Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 3 – Assistive Technology for Writing
Assistive Technology and Writing
Low Tech Adaptations to Improve Handwriting
Handwriting is the most frequently appearing concern on IEP’s. Students with a variety of
disabilities (and many without) experience difficulties with producing legible handwriting.
Today there are many, very available items that can be used to help a student produce more
legible, readable written output. Here are a few suggestions:
♦ Try different pencils/pens
Office supply stores now carry a multitude of different pens and pencils. There are some that
are larger in diameter, triangular shape, and oval shape or covered with a rubber surface.
Purchase a variety and try them out. Let the writer choose which one to use to increase
motivation to write.
♦ Use pencil grips
Just as there are many different types of pencils and pens, there are also many types of pencil
grips. There are soft, hard, smooth, sticky, round, triangular, square, etc. Collect a variety and
keep them available. Let the writer choose what is most comfortable to them.
♦ Try different paper
There are a variety of papers that are available in school supply catalogs. There are wider
lines; darker lines, red and green colored lines, even raised lines. Different colors of spiral
bound paper have also become popular and may help increase the user's motivation to write.
♦ Try a different medium
Some students can write better with a dry erase marker on a small dry erase board. It takes
less pressure to produce a mark and is easily erased to repair mistakes. You can purchase
Memo Board dry erase removable paper made by Contact at department stores and create
your own dry erase boards.
♦ Rubber Stamps
Use rubber stamps for stamping student’s name on papers or for answering one-digit answers
on worksheets. Sweeney (2000) suggests looking at the student’s needs and environment
when looking at stamps. In particular, pay attention to the size of the stamped image, the
need for an inkpad, and the grip and pressure required to use the stamp. Some stamps are
self-inking. This can reduce the need and mess of a stamp pad.
♦ Make your own adaptations
If you cannot order the special paper, try making your own raised line paper by carefully
tracing the bottom lines with Elmer’s glue. Then let it dry and you have a raised line to try.
You can also make a quick and inexpensive pencil grip using Adhesive Mounting Putty. This
is the material that you buy to hang posters instead of tape. It is easily shaped and will not
dry out. Take one section of putty from package and shape around pencil, making finger
grips to fit hand. 3M Vetwrap Bandaging Tape is also easily shaped around a writing
utensil and comes in colors that are motivating for children.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 79