AT to Support Struggling Writers

Writing is a “complex problem solving activity” (Dell et. Al. 2008).  Writing involves thinking, planning, decision-making and mechanics.  Combining technology with writing process instruction, can assist students in their written communication skills.  For more ideas see: 

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/960-writing-tools.gs

Concern	Low – Mid Tech Adaptations	High Tech Adaptations
Writing Process Problems: Can't get started, support for planning	Printable Graphic Organizers for each stage and genre of writing. http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/ Strategies and lesson plans: http://www.readwritethink.org/	Kidspiration / Inspiration Software (Graphic Organizers) http://www.inspiration.com/ WordQ: (Word Prediction & Text to Speech) http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/ Read Write Gold: (Reading, Writing and Study Skills) http://www.texthelp.com/UK Microsoft Word
Poor fine motor control: Awkward pencil grip, slow, poorly spaced letters	Pencil Grips, slant boards, specialty papers. http://www.onionmountaintech.com/index.php Practical ideas about handwriting from an OT http://www.developmentaldelay.net/page.cfm/178	Handwriting instruction and support for teachers anrents http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/educators/therapists/special-needs
Poor Spelling, Grammar, Syntax, vocabulary	High Frequency word charts Personal Dictionaries based on subjects and topics  Franklin Talking Dictionary	Microsoft Word WordQ: (Word Prediction & Text to Speech) http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/ Read Write Gold: (Reading, Writing and Study Skills) http://www.texthelp.com/UK
Note Taking: Difficulty taking notes from board	Provide photocopies of another students notes, or paper copies of power points, Smart Board notes, teacher notes, etc.	Students who are able to type: Alphasmart http://www.neo-direct.com/default.aspx