Class #5: Thinking Outside the Box: Examples of Low Tech AT Found at the Dollar Store

Joanne and I had a great time exploring in the Dollar Store on Friday afternoon. I think that we could have easily found 20 items in EACH aisle that we could use with our students. What a fun way to explore inexpensive, examples of Assistive Technology.

Object #1: Flannel Back Table Cloths

• Placing flannel back table cloths on tables when students build with blocks can help reduce background noise for those with hearing impairments or those with ASD who may be sensitive to noise.  
• Tablecloths can also be cut to make oversized aprons or smocks for student in wheelchairs during home economics, art class or can even double as a rain poncho in a tight pinch.

Object#2 : Transparent, Coloured Index Dividers

• Students with Irlen Syndrome, Dyslexia or other visual impairments may find reading text off white paper difficult. By cutting transparent, index dividers into bookmark strips and laying them over the print  students can read the text more easily.
• Students with reading difficulties may find transparent bookmarks helpful to for visual tracking. In contrast to opaque bookmarks, transparent visual tracks would allow the student to still scan ahead for visual cues when reading, helping to make reading more fluent.  

Object #3: Raised design, Rubber Floor Mat

• The texture and thickness of this floor mat would make it a great padded cushion for students with sensory or attention difficulties. It could be used both as a floor seating pad or cut and secured to fit a chair.

Object #4: Refillable Travel Tube (for taking shampoo on vacation) & Spray Bottle

• Both bottles make great alternatives for dispensing paint during art class for students who have difficulty maneuvering paint brushes.  
• The travel tube could be used as a sensory or fidget object for students with Autism, ADHD or other cognitive impairments. It is squishy, soft and also blows air when uncapped.
• The travel tube could also be used for self-feeding as a refillable option, similar to tetra-pack applesauce or infant food packaging.

Object #5: Fuzzy Wuzzy Blind Cleaner

• This object could double as a pair of tongs, used to pick up small objects for students with fine motor difficulties or limited reach.
• It also has great sensory qualities with soft cloth, hard plastic and spring action when squeezed together. It would be a great option for students with ADHD, ASD, or others who seek extra sensory input.

Object #6: iPad Support Cushion

• This object is a great example of AT when used as an ipad or tablet support cushion, allowing for hands-free learning. It is especially great with its soft cushioning and removable, washable cover.
• An alternative use could be to attach a clipboard to the cushion to create a slanted surface for writing (some padding may need to be removed). Slanted surfaces promote fine motor skills, proper pencil grip, help with posture and visual tracking, as well as making it easier to reach the full writing surface. Therefore slanted surfaces are beneficial for many different learners.

Object #7: Assorted Gloves  

• Grip pad gloves can be helpful for young students with poor grip strength who are learning how to use the swings or monkey bars on the playground.
• By cutting the index finger of gloves you can teach students with cognitive delays or those who just learning how to work an ipad how to use their index finger. This also helps avoid accidental screen changes from bumps by other fingers or parts of the hands.
• The polka dot gloves are also shower gloves which could be used as an alternative to a washcloth for self-bathing.  

Object #8: Butterfly Paper Clips

• When secured to individual pages these clips can help students those with fine motor issues turn book pages more readily.
• Larger paper clips can be used to secure paper to the table during art or writing lessons.

Object #9: Bungee Cords (multi use)

• You can tie/strap these cords around the base of chairs or table legs to create a bouncy foot rest for students with ADHD or who need extra movement during seat work. Inserting a piece of a pool noodle can widen the foot rest area for the student depending on personal preference.

Object #10: Shower Hooks

• Shower rings are much cheaper than binder clips and carabiner clips when making flashcards sets or cue card notes for all students.
• Rings could also be used as an over-sized zipper pull for backpacks or other items for those who find grasping small objects difficult.
• The narrow ended clips can be helpful for securing objects (ex. pencil case, cloth lunch box) to walkers or wheelchairs when moving from one location to another.

Object #11: Medicine Cabinet Organizer

• This organizer makes a great upright pencil case for students who may have fine motor difficulties digging through a compact kit. This provides easy access and arrangement. Students with ASD or who have visual impairments may also prefer this more organized approach for their belongings.

