Five Simple Assistive Technology Ideas

Posted by Claire Harrison on the 26th August, 2022

Here in Scotland, learners returned to their classrooms this week and last.  There’s some great stuff to be spotted via social media; teaching ideas and resources from simple assistive technology solutions to AAC resources for learners. So here are five nifty things for your information and inspiration!

1.    Printable Symbol Supports

Fran, Moya, and Lynn are the teachers behind the brilliant symbolised resources produced by Communication Friendly Environments. Everything is made with Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols; you can search by topic to download printable PDF copies of the resources from their Blog.

If you want to keep an eye out for new resources, follow them on Twitter and Facebook. You can also hear directly from the team in this recording of their CALL webinar from last year. This week they shared an updated version of their Morning Routines supports and 'How will I get home?' 

2. Tack-It!

Laminated paper resources are a classroom staple, and education staff often find themselves cutting and sticking bits of velcro to create matching and sorting activities.

However, the days of tiny fiddly velcro could be over thanks to the ingenious ‘Tack-It’ magical liquid. Communication Connections described it as a game changer, and I think they might be right!

3. Wooden Spoons?!

During training I often share an idea I saw many years ago on the PrAACtical AAC blog; use a wooden or plastic chopping board as a low-cost switch mount that is simple to pass around a group of learners. This week another kitchen staple was added to the Assistive Technology toolbox when Charlie Danger shared the contents of his assessment kit, revealing that he always carries wooden spoons! Why? They make excellent temporary switch mounts to help find the optimal switch position. 

4. AAC Printables

Another mention for the PrAACtical AAC blog, consistently sharing excellent ideas, resources and information. This week had a back-to-school focus, with many practical materials to support AAC learners in a classroom. Carol Zangari, the person being PrAACtical AAC is also a regular Tweeter and Facebook-er. You can find her on Twitter @PrAACticalAAC and on Facebook @PrAACticalAAC. As well as lots of practical, printable materials Carol is great at sharing links to webinars, and other videos.

5. AAC Poster

And finally, Lauren Enders has created a handy poster with suggestions for supporting AAC users in ways that might help develop their communication skills.  Also, this Facebook post from Angela Morad at OMazing Kids has an interesting conversation in the comments between Lauren, Angela and AAC user (and creator of the NAD Pen Stylus) Lydia Grace.