Assistive technology for writing

Assistive Technology can be of great help to adults and children who have difficulty writing. For example, a keyboard makes the physical act of typing easier for people who have difficulty using a pencil or pen. The tools of

(AT) can also help with spelling and grammar, as healthy as organizing and expressing ideas in writing.

Check out this leader to learn more about technical writing tool options and where to find them.

Type of assistive technology tools for writing

There are a variety of technological tools for writing. These are some of the most useful.

Handwriting tools can help people with motor difficulties. A pencil holder, for example, makes it easier to grip the pencil correctly. A tilted stage raises the writing surface, allowing more pressure when writing. And the lined or graph paper makes it easy to write in a straight line.

Keyboards and touchscreens can also help people with handwriting difficulties. It allows them to write with buttons or touch a screen instead of using a pen or pencil.

When dictating (speech to text), you can write with your voice. The words appear on the screen as you speak. Remember, to dictate, you must communicate clearly. You also need to learn verbal instructions for things like punctuation marks. Some dictation programs can convert audio recordings into digital text.

Word prediction suggests words after you type multiple letters. He often uses “word banks” (terms often used in a topic) to offer authors to help them finish their sentences. Unlike dictation, word prediction requires a keyboard.

Spelling and grammar checkers are available in most word processing programs. There are advanced versions that look for misspelt words that sound the same or don’t make sense in context.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is generally considered a reading aid, but it can also help writing. That’s because you can read it out loud and check for errors. Some text-to-speech tools can read words out loud as you type.

Graphic organizers are visual tools that you can use to divide ideas and projects into sections. They can be used to brainstorm and plan what to write. Graphic organizers are diverse, from mind maps and diagrams to flow charts. They can be digital or with pencil and paper.

Dictionaries and thesauri (print or digital) allow you to define a word or find the correct one. There are different sorts of dictionaries and thesauri. For example, a picture dictionary uses pictures to represent words.

Where to find assistive technology for writing

Many writing instruments are “low-tech,” especially those for handwriting. For example, you can find pencil holders and graph paper stores that sell school supplies. The school could also provide these tools.

A work-related therapist can advise you on choosing a handwriting tool. She can tell you which devices are appropriate, as it gives you access to a broader range of available tools in the store. He can also provide you with information about the keyboard and touchscreen options. Special education teachers can also help you choose resources.

As with other types of assistive technology, writing tools are increasingly used on these platforms:

Desktops and Laptops – Computers often have built-in tools like text-to-speech and dictation. You can add more tools by downloading writing software.

Mobile devices (such as tablets and smartphones): Mobile devices also have built-in assistive technologies. You can add more tools for writing on mobile devices through apps.

Chromebooks (and Chrome browsers on any device) – They also have built-in assistive technology options. You have more options by adding Chrome apps and extensions.

Desktops and laptops, as well as Chromebooks, often use keyboards for typing, but many computers now have touchscreens. And although the touch screen is the primary way to use a mobile device, users may prefer an external keyboard.

Review a list of questions about assistive technology tools. Read how a college student wrote her essays on a voice recorder.