Elementary AT Tool Bin

Assorted fidgets

One of the most common sensory tools used in at home, school and out and about is hand fidgets. Fidgets can be a very effective self-regulation tool! Use fidgets for calming or alerting, to promote focusing and attending, and to increase tactile awareness of fingers/hands. Fidget toys also provide a fun way to strengthen hands and "warm-up" fingers before working on handwriting and other fine motor skills. Hand fidgets come in all types of textures, shapes, and tactile property. When selecting a tool for a child, it is important to consider their own tactile preferences.

Additional resources:

http://www.therapyshoppe.com/therapy/fidget-toys-8/ Website that specializes in sensory processing products http://seattle-therapy-network.com/blog/?p=725 Blog that describes fidgets and their uses

Disc-o-sit

This round dynamic cushion has one bumpy side and one smooth side. It offers "active sitting" which strengthens the muscles that support the spine. Use when a greater range of motion and sensory input is needed. Very helpful for decreasing fidgeting and increasing attention/focus.
Additional resources:

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/ Great website to explore and understand sensory issues http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2012/08/10/therapy-ball-disc-o-sit-or-move-n-sit-whichone-should-you-use/ More about this and other tools Sensory 101 Information about Sensory Integration in school

20/20 Easy to Read Pen This bold, easy-to-read pen was designed for those with low vision but may also be useful for students who use light pressure when writing. Highly Visible Bold Black Line Black cover has pocket clip so it wont get lost
Additional resources: http://www.visabilitystore.org/browse.cfm/20-20-pen/4,199.html Product website

Fidgeting Foot Bands

Fidgeting Foot Bands are a continuous loop of 1.5" wide stretchy band you "string" around chair legs to keep fidgeting feet busy! These one-piece foot fidgets are great for classrooms, home, or work. This resistive input obtained through heavy work activities is generally organizing and can improve attention, arousal level, body awareness and muscle tone, as well as decreasing defensiveness.

Best used as a sitting aid during activities when you want the student to stay seated and increase attention/engagement

Additional resources:

http://www.therapyshoppe.com/therapy/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_1118&products_id=2 272 Therapy Shoppe website http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/heavy-work-activities.html Great website about sensory processing issues and solutions http://www.ballsnbands.com/theraband_elastic_loop_exercise_bands.html Balls n Bands website

Franklin Elementary Talking Dictionary

Talking spell checkers and electronic dictionaries can help a poor speller select or identify appropriate words and correct spelling errors during the process of writing and proofreading. Talking devices "read aloud" and display the selected words onscreen, so the user can see and hear the words. Additional
features include; 5 word-building games, Rhyme finder, Homophone guide, animated handwriting (print and cursive) guide

Additional resources: Clever Keys - free dictionaries and thesaurus online WordWeb Pro - dictionary and thesaurus Ginger - contextual spell and grammar checker

Gel E Seat

Each gel-filled tiny square provides the ultimate feel in both pressure-relief and wiggle relief! Based on the sensory integration technique of deep pressure proprioceptive feedback, children who are easily distracted, hyperactive and lacking in concentration may respond positively to this product. Aside from its incredible seating properties, the Gel-E-Seat is an ideal weighted pad for the lap, arm, legs or trunk.

Best used as a sitting aid during activities, like circle time, when you want the student to stay seated and increase attention/engagement

Additional resources:

http://www.got-autism.com/Calming/Furniture/Gel-E-Seat-p2422.html Got Autism Online Store

Hand Putty (Antimicrobial)

This resistive hand exercise material is used to perform a variety of finger, hand, and wrist resistive exercises. It is recommended by therapists to improve finger and hand strength and mobility, which ultimately supports fine motor skills, such as writing and cutting. This putty can also be used as a hand fidget or stress reliever.

