal for children.

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This game builds mouse skills and is about healthy teeth brushing!

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Using the iPad to manage behaviour and sensory needs - Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)

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This is a brilliant website resource with many ideas around

using speech to text

using iPads

developing mouse skills

developing keyboard skills

recording work and ideas

screen sharing

websites to support home learning

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What we do

The team supports access to and the use of ICT in schools for children and young people with a wider range of needs e.g. Sensory and physical, Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning. We work as part of the Multidisciplinary Team Around the Child and contribute to the creation and implementation of statutory and non-statutory plans.

Resources

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SEND ICT - Support for schools and settings

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The team supports access to and the use of ICT in schools for children and young people with a wider range of needs e.g. Sensory and physical, Communication

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https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/using-ict-support-tool

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Using ICT as a support tool | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

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Pupils needing accessibility adaptations should be supported to modify their computer settings. If they do not have access to adapt their settings, the school’s technical support staff will need to support this as a reasonable adjustment linked to expectations from the Equality Act 2010.

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'Dark mode' and 'night shift' - reducing blue light output to support sleep. 

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'Dark mode' and 'night shift' - reducing blue light output to support sleep. 

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How to reduce the blue light output in Windows 10 | My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)

How to turn on dark mode on all your apps and devices | WIRED UK

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Dark mode is here to help with a feeling many people will be familiar with the feeling: after hours spent looking at screens your eyes get tired and the white background of just about every web page and app can seem blinding, no matter how low you turn down the brightness.

It switches the colours of your screens, to give everything a black or dark background with white text and objects. You can use it on your phone or computer, on just specific apps or across a whole operating system.

Fans of dark mode will wax lyrical on the benefits - that it will help eye strain, make text more legible and improve battery life. A (very!) small study of seven people from University of Tuebingen found that light mode could increase risk of myopia, otherwise known as shortsightedness. But when it comes to empirical evidence, large studies are thin on the ground.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't choose to use dark mode - it's all about doing what feels good for you. It can certainly help to reduce glare in low light, so that you're not as blinded when looking at your phone in a dark room. It can also be better for people with visual impairments such as photosensitivity, cataracts or astigmatism.

"You're aware of your limitations and what you're experiencing as an individual," says Lauren Kelly, behavioural design director at BehaviourStudio. "You're adapting the technology to you, as opposed to it being preset."

iOS

While dark mode is good on an older display, it's great if you have an OLED display (iPhone XS or later). This means that instead of colouring the pixels black, they are simply not lit, allowing for a higher contrast and increased battery-saving potential. If you have an older iPhone, Apple has still gone for a true black theme with dark grey in some places to maintain readability.

To enable dark mode on iOS, the easiest way is to swipe from the home screen to get to the control centre, down from the top right on an iPhone X or newer, or up from the bottom on an iPhone 8 or older. Press and hold on the brightness slider and tap 'Appearance' on the bottom left to switch between light and dark modes as you please. You can even add a dark mode dedicated button to the control centre by going to settings > control centre > customise controls. This can be particularly useful for reducing glare quickly when you need it.

A more conventional way to switch to dark mode on iOS is to go to settings. Tap 'Display & Brightness' and tap either 'Light' or 'Dark' to choose which appearance you want. You can also tap the toggle underneath to set dark mode to come on automatically - simply go on 'Options' after turning it to automatic to choose when dark mode comes on, either sunset to sunrise every day or at times of your choosing.

Android

Dark mode on Android, or dark theme as Google likes to call it, automatically switches the colours for nearly every Google-owned app. Youtube, Gmail and Chrome will be set to a dark background so you don't have to worry about suddenly having to squint to read when one of these apps is still bright white.

Dark mode only became available for Android in November 2019 and can only be used on the Android 10 operating system or newer, so older phones won't be able to use it.

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How to turn on dark mode on all your apps and devices

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It cuts down on eye strain, prolongs battery life and it may even be good for your health. So if you haven't investigated the dark side of operating systems yet, here's how to do so on Android, iOS, PCs, Macs and even individual apps

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for more info email: sendyouthwork@plymouth.gov.uk

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As soon as your child shows an interest in engaging with technology, it’s time to begin sharing simple online safety strategies with them.

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As soon as your child shows an interest in engaging with technology, it’s time to begin sharing simple online safety strategies with them.

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Will Gardener

CEO of Childnet

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Keeping children safe online - Parent’s questions answered | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk)

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Connected Families - Parenting and the internet | Barnardo's

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Online well being for children with SEND 

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Online well being for children with SEND 

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Nspcc have some very useful worksheets and practical activities you can do with your child to open up discussions about online safety

Visual document on cyberbulling for children with SEND

safety and sharing personal details online document

cso_send_sharing-personal-details_jan2022.pdf (nspcc.org.uk)

Here is a visual document related to safety when talking to other people online.

