Motor+Aspects+for+Writing

The ** motor aspects of writing ** include the fine motor manipulation used for the physical process of writing. This skill is comprised of the ability to pick up, hold, and move a writing utensil with a certain level of skill for legible handwriting. Visual perception and eye-hand coordination are also factors. Students need to hold a writing utensil, secure the paper, visually guide the hand, and have the fine motor skills to move the pencil. Students require neuromuscular abilities such as muscle strength to hold and move the pencil for a period of time. Postural control is also necessary for the physical aspect of writing. Students need to sit upright in order to write legibly.

** Types of Assistive Technology: **


 * __pencil grips__ - plastic or foam piece that slides onto a pencil for better control




 * __writing paper templates__ - lined paper to guide handwriting




 * __label maker__ - computer that prints out typed text on self-adhesive material


 * __rubber stamps__ - stamps that use ink to imprint text on paper


 * __writing templates__ - graphic organizer to help organize ideas




 * __slant board__ - angled platform that promotes improved posture for reading and writing




 * __word processors__ - software such as Microsoft Word


 * __portable word processors__ - battery powered typewriter such as Neo2 and Calcuscribe




 * __alternative keyboards__ - keyboards that can be attached to a computer with various features such as large keys, color-coded keys, on-line keyboard, IntelliKeys, or Braille keyboard






 * __word prediction software__ - software that predicts/completes words that the user intends to type, such as SpeakQ and WordQ


 * __voice recognition software__ - software that converts speech to text such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking

media type="youtube" key="xHg5txXOOkY" height="315" width="420" align="center"

For more information: <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Types of Assistive Technology <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Various AT for Writing <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">WATI.org

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Resources: <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nankee, C., Stindt, K., & Lees, P. (2009). //Ch5-Writing Motor Aspects.// Retrieved March 18, 2012, from WATI.org: http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch5-WritingMotorAspects.pdf

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pictures: http://assistivetech.net/search/productDisplay.php?product_id=43258 http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Keyboards-Mice-Joysticks http://www.enasco.com/product/SN01041CQ http://www.mayer-johnson.com/speakq/?gclid=CK--yL-b4K8CFUZN4Aod8ml3Cw http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/graphic/graphic.htm http://www.renlearn.com/neo/NEO2/default.aspx http://www.visualedgesb.com/blog/?p=135