Assistive Technology for Writing

2. Writing Tools
3. Using bold felt-tip markers or soft lead pencils can provide greater contrast on paper, allowing students with low vision to read with greater ease.
4. Adaptive Paper
5. Specialized paper with darkened lines, raised lines, or using color can significantly improve the writing of students with low vision.
6. Slate and Stylus
7. A slate and stylus can be equated to paper and pencil for individuals who are blind. This simple low tech tool allows students to quickly and efficiently complete simple tasks like creating labels or writing notes to themselves. The slate and stylus is not practical for longer writing tasks.
8. Handheld Digital Recorder
9. A handheld digital recorder allows the student to record lectures, dictate assignments, or make notes to self.
10. Writing with traditional paper and pencil under a video magnification camera allows the student to view their work in real time through the use of a large monitor.
11. Word Processor
12. Word processors are readily available and are highly adaptable. Text size and font can be customized or built-in operating system accessibility features can be used to enhance the visual display. The use of adaptive keyboards with high contrast or enlarged keys can also be utilized
13. Word Processor with Specialized Software
14. Text-to-speech software can create a "talking word processor" which provides feedback to the student about what they have typed, while speech recognition software allows the student to dictate into a microphone, which the computer translates into text. Screen magnification software can enlarge the entire display or only selected portions and may or may not provide audio feedback.
15. Word Processor with Refreshable Braille Display
16. For students with no vision, a refreshable braille display can be used in conjunction with the word processor, which will display the text tactually allowing the student to reread and edit their own work. This strategy can be used with or without audio feedback, which supports multisensory learners and allows the student to choose the access method. The incorporation of braille has the potential to significantly improve the editing process.
17. Manual & Electric Braillewriters
18. A manual braillewriter is similar to a typewriter and is a simple, yet rugged device that is often introduced to students who are emergent readers and writers. As students progress, they may transition to an electronic braillewriter before beginning to use a braille notetaker.
19. Braille Notetaker
20. A braille notetaker is a portable word processing device that utilizes the eight key braille input system and has an integrated refreshable braille display. This tool encompasses many functional areas in addition to writing. Students can use a braille notetaker to complete assignments, read textbooks, and navigate the Internet. Although products and their features vary, many are available with speech output, Wi-Fi connectivity, access to e-mail, calculators, calendars and other personal organizational tools, or GPS navigation systems. The braille notetaker is a lifelong tool and should be introduced as soon as the student demonstrates readiness.
21. Braille Embosser
22. A braille embosser allows the student to print out their completed work in braille format.
23. Writing with CCTV
24. Retrieved from: http://www.opmnj.com/services/low-vision.html
25. BrailleNote Apex
26. Retrieved from:
27. http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/blindness/braillenotes
28. Manual Brailler
29. Retrieved from:
    
30. http://shop.aph.org/wcsstore/APHConsumerDirect/Attachment/products_secondary/1-00815-00_LightTouchPerkins_girl.jpg