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Supporting online wellbeing for children with SEND

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Supporting online wellbeing for children with SEND

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Set up parental controls Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite 

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Set up parental controls Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite 

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Many children with and without SEND engage in these popular games - some that can be played with other players remotely- here is a quick link to support setting up parental controls to support online safety.

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Can't keep up with the multitude of online games flooding the market? If you're a bewildered parent who just wants a simple, straightforward guide on the popular games out there, you've come to the right place! Here's a bite-sized summary of three popular games for kids, as well as guides on how to set up these games with parental controls. Let's keep up with the kids, instil positive gaming and screen habits in them, and keep them safe in the digital world!
Content: Parental Control Guide:
2. Minecraft
Tips for Parents - What You Need to Look Out For:
1. Signs of gaming addiction

2. Prevention

Parental Control Guide

1. Roblox

What it is:

Roblox is an online multiplayer game platform and creation system, popular among children and teenagers. Users from around the world can play together by designing their own games and also join in the games created by others. Players are given the opportunity to create an avatar and participate in games with different genres such as Adventure, Mystery, Battle and Real World Roleplay. The platform also allows them to communicate with other players and invite them to co-create experiences.

Do read through the Roblox Guide for Parents before starting.

Recommended age: 13 years old and above ( Common Sense Media and ESRB)

Price: Free, with the option to purchase virtual currency called Robux for in-game items

Setting up an account with parental controls:
1. Sign up
Go to www.roblox.com. Enter your child's accurate birth date and click the sign up button.
2. Add a parent's email
Go to the top right corner, and click on the setting icon. Under Account Info, add your email address. A verification email from Roblox will be sent to this address.
3. Edit Settings accordingly
Some useful settings you might like to change:
Under the Parental Control tab on the panel on the left:
a) Create a pin: Click on 'Parent PIN is disabled', and create a four digit pin. You will be prompted to add your password to continue. Once the PIN is added, it is required to be entered before the Settings page can be accessed in the future.

b) Change the Allowed Experiences based on your child's age. Do note that all experiences are still searchable. Monthly spend restrictions and notifications can also be changed.
Under the Privacy tab on the panel on the left:
a) Change the communication options according to your preference, to limit strangers communicating with your child.

b) Enable the 'Account Restrictions are enabled' slider to save the settings.

Monitoring

Check histories to find out what your child has been playing, creating, and purchasing, and who they have been chatting to.

Creations- Found under Create on the horizontal panel at the top of the homepage.

Recently played games- Go to Home, look for Continue or My Recent.

Direct and small group chat - Chat box can be found in the lower right corner of the app. This feature is limited to Friends, and Friends of Friends.

Private message history- Found under Messages on the vertical panel on the left-side of the homepage.

Friends- Found under Friends on the vertical panel on the left-side of the homepage. You will be able to see Friends, Followings, Followers and Requests. Do note that the friend's request page cannot be disabled, so check in on the Friend Requests page on the website to ensure strangers are not being accepted.

Purchases- Click on Robux at the horizontal panel at the top of the homepage. My Transactions and other details related to purchases will be shown.

2. Minecraft

What it is:

This popular computer game is played as a single player or multiplayer game, and lets users create and explore block-based virtual worlds. Its open-ended gameplay with no set plot allows users to tap into their creativity and construct anything they want under the sun. Resources may be mined and used to construct structures, make tools, and produce goods. The game also features survival components, like fending off enemies and inventive construction.

Kids can play in five different game modes, with the two most popular modes being Survival and Creative. Combat is cartoonish and without blood, despite the fact that players may use swords, bows, and other basic weapons to battle enemies and one another. Players frequently just resurrect at the point where they first started the game after they die.

Recommended age: 8+ years old ( Common Sense Media), 10+ years old ( ESRB)

Price: Free limited version ( Minecraft Classic); Full version ( Minecraft), with option to purchase virtual currency called Minecoins for in-game items

Platforms: Minecraft Java Edition (PC, Mac, and Linux computers); Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10 and 11, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, and Samsung Gear VR)

Minecraft has a special version made just for kids to support learning in a fun and engaging way. There's a section just for parents, so you can discover and explore ways to play and learn with Minecraft at home. All you need is an Office 365 Education account. A free trial is available, after which it would cost USD12 per year.
Minecraft Realm:
Parents can create your own private server so your child can play with family and friends on Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus.

Setting up an account with parental controls:

Irrespective of the device you child is playing Minecraft on, you will need first need to create a free Xbox Live account to link a parent account to your Child Account, in order to set preferred privacy and multiplayer preferences. Only parent accounts can modify settings. Once you have your free Microsoft Account:
1. Set up a Family Group
Go to https://account.microsoft.com/family/, and create a Family Group. Child Accounts for under 13 year olds must be created by a parent or carer.

Click  Add a family member.

Follow the instructions to create the account. If your child does not already have a Microsoft account, you will be prompted to create one.

