Mechanics+for+Writing

__**MECHANICS FOR WRITING**__


**What is the motor aspect of writing?**
 * The motor aspect of writing involves the action of putting the pen or pencil to the paper and forming legible words.
 * Because of certain disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Downs syndrome, certain students may not be able to physically write well enough for others to understand what they are trying to say.
 * Struggles with fine motor skills prevent these students from being able to even hold a pen or pencil, nonetheless write legible words.

**Assistive Technology** **Low Tech Devices to help with writing:** These products are inexpensive and can help keep their handwriting sturdy and will help their writing improve with time.
 * Pencil Grips
 * Weighted pens
 * Slant Board

**Mid-Tech Devices:** (video on the AlphaSmart) **High Tech Devices:**
 * Portable note takes
 * Ex: Neo2 /Alpha Smart
 * These devices allow the student to type instead of writing, making the words easy to read and reducing the frustration that the student feels by not being able to express themselves through writing.
 * media type="youtube" key="qP1MRS2F5BI" height="315" width="420"
 * Smart Pen
 * Allows you to draw or write something that will trigger you to remember what the lecture was on and when you press that image, the pen will read back what was recorded at that point.
 * What is written or drawn with the smart pen can be transferred into the computer and printed afterwards
 * Laptop
 * Netbook
 * Ipad


 * When thinking about assistive technology devices for students, it must be taken into consideration whether it will get the proper use. For example, depending on the age of the student you might have to consider whether the technology is “cool” or not. If the student is not comfortable with the device, it will not get the proper usage.
 * Ex: the Alpha Smart has the same function at a laptop when it comes to typing notes, but the Alpha Smart has a more childish look to it, which might deter a teenager from using it while they would have no issue with using a laptop.

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities //(2nd Ed).// Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
 * __Resources:__**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP1MRS2F5BI http://lionsvoice.edublogs.org/files/2011/04/2-lmrg11.gif