Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercial off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with or without disabilities. Assistive technology can increase a student's social interactions, engagement in meaningful, academic activities, opportunities within the academic environment, and participation in new learning experiences. 

Examples:

-Pencil grips

-Slant boards

-Visual schedules

-Screen magnifier

-Word prediction

-Voice output aides

-AAC Device

-Electric wheelchair

-Hearing aid

What order should a child start cutting in?

Developmentally a child will start by snipping, then cutting forward, cutting on a straight line, cutting on a curved line, cutting simple, basic shapes, and then cutting complex shapes. To grade the activity down for a child, add a bolded line on the outer part of a complex shape to only cut out a square or circle instead. 

Is a child having a hard time cutting on the lines or cutting in general?

Start by making the lines bold. This can be done by making the lines darker or highlighting them in yellow. Still having a tricky time? Try adding a tactile cue, such as wikki stix or puffy paint. Helpful tip: thicker paper is easier, try cardstock over traditional printer paper. 

What activities or "jobs" are involved in function tasks or life skills?

The term "life skills" covers a wide variety of essential skills needed during daily functional tasks. This helps prepare students for vocational work and participation among their academic journey. Some skills that are covered at Waunakee Community School District include helper jobs (milk delivery, package delivery, mail delivery, lamination delivery, shredding papers, filling ice for the nurse, etc.), laundry, folding towels, sorting silverware, unloading the dishwasher, cooking, and job readiness. At Waunakee Community High School, students can participate in Kokopelli Kafe by making coffee, treats, working the cash register, and delivering orders!

What skills does an OT address in a Life Skills group or activity?

OTs can assist with executive functioning (time management, organization, money management, working memory, attention, etc.), in-hand manipulation, bilateral coordination, visual motor skills, and more! Life skills are a great way to generalize practiced skills to real-life situations

Kokopelli Kafe

Why is a pincer grasp important?

A pincer grasp is essential for many day-to-day activities, such as picking up items, zippering a coat, self-feeding, threading beads, and eventually handwriting!

Why is dynamic tripod/functional grasp important?

A functional grasp is important as it allows for efficient and effective writing for longer moments of time (greater endurance). Without a functional and dynamic grasp, a student's hand may fatigue more easily and not be able to keep up with peers during a writing task.

Pencil Grips:

Stetro Grips

Basket Grips

Grotto Grip

Claw Grips

Fine Motor Activities:

Lacing Beads

Putty

Tongs & Clothespins

Playdough

Stickers

Wikki Stix

Why are pre-writing strokes important?

Pre-writing strokes are a fundamental part of handwriting. Before a child is able to write their letters, they must draw their pre-writing strokes and shapes. 

Why is letter sequence important?

Similar to shapes, students begin with vertical and horizontal lines. It is recommended to start with vertical and horizonal lined letters, then move to curved and diagonal lined letters.

What is self-regulation?

The act of managing one's thoughts and feelings to engage in goal-direction actions, such as organizing behavior, controlling impulses, and solving problems constructively.

What is interoception?

Interoception is the body's 8th sense that helps identify "body signals". These body signals are often related to feelings (dry mouth = thirsty). Helping a student identify what their body signals are, can allow for greater interoceptive awareness and therefore use of regulation strategies.

What is visual perception?

Visual perception is the brain's ability to interpret and make sense of visual stimuli in our environment. It is made up of 7 different types (discrimination, memory, spatial relations, sequential memory, figure ground, closure, and constancy). 

Why are visual perception skills important?

Visual perceptual skills are essential for day-to-day tasks including self-care, academic, and social participation activities. 

Department of Public Instruction

The American Occupational Therapy Association