2. Edit Settings accordingly
Two popular and useful settings you may like to change:

Disable chat messages or invitations from other players

a) Go to your Xbox Account Settings. Click on your child's Account.

b) In the navigation tabs at the top, click . Scroll down to the section. Toggle the slider to ' Block' to block Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites.

Note: Minecraft: Java Edition has no distinction between 'Friends' or 'Everyone.' Instead, you must choose between 'Block' to block all chat in Minecraft: Java Edition, or 'Everyone' to enable chat in the game.

a) Go to your Xbox Account Settings. Click on your child's Account.

b) In the navigation tabs at the top, click Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 devices Online Safety.

c) Select forYou can join multiplayer games.

In-Game Security

It's possible to add, mute, block, or report players from the Minecraft Pause menu. It's also possible to set player permissions from the Pause menu, so your children can invite friends to look at but not touch worlds, or help fight off zombies without attacking each other.

Check out the Minecraft official website for more information on Parental Controls on Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.

3. Fortnite

What it is:

Fortnite combines aspects of exploration, survival, and building. There are two modes to choose from, called Save the World and Battle Royale. Players are dropped onto the game to kill every other player in Battle Royale, or work together to defeat 'husks' (zombie-like creatures) in Save the World. This is an action game in which players build forts, gather resources, craft weapons, and battle hordes of monsters in frenetic combat.

Violence: The game includes a significant amount of fantasy-based violence, although it is not considered to be overly graphic. Characters are cartoonish, with fantastical weapons. There's no blood, and defeated enemies simply vanish from the spot. Players use guns, swords, and grenades in combat and also employ various traps such as electric, spikes, poisonous gas to defeat enemies.

Do review the game's content for suitability, based on your own personal values and beliefs.

Recommended age: 13 years old and above ( Common Sense Media and ESRB )

Price: Free (Battle Royale); USD39.99, (Save The World); with option to purchase in-game items

Setting up an account with parental controls:
Option 1:
Parents can use a PIN to lock certain aspects of the game with an Epic Games Account. All communications regarding parental controls are sent to the email address associated with the account.
1. Sign up 2. Set up 6 digit PIN
Choose Parental Controls from the left horizontal navigation menu. Set up your six-digit Parental Controls PIN.
3. Edit Settings accordingly
You can change chat setting permissions, and turn on the slider to screen out mature language in Epic text chat.
Option 2:
You can also set up Parental Controls through Fortnite itself.

1. Launch Fortnite on your platform of choice.

2. Click on the account icon on the top right corner of the page. Choose Account.

3. Select Parental Controls from the left vertical panel.

3. You will be asked to confirm the email address linked to the account. If no email address is linked to the account, you'll be guided to a web browser to create an Epic account and PIN using your email address.

4. Change settings accordingly .

Tips for Parents - What You Need to Look Out For

1.Signs of gaming addiction

Gaming definitely has its benefits and can serve as a great past time for our kids. But what happens when your kid can't seem to stop? How can we draw the line between healthy enthusiasm and a gaming addiction or disorder?

Gaming addiction can certainly be a serious matter, with this being officially recognised by the World Health Organisation as a mental health condition. Here are some of the warning signs of video gaming addiction for you to look out for, based on the American Psychiatry Association's manual.

A child would need to have five or more of these signs in one year to classify as an individual who has a problem with gaming:

Thinking about gaming all or a lot of the time

Feeling bad when you can't play

Needing to spend more and more time playing to feel good

Not being able to quit or even play less

Not wanting to do other things that you used to like

Having problems at work, school, or home because of your gaming

Playing despite these problems

Lying to people close to you about how much time you spend playing

Using gaming to ease bad moods and feelings.

If your child is letting their gaming habits get in the way of daily life, or are neglecting their relationships, exercise, schoolwork and personal hygiene in favour of playing games, it's time to seek professional help.

2. Prevention

And of course, prevention is always better than cure. Let's take charge and start laying down the foundations for healthy screen and gaming habits. We are all parenting in a digital age, and play a crucial role in helping our kids build a healthy relationship with technology.

Here are a few quick tips on how to foster positive gaming habits:

Set (and stick!) to time limits for play

Keep gadgets out of the bedroom, so your kids won't play into the night

Role-model healthy habits

Utilise parenting tools and controls

As parents, we can do everything within our capabilities, but there are also so many factors that aren't within our control. If you suspect your child is suffering from a gaming disorder, once again - do reach out for support from mental health professionals.
We hope this guide makes it easier for parents to help create a safer gaming environment for your children, based on your personal values and comfort level, #makchicmumsquad!
Elaine is a mummy of two who moved from the financial world to become an early childhood educator. She loves travelling, books and her cup of tea to unwind after a long day of diapers, school runs and pretend play.

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Gaming 101: A Parent's Guide to Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite - Makchic

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A bite sized summary on Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite, and simple to follow guide on how to use parental controls for these popular games.

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Does your child need continual prompting in the mornings to move between tasks? You can use a smart speaker, or even a smart app on your phone (i.e. Alexa) to build in a routine with voice prompts and alarms.

