Twelve Assistive Technology Idea Sheets 1

1.
Assistive Technology Ideas for Aids to Daily Living
STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

• Reduce clutter • Non slip materials – Dycem, shelf • Light switch extension
• Daily schedule liner • Interface and switch to activate
• Weekly schedule • Universal cuff to hold items in hand battery operated devices
• Color coding for location and • Adapted drinking cup – i.e. Nosey • Interface and switch to turn on
Cup, cup with handles, weighted
identification electrical appliances (radio, fan,
cup, cup with lid
• Clear simple directions blender)
• Adapted eating utensils with foam
• Break information down into handles • Radio/ultrasound to remote-
small steps • Scoop plates, guards for plates control appliances
• Model the activity • Rocker knife • Electronic aid to daily living to
• Provide examples • Adapted cooking utensils control environment in
• Teach skill to over-learning and • One handed can opener connection with an
generalization • Button hook or loop augmentative communication
• Establish routines and timelines • Adapted toothbrush device
• Provide lists • Raised toilet seat • Automatic self-feeder
• Use pictures for cues, recipes, • Toilet splash guard • Books on tape
• Shower rails
for lists
• Shower chair Computer/Software
• Provide guided practice in real
• Electric toothbrush • Organization/reminder software
situations
• Long handle shoe horn • Software that teaches daily
• Personal care assistant • Adapted posts and pans with built- living skills
up handles
• Money skills for learning and for
• Reachers
budgeting
• Lowered counter/work space
• Sock aid • Internet access
• Bibs • Writing with symbols
• Dressing sticks • Templates for writing
• Velcro fasteners on clothing • Text-reading software
• Toilet aids
• Velcro shoe fasteners
© 2009 – Developed by Easter Seals Southwest Human Development AT Program, Phoenix, Arizona.
Adapted from a project in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education
2. Assistive Technology Ideas for Computer Access

• Use built-in accessibility features of • Adapted mouse • Adapted or Alternative keyboards (various)
a computer • Trackballs or trackpads • Braille printers and displays
• Built-in spelling and grammar • Joystick • Touch window
check, thesaurus • Head pointer/mouth stick • Head pointing systems
• Glare reduction • Magnifiers • Scanners
• Adjust contrast • Increase font size • Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
• Change background, font color • Key guards • Amplification
• Positioning at the computer, • Switches • Eye pointing/camera systems
optimal for client • Numeric keyboard used as mouse • Switch with Morse Code
• Lighting • Key caps • Switch with scanning
• Arms supported as needed • Stickers on keys • Magnification software
• Peer support or assistance • Moisture guards • Voice recognition software
• Participation in group activities • Keyboard covers, flaps and • Screen readers
templates • Text readers
• Letter board • Word prediction
• Key caps with Braille • Abbreviation/expansion software
• Tactile displays for alternate • On-screen keyboard
keyboards • Predictive keyboards
• Computer access from Augmentative
Alternative Communication (AAC) device
• Interactive whiteboard
• Interactive whiteboard software
• Preprogrammed multiswitch input boxes
• Programmable multiswitch input boxes
3. Assistive Technology Ideas for Hearing

• Pen/pencil for writing • Flashing light for • TDD/TTY for phone
• Picture communication signaling phone, access with or without
• Sign language or finger spelling doorbell, fire alarm relay
• Dry erase board • Carbonless note taking • Closed captioning
• Meaning of facial expressions, gestures, body paper • Real time captioning
language • Talk about it – feelings • Hearing aid
• Always face the student/client
cards • Cochlear implant
• Gently touch shoulder to gain attention
• Vibrating alert • Personal amplification
• Gain attention before you start speaking
• Speak slowly, naturally and clearly • Vibrating alarm system
• Do not exaggerate your lip movements • Phone amplification • FM loop or loop system
• Break up longer sentences into smaller ones • Infrared system
• Repeat new vocabulary in different contexts • Auditory trainer
• Sequence topics relating to that previously learned • Environmental alerting
• Use written announcements for assignments, due devices
dates, exam dates, changes in schedule, special
event dates Computer/Software
• Provide outline of lesson/activity in advance • Portable word processor
• Use captioned films, videos
• Computer aided note-
• Avoid seating in heavy traffic areas
taking
• Seat near speaker
• Screen flash for alert
• Do not talk while writing at the chalkboard
• Eliminate background noises
signals on computer
• Avoid standing where light source can cause glare
when speaking
• Work from concrete to abstract
• Keep your hands away from your face when
speaking
• Maximize the use of visual media
• Establish an in-case-of-emergency procedure
• Use a note-taker or interpreter
4. Assistive Technology Ideas for Math