Additional resources:

http://library.osfhealthcare.org/PatientEd/Rehabpdf/OTDocuments/NEWOT/Theraputty.pdf Website that shows some good exercises to do with putty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O6Cm0WxEZA Youtube video about sensory processing http://www.ehow.com/how_8206566_make-theraputty.html Recipe to make your own hand putty (Theraputty)

My Lil Reminder
This one-touch digital voice memo recorder can be used to provide a personal reminder, record quick notes or dictate something for later review. Just press the button to record up to 60 seconds. Additional resources: http://www.amazon.com/Reminder-Personal-Digital-Voice-Recorder-Regular-Set/dp/B000OZ046G Product website http://www.ehow.com/how_2342387_use-digital-voice-recorder.html Information about digital recorders

NEO Alphasmart This lightweight (under 2 lbs.), easy-to-use portable keyboard can help make every struggling writer a full participant in the writing and learning process. Whether challenged with learning disabilities like dyslexia, hindered by verbal communication limitations, or faced with physical hurdles like lack of fine motor skills, NEO 2s onboard assistive technology functions and optional add-ons adapt to the needs of children and adults with physical and learning challenges.

Sticky Keys feature allows you to type combination keystrokes without pressing the keys simultaneously. Slow Keys feature helps children with unsteady hands or difficulty in key targeting. Key auto-repeat control can be turned on or off to assist with reflex control challenges. Large display font options help with vision challenges.

Additional resources: http://www.neo-direct.com/ Product website http://www.irvingisd.net/alphasmart/ Activity ideas for Alphasmart

Noise Buffer Headset This hearing protector, or ear muff, blocks out unwanted external noises by completely covering the outer ear. It is designed to be worn by younger students (with its smaller earcups) who need to block out noises or who are anxious about entering loud environments.

Additional resources: http://www.califone.com/ Product website http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/hypersensitive-to-sound.html Information about sound sensitivity

Assorted Pencil Grips The pencil must be held in a manner that provides both stability and mobility. Speed, legibility, and endurance of handwriting are influenced by the way a student holds the pencil. Pencil grips help the student maintain a position of stability to allow for efficient mobility and improved handwriting.
Additional resources: http://www.thewritingpenstore.com/c-112-pen-and-pencilgrips.aspx?gclid=CIez_oKUi7MCFegWMgodIDAAaQ Product website http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/pencil-grasp.html More information about pencil grasp

Personal CD Player If students have difficulty reading or using standard print materials, they may benefit from listening to books on CDs at their own pace. Some students may also benefit from listening to white noise cds or music to help them focus and block out distracting noises. Standardized assessments may also be available in CD format, which allows a struggling reader to stay in class and take the test in a self-paced manner

BIG Reading Guide Strips

These 7" x 3 3/4" transparent tinted window strips are designed to aid students and adults with reading paragraphs, large reading areas, and math. They assist with students who experience difficulties such as skipping words, skipping lines, reversing letters, transposing letters, losing your place, rereading lines, concentration, comprehension, red or water eyes, reading fatigue and squinting. All reading strips are made from heavy duty, durable vinyl material and come in a variety of colors.

Additional resources: http://www.ashleyusa.com/store/page20.html Product website

Eye Lighter
A staple for students building reading skills, Eye Lighters are transparent, plastic highlighters with beveled frosted edges that let students highlight words and sentences and track one, two or three lines at a time. Supports students' focus, fluency and speed as they underline the sentence they are reading and see the next few sentences that follow.

Additional resources: http://www.ashleyusa.com/store/page20.html Product website

Reading Guide

3 x 5 1/2 Inches. Regular Black Plastic. Masks paper for easier reading. Provides a 1/2"wide opening to help students keep their focus by blocking out the rest of the page.

