Low-Tech Assistive Technology Devices at

Visual Impairments Aids

The large print Webster’s Dictionary (picture 3) and

basic mathematic operations.

For students with mild visual impairments that are not CVI, there are many low-tech assistive technology devices that can be bought off the shelf. At the Dollar Tree, I found a magnifying glass (picture 1) that can be used to read or enlarge objects in almost any educational setting and because it’s portable. For math and science class, a large digit calculator (picture 2) would also help with computing

And more….These are just some of the many items.

Chantelle NeyCentral Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16Inclusive Practices Trainer & Consultant

The Dollar Tree where everything is a dollar has a multitude of products that can be used to aid in low-tech assistive technology devices by either using “as is” or combined to make inexpensive tools for students with a variety of disabilities.

Handwriting Aids

who have weak hand and wrist muscles.

Fine motor skills impairments can hammer student’ handwriting. Using pencil grips (picture 7) and miniature mechanical pencils (picture 8) help students with awkward grasps of writing utensils or

Seating andPositioning Aid

for a better grip. These are only a few of the uses for nonslip rug underlays.

to reposition, to place on handrails in bathrooms chair, keep items from sliding on a desk, to stand up

can still used to help students from sliding in their nonslip rug underlays at not as strong as Dycem, they

underlays (picture 9) have multiple uses. Although Similar to Dycem but much less expensive is nonslip rug

Sensory Aids

button, a plastic slinky,

up ball, a laugh stress balls, light

fidget items: 3 full of sensory/

picture 13, is a basket

clutches, and a sewing kits were the items I purchased to make the weighted vest for $8 that would cost $27+ to buy from a company. In

decorative sand bags, 4 snack zip baggies, 3 a weighted vest (picture 12a). A costume vest, 2 Picture 12 shows the materials needed to make can be frustrating to them, is a great AT tool. ear muffs (picture 11) to block out noises that impairment disorders. Using noise reduction neurological disorders often have sensory Students with autism, ADHD, ODD, OCD, and

Communication Aids

engage them. Picture 13 is the sensory toy tote I created from materials purchased at Dollar Tree.

Most special education teachers I work with use the Proloqu2Go app on an iPad. One of my biggest concerns with students using any AAC device is that the student must have access to it at all times. I created iPad carrying case (picture 14a) for students using items I purchased at

training in January 2016. John Halloran who created LAMP program, suggested that we make a sensory toy tote to use with students on the autistic spectrum when trialing the program to

I attended LAMP Words for Life

Reading AidsFor students who have learning disabilities or have cognitive learning impairments at any grade level, reading aids can vital in the educational setting to increase independence and confidence. In picture 5, book rings and index cards have many uses including sight words, vocabulary words, organize information about story elements, and a carry along communi-cation core words. Index Dividers (picture 6) have many uses also. Students with dyslexia can benefit from colored overlays (picture 6a). Index Dividers can also be cut done to use as highlighters when reading and be used with a cut out window on poster board

Daily Living Aid

they have the fine and gross motor

and tables that are out of reach as long as reach objects that are on shelves, counters, used for a student who is in a wheelchair to This long reach picker (picture 10) can be

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