• Reduce clutter on desk • Manipulatives (blocks, magnetic • Talking calculators
• Seating position objects, etc.) with or without templates • Printing calculators
• Extended time for assignments/tasks • Abacus (regular or enlarged) • Braille calculator
• Reduced or alternative assignments/tasks • Visual cues (# line, posters, templates, • Calculator with large keys, LCD,
• Use clear, simple directions with examples etc. printout
and checks for comprehension • Note cards with terms/symbols as • Voice output measuring devices
• Peer tutor/cross age tutor &/or volunteer memory triggers • Tactile graphics &/or measuring tools
• Allow manipulatives/counters/calculators • Use fact charts or Math dictionary • Conversion calculators
• Functional application of math skills • Dotted, highlighted or graph paper to • Coin-U-Lator
• Adapt worksheets and packets line up math problems
• Teach “counting on” & other math strategies • Graph paper for place value Computer/Software
• Alter type of information (i.e. give answer • Circle or highlight computation sign • On-screen calculator
first) • Calculators • Enlarged &/or talking &/or printing
• Use visual cues (see light tech) • Dice made with large squares of foam calculator
• Large print • Counting mat or boxes • Software with templates for
• Use alternative page set-ups • Number line on desk computation
• Reduce number of items on page • Mini whiteboard/chalkboard • Software for manipulation of objects
• Provide adequate space for students to write • Alter workbooks/worksheets • Accessibility Options in Control Panel
out solutions • Flash cards w/ string & beads attached • Software for adapted input methods
• Follow a standard format for worksheets • Walking number line on floor • Simulation software for money skills,
• Use white space, boxes to fill in, individual • Multiplication grid budgeting, etc.
cards with answers or answered problem • Lined paper turned sideways for • Math talking worksheet software
• Eliminate need to copy problems columns • Spreadsheet software
• Minimize number of items on page • Card holders • Graph making software
• Avoid mixing “signs” on page • Number stamps • Interactive online math activities
• Teach imagery techniques • Computational aides • Word Equation Editor
• Use mnemonic devices • Containers for counters • paint program to complete worksheet
• Use “Finger Math” • Tangrams • PowerPoint activities
http://klingon.cs.iupui.edu/~aharris/chis/chis. • Geoboards • Math freeware and shareware
html • Visual/interactive support -overhead
projector
5. Assistive Technology Ideas for Reading

• Seating position • Slant board • Electronic book readers
• Extend time for assignment/tasks • Book holder • Voice recorder with/without adapted controls
• Electronic/talking dictionary/thesaurus
• Use alternative assignments/tasks • Page fluffers to help turn pages
• Electronic page turner
• Seating needs (hearing, seeing, distractibility, • Page extenders to turn pages • Devices with speech output
noise level, traffic pattern, near teacher or • Laminate book pages • Reading pens
peers, etc.)
• Enlarged print
• Desk modifications (lip on one side, match
• High contrast materials Computer/Software
height to student, remove bin from • Projector for showing reading material
underneath, stand rather than sit, use two • Tactile enhancements
• Talking word processors with/or without
desks to allow for movement • Lighting adjustments (more, less, direction) earphones
• Reduce clutter on desk • Books on tape • Built-in accessibility options in Control Panel
• Supply appropriate reading level • Highlight key points in textbooks and notes • Large, high resolution monitor
• Provide means for self-selection of books • Rubber tabs to turn page • Screen magnifier
• Reduce # of items and/or items on a page • Paper clips and a magnet to turn pages • Change colors on software (background or
font)
• Tape tests, untimed tests, or use a reader • Loose-leaf notebooks and page protectors • Braille output device
• Allow alternative methods to demonstrate • Word/sentence windows to guide reading • E-text
comprehension • Eye gaze to choose books • Storybook software
• Select question format carefully • Large print books • Download books from internet and upload to
• Teach and review test-taking vocabulary • Pictorial directions talking word processor (text-to-speech)
• • Scanner with OCR software to capture text
Teach strategies to prepare for different • Add pictures, symbols, and/or signs
types of tests/assignments and prepare it for use with text-to-speech
• Label important items in room • Single switch software for reading
• Provide extra cues or prompts • Classroom devices with speech output • Interactive reading software
• List critical vocabulary for content material • Teacher-created books • PowerPoint to create clickable lessons
• Provide discussion questions before reading • Letter/word tiles, scrabble tiles, magnetic • Enhance with definitions/explanations
• Easy access to books • Highlight/mark syllables or target words • Project Intersect http://cate.uoregon.edu
• Discuss assignments before reading • Magnifying ruler/word windows • Interactive whiteboard
• Use extra space between lines of print • Mini-flashlight
• Change text size, spacing, colors, etc. • Word searches, crosswords, mazes
• Use student interest • Reading window, showing one line of text
• Props to support comprehension
6. Assistive Technology Ideas for Recreation and Leisure