Too long in the shower? How about agreeing time in 'amount of songs' have music on. You could attach a song to an action i.e. first song for soaping, second song for rinsing!

This can support a child to take ownership of their morning organisation.

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When they'd just started growing in popularity, I bought my first smart speaker. To be honest it was out of curiosity more than anything; I didn't really see what I'd need it for.

Fast forward a couple of years and I have one in every room and use them daily. They're great for playing music when you're washing up, need to pop something on your shopping list, or controlling the lights around your house from whatever room you're in.

They're not just handy for boring adult stuff, although dimming my lights without having to get up still fills me with glee. Children can enjoy them too, and there are more and more voice apps being created that are specifically for younger users.

As well as games that are just for fun, smart speakers can support children's learning in a multitude of ways.
Here are a few cool things that smart speakers can do to help your child in school:

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How can a smart speaker help my child in school? - The Good Play Guide

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Here are a few cool things that smart speakers can do to help your child in school:

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This is an easyread overview of technology and how it can support you in many areas of your life!

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Make the mouse slower, bigger, brighter!  

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Make the mouse slower, bigger, brighter!  

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You can make lots of changes to how your computer looks. How big and what colour the mouse is and even how sensitive the touch pad is (if using a laptop with this instead of a mouse) This can be helpful for those with visual perceptive difficulties often seen with dyslexia and ASC.

Make Windows easier to see - Microsoft Support

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Make Windows easier to see - Microsoft Support

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Learn how to make your Windows display easier to see using accessibility features for ease of access.

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Google docs is free and has a useful speech to text function. Access a tutorial here:

Google Docs: Voice Typing (gcfglobal.org)

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Manage screen time on iPad & set time limits for specific apps 

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Manage screen time on iPad & set time limits for specific apps 

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Did you know you can restrict the time an app is used on your iPad? You can vary this according to day of the week i.e. more time on Roblox at the weekends if that suits your family!

You can schedule 'downtime' and decide which apps are inaccessible at certain times of day across the week. This can support an earlier bedtime (i.e. access to relaxing apps only) or stop use at mealtimes for example.

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You can block apps and notifications for periods when you want time away from your devices. For example, you might want to schedule downtime during meals or at bedtime.

During downtime, only calls, messages, and apps you choose to allow are available. You can receive calls from contacts you've selected to allow communication with during downtime, and you can use apps you've chosen to allow at all times.

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.

2. Tap App & Website Activity, then turn on App & Website Activity if you haven't already.

3. Tap Downtime, then do one of the following:

When you schedule downtime, a 5-minute reminder is sent before downtime begins. You can ignore the reminder, or turn on downtime until the beginning of the scheduled downtime.

4. Select Every Day or Customize Days, then set the start and end times.

You can turn off the Downtime schedule at any time by turning off Scheduled.

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In Settings on iPad, set up Screen Time allowances and limits for yourself.

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To get Google Doc to read your words back to you - or any words on a web page you need to install the Google Read and write extension - follow this link to see how.

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Read&Write for Google Chrome™ - Chrome Web Store

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Boost reading and writing confidence across all types of content and devices, in class, at work, and at home.

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GoblinTools: Make a To-Do list, Break it down, Estimate the times!  

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GoblinTools: Make a To-Do list, Break it down, Estimate the times!  

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Magic ToDo - GoblinTools

This website lets you write out a list and breaks the items down into manageable chunks.

You can ask the AI tool to estimate the time each activity could take you via the 'estimator' tab.

It is also supportive of social communications reading ones you have received and writing your own.

If you wish to change the tone of some communications (more polite or more professional) you can use the 'compiler function'.

If you have received a text but aren't sure if you have accurately read its social meaning the 'Judge' tab can support this.

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Microsoft Word can read your work back to you - here's how: 

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Microsoft Word can read your work back to you - here's how: 

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Microsoft suite has a range of applications to allow the text on screen to be spoken aloud.

'Read aloud' - always starts back from the same place so less helpful for checking work

'Speak' - allows you to select a different starting point each time so is best for editing work.

'Immersive reader'

'Narrator'

These are all Microsoft word functions that enable computer to speak the words on the screen which can help you check what you have written.

These are designed for people with visual impairment but are also supportive of those who may find reading difficult.

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Speak is a built-in feature of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. You can use Speak to have text read aloud in the language of your version of Office.

Text-to-speech (TTS) is the ability of your computer to play back written text as spoken words. Depending upon your configuration and installed TTS engines, you can hear most text that appears on your screen in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. For example, if you're using the English version of Office, the English TTS engine is automatically installed. To use text-to-speech in different languages, see Using the Speak feature with Multilingual TTS.

To learn how to configure Excel for text-to-speech, see Converting text to speech in Excel.

