Low+Tech+Communication+Tools


 * __Low Tech Communication__ **



“Low tech assistive technology is something used to help a person utilize materials or perform tasks their body won't allow on its own. Generally, low tech materials don't require electricity or batteries. Low tech assistive technology is usually a cost effective solution because it can often be made without purchasing expensive equipment. Because of this, it can easily be updated and replaced as needed. Because it's simpler to use, the only training needed is for the person utilizing it.” [] **// Click on following images to access topic information //**

**Assistive Technology: Low Tech: Visual/Reading Supports**

**Low Tech Tools: Motor/Mechanics of Writing; Motor/Writing and Reading Supports**

**Considering Your Child's Need for Assistive Technology**

**Assistive Technology for Writing, Including Motor Aspect of Writing and Composition**

**__Examples of Low Tech Communication Tools__ **

 Use rubber stamps for stamping student’s name on papers or for answering one-digit answers on worksheets. The student’s needs and environment need to be assessed when looking at stamps. In particular, pay attention to the size of the stamped image, the need for an ink pad, and the grip and pressure required to use the stamp. Some stamps are self-inking. This can reduce the need and the potential mess of a stamp pad.

Teacher-made templates for note taking can reduce writing demands by providing a fill in the blank format. This works well for learning note taking skills, as the teacher can leave out important words for the child to fill in as they are listening. The student is not required to write down all the extraneous information.

 Magnet letters, words or phrases may be used by students as an alternative to writing their response.

The new electronic label makers are another way for students with difficulties forming letters to produce written work. They can be used to type a word or phrase, print it out and attach to a worksheet or other document. You may be able to check in your local school office area to borrow one. Since these devices are readily available, using a feature match will help determine the best choice for the student. There are numerous types and sources of label makers. When choosing a label maker here are some features to consider:


 * Keyboard - size of keyboard, size of buttons, layout (QWERTY vs. ABC)
 * Features - fonts, font sizes, color of text, memory, complexity of special features
 * Tape - size, length, color or transparent
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tape cutter - automatic or manual
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cost - machine and tape refills

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Tablet PC's also offer word processing applications with all the capabilities of a laptop or desktop. The Tablet PC incorporates a touch screen with handwriting recognition capabilities. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> iTouch offers an MP3 device with Internet connectivity and hundreds of downloadable applications. Using an MP3 format, this device is not only beneficial for listening to audible books, but can be used as a writing tool through applications for word prediction, instant messaging, and email. The technology for this device is evolving and becoming very usable and much less expensive. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The computer can be an exceptionally effective tool to support students who are struggling with writing. Word processing on the computer offers the opportunity to change letters, words, sentences, and paragraphs easily and quickly while allowing a clean, attractive, and readable end product.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Big Keys is an alternative keyboard with large keys and features which may include color coded keys or high-contrast lettering and an optional detachable plexiglass key guard. Features: optional ASSIST Mode (for those who cannot press 2 or more keys simultaneously or need 1-handed typing; works with and enhances the Windows "Sticky Key" Accessibility Option), and optional ability to switch between ABC and QWERTY layouts. No special software required; it is a plug 'n play device. This keyboard comes with a USB adapter making it compatible with both Win and Mac computers.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Voice recognition is a computer application that lets people control a computer by using speech. Students can write using voice recognition in conjunction with a standard word processing program. When users speak into the microphone their words appear on a computer screen in a word processing format, ready for revision and editing. Not only can voice recognition software benefit students with learning disabilities but also the student with physical access challenges. While many such students benefit from standard word processing, the visual-motor demands of keyboarding can be a major stumbling block that compounds the writing process. Similarly, students who are the poorest spellers are frequently unable to effectively use standard spell checkers. For whatever reason, if a student's oral language skills far exceed their ability to generate text with pencil and paper or standard word processing, voice recognition may enable them to become successful writers.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as there are many different pencils and pens, there are also many types of pencil grips. They vary in size, shape, and composition as well as aesthetic qualities such as color. Collect a variety and allow the writer to choose which is most beneficial. Author of //Living in the State of Stuck//, Scherer (2004), feels that the user of the assistive technology needs to have a say in what is prescribed, chosen or used. Having a variety of grips to choose from lets the student know that their opinions and desires are important when choosing a grip or any type of AT.

**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">__Three Examples of Low Tech Assist Tech Video__ ** <span style="display: block; font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">**(****7:23** **minutes)** media type="youtube" key="tOX2gcc7BI0" height="219" width="294" align="center"

Video from YouTube.com