• Special Olympics • Toys adapted with Velcro, magnets, • Arm supports
• Big Brothers handles; for switch activation • Electronic aids to control TV, VCR,
• Big Sisters • Adapted sporting equipment CD and DVD players
• Scouts • Lighted or beeping balls • Swimming pool lift
• Universal cuff/strap to hold objects
• Exercises, program and adaptive • Modified transportation
• Modified utensils
equipment • Adapted playground equipment
• Modified stamps with handles
• Modify game rules for simplicity • Adapted spinners • Special trikes, bikes
• Pinch hitter • Playing card holder • Closed captioning
• Interpreter – oral, sign, visual • Water wings • Brailed games
• Field trip – accessible bus • Safety helmet • Electronic book readers
• Research whether facility is • Tape recorder • MP3 players with adaptations
accessible • Enlarged print
• Picture books Computers/Software
• Lifted pages; page fluffers • Draw and paint programs
• Templates • Computer games
• Book stands or holders • Simple access game spinners
• Ramp in the sand • Single switch software
• Adaptive devices for eating out
• Voice recognition software
• Switches
• Grips
• Sticky keys
• Pool cue holder • Touch screen
• Driving aids • Interactive white board
• Spin art • Programmable multi-switch input
• One-handed fishing rod boxes
• Adapted puppet stands • Pre-programmed multi-switch input
boxes
7. Assistive Technology Ideas for Seating, Positioning, and Mobility

• Preferential seating for location • Towel rolls • Lifts
and lighting • Pillows • Standers
• Inquire in advance if bus is • Cushion • Motion table
accessible • Wagons • AFO’s
• Physical assistant • Wedges • Braces
• Person-assist for walking • Bolsters • Manual wheelchair
• Person-assist for moving • Tumbleform chairs • Power chair
• Adjust height of table and chair • Cane • Powered scooter
• Crutches walker • Adapted vehicle for driving
• Adapted toileting chair • Powered door opener
• Raised toilet seat • Adapted stroller
• Splints • Lift chairs
• Floor mats • Tilt-in-space system
• Bolster • Tilt tables
• Adapted swings • Power lift systems
• Scooters • Specialty wheelchairs
• Hand rails
• Swivel chair
• Gait belt
• Transfer board
• T-stool
• Sidelyer
• Weighted vest
• Balls
• Ball chair
• Ball bath
• Other lift systems (Hoyer Lift)
8. Assistive Technology Ideas for Speaking

• Quiet environment • Dry erase board • Electronic/talking
• Facing the communicator • Communication book dictionary/thesaurus
• Maintaining eye gaze • Story boards • Communication devices
• Writing the message down (esp. • Post-it notes o Multiple level voice output
for students with ASD) • Cheat sheets showing location of o Paper displays
• Visual choices words/sentences on a o Dynamic screen displays
• Multiple choices communication device o Spelling based system
• Pointing to pictures/letters/objects • Letter communication board o Computers w/
• Adding pictures to objects; • Object tray communication software
schedules; bulletin boards • Mirror o Cell phone with texting
• Allow single word communication • Single message devices • Passy Muir Valve
• Sign language • Step listing devices • Electro-larynx
• Gestures • Recipe cards
Computer
• Peer groups • Talking picture frames/photo
albums • Talking picture word processors,
• Teacher uses clear speech
such as Clicker 5, Boardmaker
models • Mealtime placemat
Plus/Writing with Symbols,
• Provide clear feedback • Activity specific language boards
Picture It and Classroom Suite 4
• Reflect back what the speaker • Electronic book reader
• Word prediction software (such
has said • Talking books as Co:Writer
• Modify activity for increased • Amplifiers • Word abbreviation software
practice • Communication notebooks • Screen/text reading software
• Provide extra cues and prompts • Communication flipbooks • Biofeedback- viewer
• Allow for increased practice
• Partner models using
communication system that
student is learning
9. Assistive Technology Ideas for Studying and Organization

