DAY FOUR - PART 1 -- DOLLARSTORE AT

"OFF THE SHELF" Assistive Technology

1.  Connect -Four Game

• Technology
• plastic game (stand and 42 chips)
• goal is to place chips into stand to get four of your colors in a row (opponent tries to block you while also trying to get four in a row)
• Student/ Personality
• suited for students who have difficulty with fine motor skills
• enjoy interacting with a partner
• has some ability to grasp chips
• strategic, problem solver
• Task
• use this game to help develop the pincer grasp and build independence with every day tasks
• a well-developed pincer grasp enables students to become more efficient at writing, cutting, eating, getting dressed, turning pages, as well as manipulating small objects
• Milieu
• home and/or school
• partner needed to play game

2.  Flexible Cutting Board

• Technology
• plastic, flexible cutting board
• Student/ Personality
• suited for students who have difficulty with fine motor skills
• suited for students with motor difficulties who find grasping small objects and/or carrying things without spilling difficult to do
• enjoys cooking
• Task
• use this to assist when picking up small objects that are difficult to grasp
• fold/bend cutting board to transfer objects from place to place
• also can be used to assist students when cooking -- easier way to carry flour, sugar, etc. and pour into bowl
• build independence with every day tasks
• Milieu
• used at home and/or at school

3.  Lint Brush

• Technology
• rolling lint brush
• large plastic handle
• Student/ Personality
• suited for students who have difficulty with fine motor skills
• suited for students who do not have a well developed pincer grasp and lack to ability to manipulate small, relatively flat objects
• deals with money/coins on a regular basis
• Task
• use this to pick up objects that are difficult to grasp (ex. coins on a table, string, staples on a desk or floor, etc)
• roll the lint brush over the object to pick it up -- easy to control handle
• build independence with every day tasks
• Milieu
• used at home, school, work, etc.

4.  Puff with a handle

• Technology
• puff/scrubber
• large plastic handle
• can stand on end and/or hang from attached loop
• Student/ Personality
• suited for students who have difficulty with fine and/or gross motor skills
• suited for students who find it difficult to grasp a smaller handled paint brush (for example)
• best suited for students who do not have a well developed pincer grasp (i.e. uses fist or four-fingered grip)
• artistic
• Task
• students can grasp the scrubber with a fist (or four-fingered grip) to allow for more control to movements
• use this to paint, spread glue, wash, etc.
• build independence with every day tasks
• Milieu
• used at home and/or school

5.  Apron

• Technology
• canvas apron
• buckle/strap to attach to body
• large pockets (canvas and mesh)
• Student/ Personality
• suited for students with physical difficulties who find it difficult to carry around a pencil case, book bag, etc.
• preparedness is important
• may need support to buckle apron around body
• Task
• apron can be placed around waist to enable students to keep their belongings within easy reach
• deep pockets allow for more room for materials, as well as less chance of losing items
• build independence with every day tasks
• Milieu
• used at home, school, work, etc.

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CREATE YOUR OWN LOW-TECH

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY:

We created a modified paint brush set.  We used popsicle trays and added large fruit-shaped balls to the ends that allow for easier grasping.  On the ends of the stick, we placed foam pieces cut into various designs/shapes.  Paint would be placed into the receptacles. 

STUDENT/ PERSONALITY:

This modified paint brush set would be best suited for students who have difficulty with fine motor skills and those who find it difficult to grasp a smaller handled paint brush.  It is designed for students who do not have a well developed pincer grasp and who may use a fist or four-fingered grip.

This set was created to support students who are artistic and appreciate the access to various brush types and colors, but need support with manual dexterity. 


TASK:

To build INDEPENDENCE when painting and/or creating artwork.  Students are better able to access paint (glue, glitter, etc.) with better control of the paint brush.  The large ball at the end allows for this comfort and accessibility.  The creations painted/made by students will be a more accurate reflection of their artistic vision when they can control the instrument more precisely. 


MILIEU:

The tray can be used at HOME, SCHOOL, during EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITES, etc.  The tray can be rinsed out and the brushes can be washed out and/or replaced if needed.  Various things can be placed in the receptacles, such as paint, glue, glitter, soap, etc.