Tag Archives: assistive technology

Therapro’s Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions Shine at ATIA 2024

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The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2024 witnessed a bustling Therapro booth, where attendees were immersed in a hands-on experience with a diverse range of assistive technology solutions. The spotlight, however, was on the low-tech assistive technology solutions, which stood out for their simplicity, ease of use, and practicality.

Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing

One of the highlights at the Therapro booth was the Reading and Writing Solutions Station, where attendees explored assistive technology solutions for various reading and writing tasks. Attendees saw the multi purpose abilities of the slant board first hand. The slant board is designed to optimally position the wrist during handwriting activities but it can also be a great way to bring reading material closer while minimizing visual distractions. Notable tools at this station included various pencil grips and adapted writing paper. The “Get a Grip on Grips” handy guide and the “Which Writing Tool” handy guide garnered appreciation for their practicality in determining the most suitable tools for different situations. Attendees also explored devices like the ultradome for magnifying text and the Step by Step for recording stories, engaging emerging readers effectively.

Assistive Technology for Participation

The Participation Solutions Station aimed at increasing access and participation in daily activities. The Functionalhand, a popular tool at the station, impressed attendees with its ease of use in aiding grip and grasp. The Eazyholds also gained attention for their user-friendly design, making gripping objects more manageable. The station featured adapted scissor options, from spring-loaded to mounted scissors, catering to various needs.

Switch Access Tools:
Taking a step into higher-tech solutions, the Participation Solutions Station also showcased switch access tools. Attendees explored a range of switches, from the tiny Spec Switch to proximity switches and the wobble switch. The display included an insightful demonstration of battery interrupters, transforming battery-operated toys into switch-adapted devices—a hit among participants. The PowerLink, a versatile tool, was another assistive technology tool demonstrated at the booth. The PowerLink is used to turn corded devices, like blenders, into switch-accessible ones. Attendees were intrigued by PowerLink activity ideas, such as creating an adapted bowling game using the Powerlink and a fan.

HoneyBee Proximity Switch
wobble switch

Assistive Technology for ADL (Activities of Daily Living)

At the ADL Solutions Station, Therapro presented classic tools designed to enhance users’ engagement in self-care activities. Weighted utensils, a rocker knife, adapted cups, and scoop dishes were among the showcased items. These tools are essential for individuals seeking increased independence in their daily routines.

Sock and Stocking Aid
Sock Aid makes putting on socks a breeze!
Dycem
Dycem olves a variety of stabilizing and grasping problems!
Food Guards keep meal times mess free!

ATIA 2024 was a great opportunity for Therapro to showcase a wide range of assistive technology solutions that cater to diverse needs. The emphasis on simplicity and practicality, especially with the popularity of low-tech options, reinforces the idea that effective assistive technology can be both accessible and user-friendly. As Therapro continues to innovate, the commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through thoughtful solutions is evident.

Boy holding a pencil and writing using a slant board to assist

Empowering Classroom Engagement with Assistive Technology

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Unlocking the keys to classroom participation and success begins with selecting the perfect low-tech assistive technology tools. Low-tech assistive technology refers to simple, basic tools or devices that assist individuals with disabilities in performing everyday tasks. Ensuring students have the ideal support not only fosters full engagement in classroom activities but also transforms learning into an enjoyable experience. Dive into the world of low-tech assistive technology with Therapro’s expert recommendations, paving the way for enhanced participation and a more fulfilling educational journey. Read on to discover the perfect low-tech assistive technology tools that can be empowering for classroom engagement.

Low Tech Tools for Positioning

Appropriate positioning has a powerful impact on classroom engagement. There are many low-tech assistive technology tools available to support proper positioning. These positioning materials will help students adjust their posture and their visual orientation.

Slant Boards: Slant boards are available in various sizes and can accommodate different height levels when a student is seated. Most offer stabilization of paper on the board with a metal or plastic clip. Slant boards provide a number of advantages:

  • Encourage upright positioning
  • Align the wrist in slight extension
  • Bring writing paper and visual information closer to the eyes
  • Provide one hand access using the slant board clips
Aluminum Stackable Slant Board

A Therapro favorite is the Aluminum Stackable Slant Board, which is lightweight, durable, and easily stackable. The writing angle is ideal at 20 degrees. The non-slip edge strip prevents the board from sliding when in use.

Slant board

Another great option is the Better Board Slant Board, which is a lightweight, collapsible slant board made of corrugated plastic that can be transported flat and stacked easily. Plastic clamps hold paper and it has “nonslip feet.”

Dycem: A positioning tool many occupational therapists love for its versatility is non-slip plastic called Dycem. It has innumerable creative uses in the classroom. It can be cut from a roll to the size needed to stabilize items on a desk surface, adapt handles, and be placed on a chair seat to prevent the student from slipping and sliding.

Blue Dycem a Non-slip plastic that solves a variety of stabilizing and grasping problems

Low Tech Tools for Reading

When it comes to reading, low-tech assistive technology tools can help students with key performance areas specific to reading including:

  • Tracking printed words
  • Focusing on a part of the page
  • Highlighting any written words
  • Magnifying words
  • Reading hands-free

Check out some of Therapro’s favorite low tech assistive technology tools for students with low vision or who have difficulty with the visual components of reading:

Highlighter Strips on a book page

Highlighter Strips: A favorite tool is the brightly colored reading guide strips, called Highlighter Strips that are reusable bright yellow plastic strips that brighten any written word on a page. They measure 1.5” in height but come in a variety of lengths. They aid the student with visual processing difficulty or the student with who is needs help with focus and attention.

