Assistive Technology Toolbox by Sarahi Imhof

Pencil Grip

simhof4 — 2025-04-17 23:30:31 UTC

A pencil grip can help students who have trouble holding a pencil correctly because of weak fine motor skills, and those who receive occupational therapy services. Having these in my classroom can make writing easier and less frustrating for them, so they can focus on what they’re writing instead of how to hold the pencil.

Timer

simhof4 — 2025-04-17 23:32:56 UTC

A timer can help students who have a hard time staying focused or knowing how long to work. Having timers in my classroom can make it easier for them to stay on task and finish their work without getting overwhelmed. Timers can also be used as a reward, like working for 20 minutes and then getting a 5-minute break, which helps keep them motivated.

Highlighter

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:18:42 UTC

Highlighters are a type of low assistive technology because they are easy tools that help students learn better without using electronics. They can help students with ADHD, dyslexia, or reading difficulties by letting them mark important words or ideas so it's easier to focus and remember. This helps students stay organized, understand what they read, and do work more independently.

Wiggle Seats

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:25:24 UTC

Wiggle seats are small cushions that let kids move while they sit, which helps them stay focused. They are great for students with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing needs who have trouble sitting still. The gentle movement helps them stay calm, pay attention, and feel more comfortable during class.

Velcro Strips

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:30:10 UTC

Velcro strips are a helpful tool for students with developmental delays or anxiety, as they provide a way to organize tasks and materials in a clear, manageable way. For students with anxiety, Velcro can help create visual schedules or step-by-step instructions that reduce uncertainty and promote calm. It’s also useful for students with ADHD or autism, allowing them to keep items in place or follow routines more easily.

Speech-to-Text (Google Docs or Dragon NaturallySpeaking)

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:41:57 UTC

This app helps students who find writing difficult, including those with dysgraphia, ADHD, motor issues, or speech disabilities. It lets students speak their ideas, and the app turns their words into text, so they don’t have to worry about handwriting or typing. It's useful in the classroom for writing tasks or at home for homework. Students with speech disabilities can also benefit by using their voice to communicate and have their words transcribed easily.

Calm/Headspace App

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:46:11 UTC

Mindfulness apps help students relax with breathing exercises and calming sounds, making them useful for students with anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral and emotional disabilities. These apps can also support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) by teaching students how to manage their feelings and stay calm. In the classroom, students can use them during breaks or when feeling overwhelmed to help refocus. They help students with emotional or behavioral challenges learn to self-regulate and handle stress better.

ModMath

simhof4 — 2025-04-21 23:59:02 UTC

ModMath is a helpful app for students with learning disabilities like dyscalculia. It lets students do math problems on a computer, which can be easier than writing things down by hand. The app helps students keep their work organized and neat, making it easier to follow steps in math. By simplifying the process, ModMath helps students stay focused and do math more on their own.

Notebook LM

simhof4 — 2025-04-22 00:04:58 UTC

Notebook LM is a helpful app that allows students to upload PowerPoints, documents, and other notes, which it can then turn into podcasts or auditory study guides. This is especially useful for students with learning disabilities that affect their reading abilities, like dyslexia, as they can listen to the material instead of reading it. It can also benefit auditory learners, who grasp information better by hearing it.

TouchChat

simhof4 — 2025-04-22 00:11:45 UTC

TouchChat is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app designed to help individuals with speech and communication difficulties, such as those with autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or other speech disorders. It allows users to communicate by selecting words, symbols, or pictures, which are then spoken aloud through the app. They can be used in classrooms, where students can participate in lessons and interact with peers, and at home, where it helps with communication during daily routines like mealtime or playtime.

Microphones/Amplifiers

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:21:08 UTC

Microphones and Amplifiers are helpful for students with hearing impairments, auditory processing disorders, or attention difficulties. These tools amplify the teacher’s voice, making it easier for students to hear instructions clearly. They are especially useful in large classrooms or noisy environments where students might struggle to hear. Microphones ensure all students can clearly hear what’s being taught, supporting better focus and engagement in lessons.