Add Speak to the Quick Access Toolbar

You can add the Speak command to your Quick Access Toolbar by doing the following in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote:

1. Next to the Quick Access Toolbar, click Customize Quick Access Toolbar.

2. Click More Commands.

3. In the Choose commands from list, select All Commands.

4. Scroll down to the Speak command, select it, and then click Add.

5. Click OK.

Use Speak to read text aloud

After you have added the Speak command to your Quick Access Toolbar, you can hear single words or blocks of text read aloud by selecting the text you want to hear and then clicking the Speak icon on the Quick Access Toolbar.

Learn more

Listen to your Word documents with Read Aloud

Listen to your Outlook email messages with Read Aloud

Converting text to speech in Excel

Dictate text using Speech Recognition

Learning Tools in Word

Hear text read aloud with Narrator

Using the Save as Daisy add-in for Word

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Use the Speak text-to-speech feature to read text aloud

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Listen to text in your documents, messages, presentations, or notes using the Speak command.

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Dark mode - reduce visual strain and support concentration 

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Dark mode - reduce visual strain and support concentration 

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Dark Mode is available in many of the big programmes i.e. word, outlook, excel and onenote.

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How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word

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How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word

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How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word

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Speech to text in Microsoft Word is a hidden gem that is powerful and easy to use. We show you how to do it in five quick and simple steps

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The speech to text work editing process is different! 

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The speech to text work editing process is different! 

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This reduces cognitive load and impact on working memory - the process is different to pen and paper writing since you get your content down first, then you go back and check the spelling and grammar and that it makes sense.

This is well suited to children who can express their ideas well, but struggle to write them down.

It can take some time and practice to get used to. Don't worry if your child struggles to articulate words, this is one tool amongst many and they may build some speaking confidence practicing talking to the computer.

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Apps that can help with morning routines 

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Apps that can help with morning routines 

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Are mornings a bit hectic?

Do you want your child to be more independent and focused on their morning tasks

Here are two routine apps that could help

1. Kids to do list (FREE)

lets you take a picture of the activity and provide a voice recording. You can put this activity in order with others. Once finished you gain a star, complete all routine activities to get a virtual animal sticker for aquarium.

2. Happy Kids timer (free version or £2.79 one-off payment)

The free version of this app gives you a pre-set morning routine set to music. I.e. 10 mins to make bed, then 10 mins to brush teeth and wash hands. You achieve stars when successfully moving through the routine. You can identify a 'minimum' task time i.e. more than 2 mins for teeth brushing. The paid version lets you add your own options.

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Download an advice sheet on tips to help your child balance their screen time here: Creating a balanced digital diet with screen time tips | Internet Matters

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Learn My Way | Develop Your Digital Skills

This platform from the 'Good Things Foundation' offers a range of free computer skills training. You may wish to visit this site to boost your ability to support your child with their learning and building computer life skills.

The Good Things Foundation also offers a map of local resources that may be able to help families access devices, internet and sometimes data, if they are unaffordable. Find local digital inclusion support | Good Things (goodthingsfoundation.org)

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Learn My Way | Learn how to use the internet

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Learn how to use the internet. Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills.

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Information here from Assistive Technology – Text to Speech in Exams | Dyslexia UK

Which dictation programme to use in assessments

Although recent dictation tools like Microsoft Dictate, Siri and Google Voice Typing are free and easy to use, they require an internet connection. This is because they send a recording of your speech to a server that converts and returns it as text on your device. One advantage of these systems is that so long as the user signs in with their Apple / Microsoft / Google usual account details, the software will improve in its voice recognition ability, thereby improving accuracy.

However, exam regulations are strict and will not allow a user to access their personal account for this purpose. In addition, internet access is also restricted to candidates in exams to eliminate the possibility of cheating. Therefore, although the online dictation programmes may be free, they are not suitable for examination assessments.

Siri Dictation on modern IOS devices and Dragon NaturallySpeaking do not require an internet connection and therefore are suitable for exam situations.

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Assistive Technology - Text to Speech in Exams | Dyslexia UK

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Students with dyslexia frequently have handwriting difficulties. This may be a slow speed of writing, especially when focused on the content of writing, or when in high stake situations such as examinations, or they may have illegible handwriting. This causes particular difficulties in examinations where the student cannot show their level knowledge and understanding on [...]

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This is a four-week FREE programme to support parents bringing up children in today's world with the added risks posed by of online interaction. It provides general overview of the teenage brain and sessions that focus on awareness of grooming, and 'digital dangers' i.e. social media and inappropriate image sharing. A great resource to help you keep your children safe.

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Go in to settings - Mouse - and you want the right-sided key on the mouse to be the main clicker.

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Touch typing provides phonics training helpful to dyslexic children

Typing helps dyslexic children break up words into smaller sounds. This can be very helpful for reading and spelling. Touch typing gives a dyslexic child the opportunity to work on sound-letter correspondence. This familiarises a child with what letters make what sound. Touch typing also eliminates the need for the child to form letters. This means a child can more easily focus on the sounds and the symbols they correlate to.

Touch typing employs multi-sensory learning and develops muscle memory.

