Low TechPencil Grip:
~ This simplistic and very inexpensive device can be extremely helpful for students with cerebral palsy. These students have a difficult time with motor skills and a pencil grip can help with coordinating hand-to-pencil writing skills. The grip can range from small store bought grips to large homemade grips. The larger grips could be made from stress relief balls pushed onto the pencil or tennis balls. These grippers help the student graps the pencil and direct writing with an easier hold. Kitchen Shelf Liner:
~ This inexpensive tool can be used in many different ways, which is why it can be so useful. These shelf liners make sure that whatever is placed on them don't move. This is great for students with cerebral palsy because it can be placed on their desk and used throughout the day. The student can put their notebook, books, pencil, any anything else on this liner without worrying about it moving or falling off the desk. Because of the students' difficulty with motor skills, the liner gives the student the ability to do less work by holding the notebook or book in place or trying to keep their pencil from rolling off the desk. This kitchen liner can be anywhere from $5-$20. Binder Clips to Adapt a Book:
~ This is a great tool for students who have a difficult time turning pages. The pages are sometimes flimsy and could be difficult without those fine mottor skills. By putting a binder clip at the edge of each of the pages, it has a larger surface to grasp to turn each page. Slant Board:
~ This device can easily be made and adapted to better suite the individual students' needs. This can also be paired with the kitchen shelf liner. Simply place the liner on the student's desk and then place a large binder on its side with the spine facing away from the student. A clipboard can then be glued or put on top of the binder with the shelf ilner as well. This way, the clipboard doesn't slide off the binder. The binder acts as the slant board and allows the student to write and complete assigments with less effort because it tilts the material to eye level for the student. |
Mid TechKeyguard:
~ This form of tecnology is useful to students who have a difficult time slecting the right key on the keyboard due to motor skill issues caused by cerebral palsy. The clear, plastic keyguard fits over the keyboard and has cut out holes over each individual key. This will help increase typing acurracy by allowing the student to select the appropriate button without hitting any others by mistake.These tools range from $45-$95. Smoothie Switches:
~ This tool is great for students who have a difficult time applying pressure to buttons or lack the fine motor skills to flick small switches on toys or lights. These large, brightly colored swtiches can be plugged in and hooked up to many devices and used to operate these devices tthrough one push. The switches use light pressure system so even the lightest of touches can activate the switch. This device is approximately $40-$65. You can see how this product works by clicking on the image below. Mouth Sticks:
~ This is a less expensive alternative to the eye control module. These are simply adapted stick that fit into the mouth with a cushion and a felt or rubber tip at the end. The student can use the mouth stick to turn pages in a book, type at the computer, and can even be attached to spoons or cooking utensils to make meals. These devices range from $20-$50. Click on the image below to see how this device can work. |
High TechTobii CEye Eye Control Module:
~ This device is best suited for those students with severe symptoms and are unable to control hand or body movements. This tool helps these students communicate through the computer without touching anything. The program begins my calibrating the eye movement of the student and then the student can select icons by simply looking at it and blinking, holding their gaze, or hooking up a switch to select.Although this item is currently selling for around $7,000; it may be bemeficial to complete a trial, rent, or even request a grant. These options are all available. Click on the image below to see a video of this technology device in action. Word Prediction Software:
~ This software predicts the word the student is attempting to type and replaces the word. This is an easy way for students who have difficulties with fine motor skill to type in less time. Co-Writer is a specific program that not only predicts the words that you are typing, but also reads the sentence when a period is added. Although this software can range from $150-$600, it is a great tool for students with cerebral palsy. Click on the image below to learn how it works. BigKeys Keyboard:
~ These keyboards are a great tool for students who have a difficult time typing with the small keys. The enlarged keys making it easier for students to hit the right button in order to type. This way, students with difficulties in fine motor skills can still have access to the computer and less stress while typing. |
Cerebral Palsy
-- refers to a multitude of neurological disorders that affect muscle and body movement and coordination Children may exhibit any one of the following symptoms: stiff or tight muscles and exagerated reflexes, walking with one foot or leg dragging,walking on the toes, a crouched gait, and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.