• Connect learning to students’ lives and prior • Organizers for materials (drawers, bins, etc.) • Recorded materials (i.e. books on tape)
knowledge • Organizers for desk • Tape lectures with number coded index
• Reduce clutter on desk • Highlight key words and instructions • Mini pocket recorders
• Clear, simple directions, check • Use a “Notebook Control System” • Portable electronic organizers, date
comprehension books, etc.
• Use Post-It notes, flags
• Prioritize tasks with time suggestions • Highlighter tape/pens and erasable pens • Digital recorder/voice organizer
• Use peers/cross-age tutors/volunteers • NCR paper for notes • Videotape lesson for later review
• Attach assignments, schedule, checklist, • Record instructions • PDAs
timetable, etc. to desk
• Supplementary, multi-modality materials
• Allow separate settings for tests/assignments Computer
• Vocabulary files, cards, or books
• Have student arrive early to go over day’s • Software for manipulation of objects, and
play, preview materials or tasks • Pre-label, highlight, punch and collate concept development
handouts
• Provide daily and weekly assignment sheets • Software for organization of ideas and
• Pictorial schedule/assignments studying
• Use alternative page set-ups
• Color-coded filing system (index tabs, • Use of word processor templates
• Model the activity or provide examples
folders, notebooks, book covers, etc.)
• Break information into steps • Software that embeds support for
• Voice output reminders for assignments, vocabulary within text
• Home texts/materials for preview/review studying, steps of task, schedule, etc.
• Seating needs and position
• Online dictionary and thesaurus
• Study sheets to organize material
• Pre-teach vocabulary
• Online sites for research
• Change lighting (light on desk, back to
• Teach study skills and self monitoring window)
• Interactive whiteboard
• Use cooperative learning groups • Book holders
• Personal amplification system
• Provide guided practice • Overlays/acetate on text pages
• Webbing, mind-mapping software
• Routines for handing in work, heading • List of confusing words
• Outline in word processors
papers, etc. • Business cards/mailing labels
• Calendar/schedule making software
• Provide essential fact list • Combination analog/digital watches
• Simplifying computer desktop with
folders, shortcuts, etc.
• Photocopy information ahead of time • Phone dialers
• Prepare summary of important facts with
• Adding graphics to folders for easier
• Talking clocks identification
blanks to be filled in by student
• Day-timers, schedulers and planners
• Use physical cues/gestures
• Headphones with white noise or music
• Cover parts of page/worksheets
• Flashlight or light pointer
10. Assistive Technology Ideas for Transition to Adult Life