Objects #12: Muffin Tin and Ice cube Trays

• For students who have fine motor challenges and may have difficulty picking small counters up off the table, ice cube trays and muffin tins can help them pick up the objects without accidentally disturbing the others.
• Using sectioned trays can also help students with cognitive delays understand one-to-one principles in counting. Trays such as the white ice cube tray could even be covered or cut to make a 10-frame holder.
• When turned upside down trays can be used to hold a small book or instruction sheet upright for hands-free reading.
• You can also melt old crayon pieces/wax in muffin tins. Once hardened you have a larger-sized crayon for students who find smaller crayons difficult to maneuver or who have stronger grip strength.

Object #13: Foam Sticks

• There are so many uses for these foam sticks. By making a vertical slit down the larger sticks you can make an instant pencil grip that fits multiple sized writing utensils, cutlery, toothbrushes, etc. for students with fine motor difficulties.
• They can also be used for cutting practice. Once cut, the pieces could be used for sorting by size and/or colour.

Object #14: Finger Puppets

• Students with intellectual delays (or any younger aged student) could use finger puppets as motivation to help with one to one matching in counting or pointing to individual words when reading.
• Students could also wear a finger puppet during class discussions. Students with poor impulse control who are prone to blurting out can use the puppet as a reminder to “teleport” or whisper their idea to their puppet first, helping them to think before talking. Small rubber bracelets could also be used in this way for older students.

Object #15: Tweezers and Decorative Gems

• These tools can be used to help develop eye-hand coordination as well as pincer and tripod grasp with very fine motor. Larger cooking tongs, or long handled BBQ tongs serve the same purpose depending on the student's abilities.
• The decorative gems make a fun alternative to counters. They also have holes which could be used for stringing necklaces. Again these activities would help to develop eye-hand coordination, pincer and tripod grasp for those with motor challenges or cognitive delays.

Photo #16: Grip Pad, Velcro Dots, Microfiber Floor Duster

• These items all make great items for in a sensory box for students with ASD or other sensory needs.
• Gripper pads can be used to help secure items such as dinner plates, drinking cups, etc. so they are less likely to tip or spill.
• Velcro can be used for many things, including making individual visual schedules, matching games, or as a hidden sensory item secured under table tops or the rim of student chairs.  

Object #17 : Hands Free Car Dash Tablet Holder

• This device could be attached to a wheelchair, walker, music stand etc. to hold a tablet hands free.
• By attaching a magnetic strip, Velcro or butterfly clip to the top it can also hold other materials such as books, paper, etc.

Object #18: Over-sized Pancake Flipper

• This object could be used for students who are shorter in stature (ex.Dwarfism, wheelchair users, kindergarten students) who have difficulty navigating a classroom for larger bodies. It can help students turn light switches on or off (attaching a piece of yarn to the switch can help with turning lights off) or reaching a soap dispenser which is placed too far away. You could increase the surface area of the edge by attaching a foam stick (see above). The foam part would push the button and the soap would land on the flipper. (Please note: This type of creative genius may also inspire maintenance to move the soap dispenser lower or purchase hand-held soap dispensers, which should have been done in the first place).  

Object #19: Double Sided Photo Frame Stand

• This is one of my favourite dollar store finds. You can use double sided photo stands to create reference guides for students (ex. personal word walls, multiplication charts). These are great for students who may have vision impairments and may have difficulty seeing the board. They are also great for students with ADHD or who easily distracted by what is going on around the classroom. This allows them to access reference materials without having to look up from their work space, potentially leading to distraction.

Object #20: Tennis Balls

• It was exciting to see tennis balls already packaged in groups of 4, as chair protectors. Not only are the legs of the chair protected but having tennis ball protectors on chair legs really reduces the amount of ambient noise around the room. This is important for those with hearing impairments and students, such as those with ASD who may become frustrated by noisy environments.
• Tennis balls can also be used as an alternative pencil grip for writing utensils, cutlery, toothbrushes.

Object #21: Dry Erase and Cork Board Surface

• Keeping a mini-wipe board near the PA system allows you to jot quick notes for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (provided they can read).
• Students may find wipe boards an good alternative to pen and paper when practicing fine motor writing skills and printing practice.
• Pin pushing also helps to strengthen motor skills.
• For students with short-term memory difficulties extra notes about their tasks could be pinned or written on the board for quick reminders.