Touch typing is multi-sensory. It links sight and hearing to touch. The tactile element of pressing the keys helps with remembering the sounds that make up tricky words. Touch typing also develops muscle memory, very useful when learning letter patterns and spelling.

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Should touch typing skills be taught in UK schools? How important is it? Learn more about the importance and benefits of touch typing.

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Does your child prefer listening to reading? Try 'Natural Reader' or 'Speechify' app. 

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Does your child prefer listening to reading? Try 'Natural Reader' or 'Speechify' app. 

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Natural Reader https://www.naturalreaders.com/app/ (free) is a great app with a lot of functionality. You can use Natural Reader to read not only text typed on your screen, but also documents, PDFs, eBooks, and more. Available on Apple and Android devices.

Speechify https://speechify.com/ is similar but the free version comes with 10 natural voices, whereas Natural reader has one voice only at the free plan.

There are many ways now to access audio versions of books. Borrow box BorrowBox – Your library in one app lets you loan out audio library books for free - you need to be a member of your local library to use.

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Skill building apps @ internetmatters.org 

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Skill building apps @ internetmatters.org 

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Internetmatters.org has a range of suggestions for 'skill building apps' organised by subject (English, science)i.e. apps that support creative or problem solving work

For example some apps to allow your child to use a free programme to tell a story in a comic Create Comics Online, it’s Fun & Free at MakeBeliefsComix!

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Keyboard and mouse alternatives by Ability.net

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Keyboard and mouse alternatives by Ability.net

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1. A note on ergonomics

Being physically comfortable when using your technology is extremely important and extends beyond having a keyboard or mouse that is comfortable to use. Poor posture, over-stretching or discomfort can result in aggravating existing conditions or in developing longer-term issues such as Repetitive Strain injuries (RSI's). Good posture and comfortable working are important for everyone and finding something that works for you is obviously more important in preventing problems than in reaction to them.

2. Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth?

When it comes to things like keyboards and mice (peripherals) wireless normally means Bluetooth and most computers, laptops and phones have Bluetooth built in. Some keyboards and mice may have their own receiver (called a 'dongle') that plugs in to a USB port on your computer in order to connect, others will need to be 'paired' (instructions for this will be included with the product). Although Bluetooth keyboards and mice will need batteries (or have rechargeable batteries built-in) they will often last for many months and will give you plenty of warning when they need charging or replacing.

3. Keyboard alternatives

The standard computer keyboard is designed to be used with two hands and has a number pad on the right-hand side, which obviously favours right-handed people.

Alternatives to the standard keyboard include:

ergonomic keyboards

smaller, compact keyboards

separate numeric keypads

keyboards with larger keys

high-contrast keyboards

early learning keyboards

more specialist keyboards - braille, chording and expanded devices

typing without a keyboard

Ergonomic keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are designed to promote a better typing position for your hands and wrists and therefore reduce the chance of strains and discomfort that can ultimately lead to significant issues such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Ergonomic keyboards 'split' the keyboard in two, placing each half on a curve so your arms are at a more comfortable, relaxed angle when typing.

Some ergonomic keyboards are on a fixed curve, on others, the two halves are hinged in the middle so the angle can be adjusted and on some the two halves are completely separate and only joined by a connecting wire.

More contoured are a further development of the split concept. These place the finger keys into two cupped depressions at shoulder width, with function keys set in-between for use with the thumbs.

These fully ergonomic keyboards require very little movement of the arms and wrists and are designed to reduce the risk of RSI. Similar keyboards (with a non-QWERTY layout) are also available for single-handed users - for either left- or right-handed use.

Smaller, compact keyboards

Compact keyboards, as their name suggests, are smaller keyboards. The actual key sizes are quite similar to a standard laptop keyboard and, like a laptop, space is saved by removing the number pad (this can be separate, or some have one that slides out when needed).

A compact keyboard frees-up desk space and allows you to bring your mouse (or other things you use) closer to your centreline, which helps to reduce the chance of strains by over-extending.

As they are smaller, compact keyboards can fit more easily between the arms of a wheelchair and are often more comfortable to use for single-handed users.

Numeric keypads

A separate number pad is normally used with a compact keyboard and can be moved out of the way when not needed. It can also be placed either side of the keyboard, which can be helpful for left-handed users.

Keyboards with larger keys

Keyboards with larger keys (like BigKeys and Jumbo Keyboards) make it easier to locate keys and provide a bigger 'target area'. Options are available with upper-case or lower-case layouts.

Keyboards with more visible keys

High visibility keyboards use high-contrast colours to make the keys easier to locate. There are many different colour combinations with either the keys or the letters as the 'stand-out' colour (e.g. yellow on black, black on yellow, black on white, white on black).

Modifying the keyboard appearance

Rather than buying a high-contrast keyboard, high contrast stickers are available. These are stuck on top of the keys on your existing keyboard.