• Provide social opportunities • Picture recipe cards • Calculator that writes checks
• Visit community centers • Picture cards for transportation • Portable word processor
• Use of self care devices • Picture schedules • Personal digital assistant (PDA)
• Use of AAC devices or systems • Timer • Reminder system
• Create peer support • Alarm clock • Accessible phone/communication
• Friends as support services • Simplified budget system system
• Recreation mentor • Calculator, regular or talking • Emergency alert system
• Provide access to the internet • Communication wallet
• Group home placement • Emergency info system Computer/Software
• Companion • Picture/large button phone • Talking word processor
• Vocational education training • Memory dial • Accessible internet access
• Teach to recognize symptoms, • Talking watch/clock • Text reader
health needs • Planning/organizing software
• Job shadowing
• Job coaching to obtain volunteer
position
• Job coaching to obtain paid
employment
• SAT/GED testing in an
alternative format
• Icon-based instructions, maps
• Shopping list template
• Visual budget
• Training to travel independently
• Multi-agency collaboration,
planning
11. Assistive Technology Ideas for Vision
STRATEGIES AND LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH
MODIFICATIONS
• Oral presentation of material, • Dark pens • CC-TV
directions, tests • Markers • Magni-Cam
• Contrast • Writing guides, including checks, letters, • Large button calculator, phone,
• Reduce glare envelopes keyboards, remote controls
• Check-writing guide • Large numbered clocks
• Large print
• Large print address book, calendar • Braille clocks and watches
• Color overlays
• Large print check register • Talking clocks and watches
• Sans serif fonts (Arial, • Abacus • Laser cane
Tahoma) • Tactile ruler • 3-in-1 tracker
• Peer note taking • Pill minder • Talking books
• Carbonless paper for note • Four track player/recorder • Recorded books
taking • Braille label writer • Braille books
• Raised line paper • Magnifiers (various) • Talking thermometer
• Dark lined paper • Label maker • Speaker phone
• Glue or raised paint guides • Tactile overlays • Talking scale
• Guides made with Wikki • Walking stick • Voice announcer for caller ID
sticks • Mobility cane with roller tip • Self-threading sewing machine
• Textures cues • Adapted rec-leisure equipment • Braille compass
• Clothing markers • Talking compass
• Texture boards
• Clip holders for cane • Talking tape measure
• Slant boards
• Cane pouches and holsters • Voice recognition organizer
• Orientation training • Wooden board and cell slate
• Mobility training • Braille stylus Computer/Software
• Position at activity • Bagel biter or trap • JAWS
• Tactile cues • Food chopper • Zoomtext
• Cutting board with slicing guide • Kurzweill
• Audible battery tester • Built-in accessibility features on a
• Liquid level indicator computer
• Note teller • Braille printer
• Raised letter & Braille measuring • Braille embosser
cups/spoons • Typing tutor
• Text-to-speech software
12. Assistive Technology Ideas for Writing
• Extend time for assignments/tasks • Pencil grips/holders • Labeler
• Reduce or use alternative assignments/tasks • Short pencil stub • Electronic/talking dictionary/thesaurus
• Adjust seating position (90° 90° x 90°) • Pens with different grips • Digital recorder/voice organizer
• Peer “scribe” for note taking or dictation • Sentence strips • Portable note-taker (regular or Braille)
• Seating needs (hearing, seeing, distractibility, • Straps/splints; “T” holder for pencil • Portable word processor, with or without word
noise level, traffic pattern, front/back of room, • Spinner with parts of story prediction, word banks, built-in dictionaries
near teacher or peers, etc.) • Eye gaze symbol or alphabet boards
• Desk (wheelchair accessible, laptop, tilt, flip Computer
• Wrist weight/hold down • Word processors, w/ or w/o speech feedback
top desk, lip on side of desk, large table,
stand rather than sit, study carrel, etc.) • Slant board or easel; or use 3” 3-ring binder • Spelling and grammar checker
• Reduce clutter on desk • Dycem/other material to prevent slippage • Keyguard (with reduced # of keys)
• Allow word cards, spelling list, hints, etc. • Name/number/date/stamps • Keyguard (for all keys)
• Magnetic letters and board/cookie sheet • Alternative mouse and/or keyboard
• Allow alternative methods, i.e. oral report • Accessibility Options in Control Panel
• Do not penalize for misspellings, poor writing • Line indicators (raised line, w/ mid-line, etc) • Screen/text reader
or grammar on draft • Sections on paper (draw lines, fold, etc.)
• Word processor “forms” feature
• Type of paper (graph, textured, colored,
• Allow single word or short answers
etc.)
• Enlarged or Braille key caps, labels. covers
• Give multiple choice tests • Provide extra white spaces
• Screen flasher when sound is emitted
• Allow either printing or cursive • Alternative methods to access keyboard
• Highlight or color code special words or
(mouthsticks, headsticks, electronic)
• Use checklists to help get started parts of speech
• On-screen keyboard
• Teach and review test-taking vocabulary • Put less information on page
• Touch window/screen
• Provide models of writing tasks • High contrast colors
• Switch control (single or multiple
• “Post-it” notes for “fill in the blank” tests
• Lighting adjustments (more/less/direction)
• Word cards, book, wall or file
• Utilities to enlarge the cursor, hold Windows
• Provide outline/lecture notes beforehand open, assist with click/drag, etc.
• Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
• Provide spelling journals • Voice recognition
• Pencil/pen attached to desk
• Software strategies (word prediction,
• Brainstorm ideas before beginning to write • Word/sentence windows
abbreviation expansion, etc.)
• Use remnant books for topic setting • Trace letters/numbers/words with
• Software for organization and expression
highlighter
• Develop idea lists for topic setting • Graphic organizer software
• Stencils to trace letters
• Model using the writing instrument used by • Tactile letters/words
• Software for screen magnification
student • Draw/paint software

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1.

Assistive Technology Ideas for Aids to Daily Living

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

STRATEGIES AND MODIFICATIONS LIGHT-TECH HIGHER-TECH

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