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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

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