Ultra Dome magnifier

Ultradome: The Ultradome make reading small print a breeze. The Ultradome provides powerful 4x power direct magnification and is made of solid acrylic that glides across any surface. It is available in 3 sizes from 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Low Tech Tools for Writing

Tools that facilitate writing are abundant! They serve many purposes such as:

  • Hand and finger positioning for a writing utensil in the hand
  • Spacing, sizing, and alignment of letters
  • Weighting writing utensils
  • Creating handwriting lines

Check out these handy handwriting helpers that support legible handwriting:

LegiLiner Double Solid Line 3/8' tall, Pen Style Rolling Ink Stamp

LegiLiners: LegiLiners are an innovative collection of tools that are both unique and practical. Using a variety of rolling ink stamps, they create handwriting lines to improve consistent letter size and placement on any writing surface. Create dashed lines with spaces, dotted stacked lines, number line, and much more! They are available in a Starter Kit that contains 5 of the stamps to get you started. Fourteen individual LegiLiners are available as well.

Star Spacer is a clever handwriting tool made of see-through plastic which acts as a guide to help the child understand spacing, sizing, and alignment of letters and words to promote more legible handwriting

Star Spacer: The Star Spacer is a plastic, see-through guide used to help students understand spacing, sizing, and alignment of letters. The results are immediate for more legible handwriting

Low Tech Tools for Math

Tools to make learning mathematics fun and practical utilize:

  • Hands-on learning
  • Sensory learning using tactile, kinesthetic, and visual cues
  • Interactive strategies

Therapro is your go to resource for products that support hands on mathematics teaching and learning, check out some of these clever tools:

Multi Textured Tactile Ruler: The Desk Buddy Multi Textured Tactile Ruler resembles an actual ruler, but has the added benefits of a textured surface, being flexible, and being chewable. A great option for students who benefit from extra sensory input during learning activities.

Flexitable: Addition and Subtraction

Flexitables: The Flexitable is a simple tool for teaching math concepts. It makes learning addition and subtraction an enjoyable and tactile experience. The soft, flexible, 7.75 inch plastic square grid with horizontal and vertical channels fold to reveal answers to addition/subtraction problem. Flexitables are also available for division, multiplication, and fractions.

For More Information on Assistive Technology:

Low-Tech Assistive Devices- A Handbook for the School Setting: Low tech assistive technology tools facilitate learning and participation in the classroom. A classic resource book that therapists are passionate about is Low-Tech Assistive Devices: A Handbook for the School Setting, by Lynn Stoller, OTR/L. It is chock full of step-by-step directions and illustrations for fabrication of low tech tools. Chapters include tools used throughout the school setting (i.e. positioning, mobility, time management and organizational tools) and tools specific to curriculum area (i.e. reading, writing, math, music).

Assistive Technology Handy Guide: Therapro occupational therapist, Allyson Locke, MS, OTR/L, has created a functional guide to selecting the perfect assistive technology device for your students called Assistive Technology Handy Guide. It examines low tech AT tools in academic areas covered in this discussion, as well as other areas of classroom function including:

Low tech assistive technology can be a game changer for engaging students in the learning process and are vital in helping all learners access classroom learning experiences. Up your A-Tech game now with assistive technology tools from Therapro!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT, Retired

Tools for Developing Scissor Skills

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On September 19, 2023, Kelly Wilk-Downs, OTR/L presented Therapro’s first FREE Webinar of this school year, Cutting Made Simple. She offered a comprehensive look at the:

  • Development of scissor use
  • Selecting appropriate scissors for students
  • Prerequisite skills needed for learning to cut with scissors

This blog post comes on the heels of Kelly’s webinar; in this post we are reviewing some tools available at Therapro that are perfect for encouraging the development of scissor skills in beginner scissor users and beyond!

Cover of the book Hats Off and On to Scissors Skills a book for Developing Scissor Skills

Hats Off and On to Scissor Skills: Exclusive to Therapro is a creative publication called Hats Off and On to Scissor Skills, by
Peggy Huntley Spitz, OTR. This book consists of 25 themed hat designs that can be made for 4
progressive levels of cutting skills:

  • Straight line cutting and/or random snipping
  • Curved line cutting
  • Simple shape cutting
  • Complex shape cutting

This is a fun and unique activity book that will help you create an enjoyable project for the
developmental progression of scissor skills!

Comprehensive Scissor Assessment Kit used for Developing Scissor Skills

Comprehensive Scissor Assessment Kit: Therapro offers a variety adaptive scissors that will ensure active participation from all students
learning cutting skills, including those with limited hand function due to weakness, incoordination, and other functional limitations. Check out Therapro’s Comprehensive Scissor Assessment Kit, which includes 15 scissors of 10 different styles, plus a carry case and Manual.

Therapro carries a variety of scissors to meet the different needs of scissor users as they are progressing developmentally. Here is a sample of some of our favorite scissors.

Easi-Grip Loop Scissors for early scissor skills

Easi-Grip Loop Scissors : Easi Grip Loop Scissors are available in two sizes; the Mini Easi-Grip Loop Scissors are great for pre-school children while the standard Easi Grip Loop Scissors are made for the adult sized hand. These scissors are self opening for either right or left hand. They are operated by using pressure between the thumb and fingers or palm and fingers.

Self Opening Scissors

Self Opening Scissors : The Self Opening Scissors are available for left and right handed users. These scissors reopen automatically after hand pressure has been released.

Long Loop Scissors

Long Loop Scissors : The Long Loop Scissors are also available for left and right handed users. These scissors allow the user to use whole hand strength to operate. They also provide greater finger contact, which offers better control.

Mounted Table Top Scissors

Mounted Table Top Scissors : The Mounted Table Top Scissors offer stability with scissors attached to a base. To operate users simply depressing the large handle.

Be sure to check out all of the scissors and scissor activities available at Therapro!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOTR, Retired