Ergonomic Keyboard

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:25:08 UTC

Ergonomic Keyboards are especially helpful for students with motor impairments, fine motor difficulties, arthritis, or repetitive strain injuries. These keyboards reduce the strain on hands and wrists, making typing more comfortable. They are useful in settings like computer labs or classrooms where students frequently type.

Interactive Whiteboards

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:28:11 UTC

Interactive Whiteboards are ideal for students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or visual impairments. These boards engage students through touch and interactive features, helping them stay focused and involved in lessons. They are effective in whole-group instruction, where students can actively participate in learning activities. Interactive whiteboards make lessons more engaging and accessible for students who benefit from visual and hands-on learning following UDL guidelines.

Graphic Organizers

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:37:38 UTC

Graphic Organizers support students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning difficulties. These tools help students break down complex information into simpler, visual parts, making it easier to understand and remember. Graphic organizers are helpful for tasks like planning essays, working through word math problems, brainstorming, and organizing ideas. They help students structure their thoughts more clearly and improve overall comprehension.

Document Camera

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:48:04 UTC

Document Cameras are beneficial for students with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or those who struggle with following along in class. These cameras allow teachers to project written work, books, or even student projects on a screen for everyone to see clearly. They are useful in whole-class settings, where students can view materials in real time, making it easier to follow along with lessons.

Teachers' and Students' Perspectives on the extent to which Assistive Technology maximizes independence.

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 19:57:11 UTC

The article by Loveys and Butler (2023) highlights how assistive technology (AT) can help students with disabilities, especially visual impairments, become more independent. However, it also points out that many students don’t get the full benefit of AT because of limited teacher training and poor integration into the classroom. In my classroom, I will use AT tools like screen readers and magnifiers to support students with visual or learning challenges. I’ll also work with special education staff and continue learning how to use these tools effectively. I plan to involve students in choosing the tools that work best for them so they feel confident and supported. By doing this, I’ll follow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to make sure all students can access and participate in learning in ways that work best for them.

A scoping review on the use of speech-to-text technology for adolescents with learning difficulties in secondary education

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 20:09:09 UTC

The article by Matre and Cameron (2024) explores how speech-to-text technology can support students with learning difficulties, especially in improving their writing and expression. It shows that while the tool is effective, challenges like inconsistent use and limited teacher training can limit its impact. Since the pandemic, many students across all grade levels have shown a decrease in reading fluency and comprehension. By using speech-to-text in my classroom, I can support students as they learn phonemic and phonological skills, helping them connect spoken language to written words. This tool allows students to focus on building language understanding without being held back by spelling or handwriting struggles. Incorporating it into my teaching can create a more inclusive environment.

Easy Ways to Bring AT into Your Classroom

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 20:16:55 UTC

The article by Jennifer Sullivan emphasizes that assistive technology (AT) includes a range of tools, no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech, that I can use to support all learners in my classroom. It highlights simple, free, or low-cost tools like closed-captioning, visual timers, graphic organizers, and speech-to-text software that we can easily bring into daily lessons. It also highlights that students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs), including those who struggle with math (dyscalculia) and reading (dyslexia), can benefit greatly from these tools. These supports help students access content in a way that fits their needs and allows them to show what they know more confidently.

AT in Schools

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 20:28:11 UTC

The article by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) emphasizes the importance of assistive technology (AT) in creating inclusive learning environments. It highlights that AT includes a variety of tools from low-tech options like pencil grips to high-tech devices such as speech-generating devices that support students with disabilities in accessing the curriculum. I think this is especially helpful in the elementary school setting, where students receiving speech services can benefit from AT as they continue to develop their communication and language skills. The article also emphasizes the need for special education and general education teachers to collaborate with a student's team to integrate AT into their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. This collaboration ensures that AT is effectively used to support the student's specific needs.

