Assistive technology (AT) can help children to write and can also help those children whose staff is weak. They can also bring their skills by writing and expressing them. What assistive technology can be used for writing?
Type of tools for assistive technology for writing
There are many common AT tools available in the market for writing. These are just a few of the most useful tools.
Handwriting tools
This tool can help children who write with their hands and whose pencil skills are not good. Or she also helps children in writing with pencils. And also helps in making handwriting a habit.
And also helps children write incorrect lines.
Keyboard
Or instead of writing with a pen or pencil, the keyboard helps children in writing and they can write these words
Touch
Or instead of writing with a pen or pencil, the touch helps children in writing and they can write these words
Dictation (speech to text)
With its help, children can write by speaking. As they speak, words appear on the screen. To use this, you should be able to speak clearly. Some software can also be used to convert audio recordings into digital text.
Word prediction
Suggests correct spelling of words after typing only a few letters. Word prediction sometimes uses “word banks” (words commonly used in a subject area) to help children come up with words and complete their sentences. Note that, unlike dictation, word prediction requires the use of the keyboard.
Spell-check
Spell check and grammar check are available on most word processors. Some assistive technology tools take spell check and grammar check to the next level by identifying words that sound similar or don’t make sense in context.
(TTS) Text-to-speech
TTS more known as speech synthesis technology, is a type of technology that speaks text written by a user. With it, the devices can read out texts, making information available to people with visual impairment or learning disability and allowing for performing other tasks at the same time. This technology is widely installed in different forms of usage including voice personal assistant devices, audiobooks, and even navigation devices. TTS has taken the function of smoother communication by expanding ways for spoken content to be produced from a piece of written text.
Graphic organizers
Graphic organizers are decision maps that assist students in organizing their thoughts and working on the concept in question as well as partitioning it into smaller parts. These tools help children begin, and take time to think and to plan on what they wish to write. The most common types of graphic organizers are mind maps and outlines as well as flow charts. They can include the use of computers or can be conventional that is written down using pen
Dictionaries and thesauri
It helps children who struggle with finding the right word or understanding its meaning in writing. Kids can use either a printed version or an electronic one on their preferred device. There are also different types of dictionaries and thesauruses available. For example, a picture dictionary uses images to explain words.
Where can I get assistive writing technology?
Many tools are low-tech. I’m talking about handwriting tools. You can look for pencil grips and graph paper. Mostly, the school supply store provides tools to your child. When you select a handwriting tool, ask someone for help. They can tell you which tool is best for your needs. This way you will be able to enjoy most of the tools. They can also work with you by exploiting the keyboard and touch screen. Some teachers can help you in choosing AT tools. Secondly, why is there excessive use of writing tools on computer platforms like AT?
Desktop computer and laptop
Computers often have built-in tools such as TTS and dictation. You can also download software to add additional AT tools.
Tablets smartphones and mobile
These tools are also available on mobiles. You can download them too to solve the writing problem.
Chrome Book (browser on any device)
There is an option of at least these tools. You can include fun apps and extensions to help your kids in writing.
On laptops and desktop computers, you usually use a typing keyboard but now some computers and laptops have touch screen. If your child needs to speed up typing, you can use that keyboard.
Important lessons learned
Dictation Technology can help children in writing by speaking to them
A teacher can help you in selecting AT tools which can fulfill your child’s needs
Writing is a ghost tool that is now available on computers and mobile