Resources for Students with Physical Impairments
What is a Physical Impairment?
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a person with an orthopedic impairment, brain injury, or other health impairment who, by reason of that impairment, needs special education and related services is considered to have a physical disability. The condition must interfere with or substantially limit the child’s ability to take part in routine school activities. A physical disability or health condition need not limit activity; instead, it may involve other restrictions, such as a special diet or the student’s need to use medical equipment.
The article below is all about young children with physical disabilities and the different careers that they could potentially have based off of all the new assistive technology available!
The article below is all about young children with physical disabilities and the different careers that they could potentially have based off of all the new assistive technology available!
young_children_with_physical_disabilities_.21.pdf | |
File Size: | 183 kb |
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See. Touch. Learn.See. Touch. Learn. is an application which can be used with an iPad. The application is $25 and comes with pre-made lessons on shapes, colors, and letters. A great feature of this application is that one can build, save, edit, and copy their own lessons. Personal pictures can even be added to the program so the lesson can be customized and personal. Since See. Touch. Learn. is an application for the iPad, physically impaired students will have an easier time maneuvering the device. Through the use of an iPad, students will increase their fine motor skills, while learning material that may not have been taught otherwise.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/see.touch.learn-pro-2012/id467924373?mt=8 |
Twist 'n Write PencilsTwist 'n Write Pencils are a low-tech form of assistive technology, for students with physical impairments. The pencil is wishbone shaped to provide stability for one's finger. The pencil teaches the commonly taught "tripod" position of holding one's pencil or pen. The pencil not only provides assistance in writing, but also has two dual-action erasers attached. This tool teaches the proper handwriting grip, but also provides assistance for those with smaller hands and those with fine motor difficulties.
Video on the Twist 'n Write Pencils: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lxl6ZHezNI http://www.penagain.com/twistnwrite.html |
Hot Virtual KeyboardThe Hot Virtual Keyboard works with different touch-screen PCs and tablets. The keyboard is fully customizable, allowing users to choose the colors and even program certain buttons for routine operations (copy and paste). Some keys can even programmed to open different applications, such as the internet. They Hot Virtual Keyboard also offers word auto-complete to make typing faster. All of these features can assist students with physical impairments by allowing them to type and use the computer easier. Students do not have to worry about the physical keyboard, but rather can use the touch-screen keyboard. This will still assist with fine motor, but will alleviate the pressure of typing. The programmable buttons and word auto-complete allow the students to complete their work in a more timely fashion, which will reduce the stress of the students.
http://hot-virtual-keyboard.com/ |
NoHands MouseThe NoHands Mouse is a foot operated mouse. The mouse can be used with students who have physical impairments that affect their hand or arm. The foot operated mouse allows students to keep their hands rested on the keyboard, which eliminates the difficulty of switching between the keyboard and mouse. It works by providing two pedals, one for the cursor and one for button clicking.
http://www.footmouse.com/ |
Thera-Flex Therapy PuttyThera-Flex Therapy Putty can be used with children who have physical impairments. Using the putty helps improve fine motor skills. The putty can also help students strengthen their muscles, as well as release the stress and tension in their hands. Improving the children's fine motor skills can assist in building strength in their hands. Not to mention that it is a fun way to learn! http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/fine-motor-skills-activities-for-children.html |
FLIP Automatic Page TurnerThe FLIP Automatic Page Turner is a great way for students with physical impairments to read tangible books, rather than just audio or electronic books. The device can adjust to fit many different sized books, as well as different thicknesses. The page turner works with magazines, paperback books, and hardcover books. This assistive technology provides assistance to those who may have difficulties with their hand or arm movements.
http://www.special-need-products.com/page-turner-faq.html |
Are you a teacher?
Here is how to implement these tools in your classroom!
These tools can help students in your classroom to learn while eliminating some of the limitations a physical disability may generate. Students with physical disabilities often use tools to perform day to day activities in the classroom. These tools can help students to overcome motor difficulties they may have during class assignments. The twist and write pencils can provide stability to all students during writing assignments. Tools on the ipad can help students with physical disabilities to improve their fine motor skills and can be easier to manipulate than a typical pen and paper. The keyboard can also be used in a similar way and easier to work with than a standard computer keyboard.
The fallowing article is a study was published by Computers & Education in 2010. The articles goes into detail about the positive effects of using a Wii Nunchuck as an alternative to a switch controlled software! After reading this article, if you do not already have on I predict that many teachers and parents will be rushing to the store to purchase a Wii!
The fallowing article is a study was published by Computers & Education in 2010. The articles goes into detail about the positive effects of using a Wii Nunchuck as an alternative to a switch controlled software! After reading this article, if you do not already have on I predict that many teachers and parents will be rushing to the store to purchase a Wii!
wii_nunchuck_as_assistive_technology_for_physically_disabled.pdf | |
File Size: | 716 kb |
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