Other specialist keyboards

Helpikeys is a customisable adaptive keyboard for people with learning and motor difficulties. It is also beneficial for people with visual or cognitive challenges. In addition to five available overlays, the keyboard can also be programmed to store five further personalised layouts.

The Maltron expanded keyboard is designed to assist people with cerebral palsy and to provide better access for physically disabled and visually impaired users. A metal keyguard helps to prevent accidental key presses and protects against any impact damage.

Maltron also produce a keyboard for people with no use of their hands. The head /mouth stick keyboard has a shape and layout to match natural head movement and minimise the amount of movement needed from the stick.

Chording keyboards (like the Cykey shown here) only have a few keys that you press in combination (like chords on a piano) to generate letters, numbers and other keys. They work well for one-handed users with independent movement in their fingers.

Braille displays serve a dual function and enable you to both enter text and control your computer, and also to read documents, emails and web pages etc, using a tactile Braille display.

Keyguards

Keyguards are rigid plates with holes designed to work with specific keyboards. The holes are positioned over each key and significantly reduce the chance of accidental keypresses. The guard also allows you to rest your hands and arms on the guard without pressing any of the keys. Guards can be removed and fitted for use only when required. It is usually easier to purchase a keyboard and guard together rather than trying to get a guard to fit a specific keyboard.

For more information, see Making your keyboard easier to use

A note on touch-typing

Whether you are using a physical keyboard or touchscreen we're keen to stress the value of learning touch-typing skills for which there are many training packages available.

For adults we recommend:

For children we recommend:

4. Typing without a keyboard

You do not have to use a physical keyboard to control or type on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Possible alternatives include using:

an on-screen keyboard

voice recognition (speech-to-text)

an eye tracking system

a switch

a head tracking system

On-screen keyboards are the way most people now type on tablets and smartphones but are also standard features on most operating systems. Letters can be selected using a touchscreen, a mouse, a switch, or a joystick.

For more information, see: Using on-screen keyboards

Voice recognition is a practical way of controlling your computer and a very efficient means of getting information down. Voice recognition (speech-to-text or dictation) is useful for people who can find typing difficult, painful or impossible, but it can also by-pass issues with things like spelling or grammar and so can be a great help to people with learning differences like dyslexia.

For more information on voice recognition see My Computer My Way; Talking to your device. We also have a factsheet; Voice Recognition - An Overview.

A switch input is a button which, when activated, sends a signal to the computer. The switch can also be replaced with a sensor that detects an eye blink, a puff down a tube or any reliable body movement. An on-screen keyboard, word or pictogram board is used to highlight rows, columns or groups, gradually narrowing-down a selection with each activation of the switch until the desired word or letter is the last option left.

Switches work well with cause and effect programmes that require simple choices but are in no means limited to this; skilled operators have few restrictions to what they can do.

Eye tracking and head tracking systems tend to operate an onscreen keyboard using the mouse so are included in the mouse section below.

5. Mouse alternatives

There are many different types of mice available and it is important to choose one that fits the hand well and feels comfortable and easy to use. Often it takes a little while to get used to using a new type of mouse and can feel a little clumsy at first.

Alternatives to the standard mouse

Ergonomic mice often come in left- and right-handed orientations and in different sizes, to ensure the mouse fits comfortably.

Vertical mice realigning the wrist to a more natural 'handshake' position, transferring movement onto the more powerful shoulder muscles.

Adjustable Ergonomic mice are hinged along one side and allow for the mouse to alternate between a flatter more traditional position and the vertical, this encourages a variable wrist position and can help move from a normal mouse to a vertical.

Bar mice are positioned directly in front of the keyboard and have a 'bar' that slides left and right and rolls for up and down movement. The position of the bar allows it to be operated with your thumbs and keeps your hands on or close to the keyboard.

Trackball, trackerball or rollerball mice remain stationary with the cursor controlled by rolling a ball with thumb, fingers or palm. This means there is little to no wrist movement.

Larger trackball mice are easy to use and may be particularly helpful for users who lack fine motor skills, including people with learning difficulties, tremors or arthritis. Also, like the BIG track mouse (with switches) shown here, they can be strong and are often suitable for being operated by elbows or feet.

Touchpads (or trackpads) are stationary pads operated by sliding (or swiping) your finger(s) across the surface; clicking can be done with buttons or by downwards pressure / tapping lightly on the surface.

Pen mice are held in the hand like a pen. They tend to be quite 'chunky'; a similar size to a marker pen. Left and right click buttons are vertical on the pen shaft.

Graphics tablets these require a specialist tablet to write on, but the pens they use are more pen-like than pen mice and generally more comfortable to hold.
Graphics tablets tend to be more geared towards design than ergonomics.
Many tablet manufacturers are beginning to produce a pen or 'stylus' as another means of interacting with the tablet and will allow you to make handwritten notes.

Joysticks work in a similar manner to the controls on an electric wheelchair, with the joystick position determining the direction (and speed) of the mouse pointer.
Additional buttons on the joystick can operate left, right and double clicks, as well as other common shortcuts such as cut and paste.

