Other Common Types of AT

7. Adapted Keyboard- The standard QWERTY keyboard may work well for most students, however for students with moderate to severe disabilities alternative options must be found. There are several categories of expanded keyboards, one-handed keyboards, on-screen keyboards, and mini-keyboards. A very popular brand of the expanded keyboards is Intellikeys that uses overlays. These overlays are pre-printed keyboard layouts that can be substituted for the standard QWERTY overlay or a customized overlay. The expanded keyboard differs by the tactile or auditory feedback students receive when they make a keystroke. Adapted keyboards are used for a range students with disabilities.  Many students who use adapted keyboards have poor fine motor skills or control, cognitive deficits, have no range of motion, can only use one hand, or can't use a standard keyboard.

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom (second ed., pp. 185-193). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.,.

8. Portable Word Processor- This lightweight assistive technology device is helpful to kids who have difficulty writing. The Forte portable processor allows students to build keyboarding skills and develop their writing skills. Digital writing with the convenience of portability seems like the perfect low-tech type of AT for students with high-incidence disabilities. There are no games, no Internet, and therefore very little distractions. This device is beneficial for students with attention deficits, spelling difficulties, and poor fine motor skills.

tp://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/961-portable-word-processors.gs

9. Assisted Literacy Software- I found this great program called Literacy Lab. It's a comprehensive literacy instructional program designed to help all students including diverse learners with intellectual, physical, or communication challenges. This program provides beginning literacy instruction based on science and social studies. This program is researched-based and is aligned with common core state standards. It is also ideal as an RTI and ELL intervention.

10. Voice Output Communication Device- Many students with Autism, developmental disabilities, and other acquired disabilities use voice output communication devices to communicate. They help non-verbal students overcome their unique communication barriers. The auditory output gives sensory feedback to help students develop language skills. Some other advantages of voice-output communication devices include clarity of communication, improved receptive language, motor sensory integration principles, development of literacy, and increased verbal speech. DynaVox is the leading provider of speech-generating devices.

11. Type to Learn Software to Teach Keyboarding Skills- Learning how to type seems to be a forgotten skill. Learning keyboarding skills is vital for today's learners. Typing software is a great way for students to build typing skills. Many keyboarding games teach these skills through a variety of online games as well as typing lessons. Many of the popular software programs provide timed-test, dictation practice, speed lessons, and progress reporting.

12. Electronic Touch Tablet- Many of the electronic touch tablets offered are for young children. They offer students the opportunity to learn letters and beginning literacy skills with phonics and letter sounds. The games are interactive and engaging for students. The screen is touch sensitive and young students will grasps concepts quicker and faster. Did I mention how fun these games can be? Young children are made to feel like a big boy or girl because they are using a real computer. Electronic tablets are cheaper and they run on batteries.