Additional resources: http://www.thelowvisioncenter.com/lewrgureblpl.html Product website

Slant Board This alternative writing surface is designed to promote perfect writing posture and position. Use for writing or holding materials to copy from, as well as reading. The low angle surface of this slant board is approximately 20 degrees. It collapses to a thickness of just 3/4" and is very light; making it great for traveling (from home to school, class to class, etc.). Or, it can easily be stacked and stored in a classroom. Made of durable corrugated plastic, it has attached plastic clamps that hold paper well and includes non-slip "feet."
Additional resources: http://www.therapro.com/Better-Board-Slant-Boards-P28013.aspx Product website http://www.superslantboard.com/ similar products website Easy to read pen.docx Good article about why/when to use slant board

VOICECUE
VoiceCue is a clever, discrete auditory cueing device. Record up to five messages (60 seconds total recording time) and set the clock to play back messages at pre-set times. Each message can be assigned two playback times. For example, record 'Time to take your medication.' and set the clock to play the message at 7 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. If the message catches you off guard and you're not sure what it said, just press the 'replay' button within one minute to repeat the last message. Change messages or play time anytime you want. Requires a pen tip to record, so messages will not easily be erased or mis-recorded. Features a digital clock, volume control, and non-volatile memory (the messages are not lost even if the batteries run low). Includes a clip-on holder and two AA batteries.

Additional resources:

http://www.attainmentcompany.com/search/node/voice%20cue Product website

Students with Learning Disabilities: Organization Website with information on organization

8 Time Timer
Time can be abstract and stressful for some students. The Time Timer provides a visual countdown and provides a concrete representation of time passing. Use the Time Timer for helping students: Stay on task throughout the day. Reduce stress by making their day more predictable Break long projects into manageable steps. Understand the concept of time.

Additional resources:

Time Timer | Visual Timer, Classroom Timer, Autism Timer Time Timer website http://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/ Several fun timers for kids Free countdown timer Several choices of countdown timers

Twist N Write Pencils and Pens

The Twist 'n Write Pencil and Pens are specifically designed to fit smaller hands and the wishbone shaped design forces the school taught "tripod" position. This ergonomic, no-grip pen requires less hand strength than traditional writing instruments thanks to its unique wishbone-shape design. Helps children with fine motor skill difficulties
Additional resources:

http://penagain.net/ Pen Again website http://www.handwriting-solutions.com/dysgraphia.asp Good website for resource http://www.hwtears.com/hwt Handwriting curriculum for struggling writers

Talking Calculator Talking calculators use a built-in speech synthesizer to speak number, symbol or operation keys as they are pressed. They also read answers from completed calculations. Hearing the numbers or symbols may help some people find input errors, such as pressing the wrong key. Also, hearing the answer aloud helps users double-check for errors that may have been made when copying numbers, such as transposing 91 for 19, or confusing a 6 with a 9.
Additional resources: http://www.attainmentcompany.com/talking-calculator Product website http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/math Overview of math and learning difficulties

Silent Count-Up/Down Vibrating Timer This vibrating timer can count up or count down time to help students set goals to stay on task, complete tasks in timely manner, get to class on time, return from a break independently and keep track of time when engrossed in a favorite pursuit. The vibration feature allows older students to be reminded without being embarrassed.
Counts up or down to 100 hours User selects vibration or alarm when time is up Protective slide cover eliminates inadvertent stoppage Built-in memory; large 1/3 inch digits

Additional resources: http://www.cei-ultrak.com/ Product website http://www.addresources.org/?q=solutions Good website on using timers

Webcam This is a great tool to use with students who have difficulty joining a particular activity, due to sensory or anxiety issues. Set this up on a computer in a quiet area and use Skype to connect with the classroom or activity. The student can watch from a safe distance, control the sound and hopefully reduce his/her anxiety to eventually be able to join the group. Or use to record a student perform a skill and they can view it to self-monitor/evaluate.
USB port plugs directly into computer Sturdy, flexible neck allows for multiple viewing angles Built-in microphone 5.0 MP still image capture Plug & Play - No software or drivers to install

Additional resources:
http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY-Flexible-Megapixel-Camera Microphone/dp/B0019WF4FE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1353443278&sr=8-4&keywords=usb+webcam

Product website

http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/special/webcam-reading.php Research Using Webcams to Improve Reading Fluency