Touchscreens use sensors in the screen to track movement and selections and are a very direct method of interacting with your device. Tablets and smartphones use touchscreens as well as many laptops. Touchscreen monitors are also available for use with desktop computers.

Head movement tracking uses head movement to control the cursor. This can be done with a wearable device like the headset in the picture or using a camera. With head movement tracking, the cursor is 'driven' around the screen in the same way as using a joystick. Selections are made using a switch that can be controlled by a puff or bite (the blue bulb in the picture).

Eye tracking systems track eye movement, using it to plot the position of the cursor on the screen. Dwelling on a location triggers a 'click'. This can be used to control programmes as well as to type when used with the on-screen keyboard.

Tracking eye movement means that the cursor does not need to be driven around the screen and so is typically much faster than head movement tracking. Although initially designed for use by people with very limited movement, eye tracking hardware and software is now relatively inexpensive and can present an interesting alternative for people experiencing temporary or situational disabilities; for example, a parent could hold their baby and still be able to interact with their computer.

Foot mouse systems are typically designed to use both feet. One foot controls the cursor using a slip-on puck on a mat. The other foot controls switches, often with single and double click or other options controlled by separate buttons.

6. Gaming controllers

There are several accessible gaming controllers available such as Microsoft's Xbox adaptive controller. The controller inputs can be 'mapped' to a person's preferences and used alongside the standard controller allowing disabled and non-disabled gamers to compete at the same level.

7. Other equipment

It is important to have your screen positioned at a comfortable level to minimise bad posture and the risk of injury. We recommend your screen is directly in front of you so you do not have to twist your body and should be approximately an arms-length away with the top of the screen roughly level with your eyes.

Other equipment such as monitor-raisers and monitor arms allow you to raise the height of a screen. Laptop stands can also be helpful but may require you to have a separate keyboard and mouse.

Tablets can also be mounted on flexible arms viewing comfort, but this is not always practical, as they are normally controlled with the touchscreen.

Lap trays and other supports

A lap tray can allow you to use a tablet or laptop comfortably on your lap and provides a flat, stable surface on one side and a beanbag on the underside that moulds to the shape of your legs.

Arm or wrist pads placed in front of the keyboard can be helpful when resting from typing and can help to reduce discomfort and strain. You can also get wrist 'donuts' that are worn around the wrists like bracelets and provide support wherever you are working.

Articulating wrist supports clamp to the tabletop and are a more specialist support typically in instances where there are difficulties supporting the weight of the arms.

Sit stand desks can be adjusted according to height and are designed to encourage movement and allow people to work sitting or standing. They are a simple accommodation for people of different heights as well as wheelchair users. Desks are available in a manual hand-cranked or electronic version as well as smaller clip-on units that fix to an existing desk.

8. Useful contacts

There are many suppliers and manufacturers of ergonomic equipment; below are a list of companies with specialist knowledge who may be able to offer additional advice if needed:

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Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations

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Standard keyboards and mice are functional ways of interacting with your computer and increasingly other devices like tablets. However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people - especially users with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges - and there are lots of other options available.

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https://www.ratatype.com/typing-tutor/ -older kids

Jungle Junior - younger children

https://typingsoft.com/all_typing_tutors.htm This is a list of all typing tutors - helpful as shows all the free programs.

Image courtesy of the OT tool box which has helpful guidance here Typing Programs for Kids - The OT Toolbox

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Use a template to capture and save notes from your class

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Use a template to capture and save notes from your class

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If you are using a laptop to take notes in class, make it easy for yourself by creating your own prompt sheet to fill in the details. Otherwise, the content can get lost!

Unless you are a quick typist it is hard to type and listen at the same time - create clear areas for key information to sit so that you can easily find it to review in the future.

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If you find coloured overlays helpful for reading, you may benefit from changing the background page colour to reduce glare and help with contrast.

click the 'design tab' on Microsoft word and then the 'page colour' in the top right corner and select from wide range of colours

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This web page helps you learn how to use a mouse, double clicks, drag and drop as well as scrolling up and down a page.

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Supporting children with autism through technology can be a powerful way to enhance learning, emotional regulation, and daily life skills. This curated list of 5 apps, all available on both the App…

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Choice works app has lots of excellent visuals to support children who struggle with transitions.

There is a free 'choiceworks lite' version to show the features and functions, but the full cost is £29.99.

You can customise your icons and print and share the routine boards or transition boards that you create

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Key Features and Usage

How it Works: It highlights the most concise parts of words (the "fixation") to help the eye move through text and the brain recognise words faster.

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, Desktop (Windows/Mac), and as a Microsoft Word add-in.

Font Options: Features "Bionic Reading®" and "Bionic Reading® Serif" with 5 "fixation" levels each.

Accessibility: It is often used to assist readers with ADHD and dyslexia.

Performance: While some users report faster reading, studies on retention have mixed results.