On Tuesday August 11th, Therapro hosted another successful webinar, Assistive Technology Tips and Tools. Our presenter, Abbie King M.S, CCC-SLP, engaged attendees with a fun activity, how Can You Use a Pool Noodle as Assistive Technology? Viewers provided some great ideas for new and different ways to use a pool noodle in the setting they are working in. Check out some of the great ideas below!
Using a Pool Noodle for Physical Access:
- Using on corners of desks/ edges for safety
- Sitting balance for an infant with (decreased) trunk support
- Side supports in (a wheelchair)
- Holding utensils
- Sliced open – place on the edge of a table or wheelchair tray to create a bumper
- Place as a footrest border
- Place a bungee cord inside and wrap around chair as a foot fidget
Using a Pool Noodle as Assistive Technology for Low Vision:
- Put on edges of desks so students can tell where desks end to not push items of
- Use as a card holder
- (Raised) border to a book or slant board,
- Cut into pieces and put different letters on there to make words
- Hang beads to work on far/near focus
- Bright colors can be used on handles
- Prop ipad
- Follow the moving noodle with eyes in all planes
- Tape together to make circle, place over desired object, visual/large core board
- Stabilize cards
- I spy games looking through a pool noodle..scavenger hunts
Using a Pool Noodle fas Assistive Technology for Hearing:
- Talk through for sound
- (Playing) telephone
- Slap them together, hit balls, air wands
- Play drums with pool noodles
- Rubbing it with hands
- Speak into one end and have child listen to sounds on other end to increase auditory feedback/sensory awareness
Using a Pool Noodle as Assistive Technology for Behavioral/ Emotional Challenges:
- Sensory tool (fidget) to squeeze, poke with golf tees, or roll small piece
- Something to squeeze, grasp, or tap on surface
- As a reward: use it to play balloon volleyball
- Rock right/left while grasping overhead
- Take a turn talking, deep breathing
- Wrap around child to create “bubble zone” for teaching personal space and reduce anxiety from overstimulation
- Attaching to chair to kick to increase focus; hand fidget
- Get anger out using a pool noodle to hit something…or make a “feelings fort” out of pool noodles
Other Uses for A Pool Noodle:
- Theraband on chair
- Play as obstacle course
- Use for positioning
- Boundaries on a table for remote or switch controlled doodle bug or car
- Having a sword fight
- Pencil grips