AT for Kids with Learning Disabilities

simhof4 — 2025-04-23 20:46:24 UTC

The article from Reading Rockets explains that assistive technology (AT) includes tools that help kids with learning disabilities (LD) by playing to their strengths and helping them with their challenges. It shows how AT can help students with tasks like reading, writing, and math by using tools like audiobooks, speech-to-text software, and talking calculators. I think this is especially helpful in the elementary school setting, where kids are learning important skills. The article also stresses that the right AT tools should match each child’s needs to be effective. It provides a link to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which can be used as an extension to assistive technology by incorporating tech into lessons. This allows teachers to benefit the entire class, not just students with disabilities.

INDATA Project

simhof4 — 2025-04-24 02:27:12 UTC

After listening to this podcast episode, I now see the INDATA Project as a valuable resource for families who may face barriers in obtaining assistive technology. Devices can be expensive, and it’s not always clear which tools will work best for a specific individual’s needs. Through INDATA’s equipment lending program, families in the state of Indiana have the opportunity to borrow assistive technology, such as scan readers for individuals with visual impairments, before committing to a purchase. This helps reduce financial risk and ensures a better match between the user and the device, making assistive tech more accessible and impactful.

Jane Velkovski TED Talk

simhof4 — 2025-04-24 02:32:45 UTC

In the TED Talk, 13-year-old Jane Velkovski shares how assistive technology has transformed her life as someone living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She explains how her wheelchair is more than a device it gives her freedom, independence, and the ability to fully participate in life. Jane also highlights the global gap in access to assistive technology, with only 1 in 10 people who need it having access. Her powerful message calls for early and equal access to these tools, especially for children. As a future teacher, this talk not only deepened my understanding of how impactful assistive technology can be but also gave me a strong foundation to advocate for new assistive technology materials in school meetings, ensuring all students have what they need to succeed.

AT in the Classroom Setting

simhof4 — 2025-04-24 02:47:29 UTC

In the interview video, educators discuss various assistive technologies (AT) that support students with diverse learning needs. They mention tools like slanted clipboards, which help with fine and gross motor skills, reading apps, speech-to-text software, highlighters, and magnifying glasses to assist students with reading and writing challenges. The video also includes a mock IEP meeting, helping parents understand how to advocate for their child’s need for assistive technology. The SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Task, Tools) is discussed as a way to assess and choose the appropriate AT for students based on their unique needs and learning environment. As a future teacher, this video has shown me the importance of using the SETT framework and how general education teachers can suggest the right AT to help every student succeed.

AT for Neurodiversity

simhof4 — 2025-04-24 03:07:55 UTC

In this video, Saida Ahmed explains neurodiversity, focusing on conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other SLDs, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences while leveraging their strengths to support individuals' success. She introduces assistive technologies (AT) such as text-to-speech software, focus apps, and visual schedules, which can help individuals with neurodiverse conditions in education and daily life. In an elementary school setting, I would apply her recommendations by using text-to-speech software to assist students with reading difficulties, introducing focus apps or tools like fidget toys for students with ADHD, and implementing visual schedules to provide structure for students with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. These tools, along with fostering an inclusive classroom environment, would enhance learning and support for all students.

Assistive Technology to Support Positive Behavior

simhof4 — 2025-04-24 03:24:48 UTC

This presentation by Ana from FAAST and Tina, a bilingual SLP from the University of Miami, talks about how assistive technology (AT) can support behavior and communication in children. AT includes low-, mid, and high-tech tools that help children with autism or communication challenges gain independence. In an elementary school setting, AT can be paired with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies, such as using high-probability requests before low-probability ones and reinforcing behaviors with praise. Visual supports like picture schedules, first/then boards, and timers help children understand routines and reduce frustration. AAC tools also allow children to express themselves more effectively through pictures, symbols, or speech-generating devices.