AT for the Mechanics of Writing

AT for the Mechanics of Writing

Listed below are some general accommodations for writing mechanics that may be considered as potential assistive technology solutions by a team. In many cases, links are included to provide examples of a product or device that incorporates the feature. This information is provided for reference only. Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) does not endorse any particular product, program, or curriculum.

Abbreviation expansion: replaces abbreviations with full words/phrases and can replace misspellings automatically
- Google Docs Spell-Check and Autocorrect
- Microsoft Office Autocorrect Options
Adapted or alternative pencils/pens: offers a variety of sizes, colors, grips, line weights (darkness), etc. to produce written work
Alternative pencils: provide access to the 26 letters of the alphabet in a manner other than a traditional writing tool or keyboard
- Alternative Pencils
Math notation: provides an alternative to paper-and-pencil for producing math work
Pre-written words/phrases: serve as a model for spelling and vocabulary – may be used as an alternate pencil
Word walls: serve as a model for spelling and vocabulary
- Reading Rockets Word Walls
Dictionary/thesaurus: support spelling, grammar, and vocabulary use
Speech recognition software: offers students the ability to dictate text into a word processor
Spelling/grammar checker: support spelling, grammar, and vocabulary use
- Ginger
- Ghotit
Talking/printing calculator: announces key labels and functions as they are pressed, reads calculations, and/or outputs calculations to a document or paper tape
- Independent Living Aids Calculators
- MaxiAids Talking Calculators
Talking word processor: states letters, words, sentences, and/or paragraphs when they are typed and/or selected
Word prediction: provides suggestions for spelling, grammar, and/or vocabulary as letters are typed