Assistive Technology & School-Based Occupational Therapy

As a school-based occupational therapy practitioner (OTP), chances are you provide your team with assistive technology support on some level.  Districts have varying levels of resources and understanding of assistive technology.  OTPs often are natural advocates for assistive technology needs in the school setting.

Assistive Technology In Schools

Assistive technology can improve student access and ability to participate in their educational routines and school curriculum.  It naturally pairs with school-based occupational therapy as OT aims to promote independence and educational access.  

It’s important to consider that assistive technology ranges from low tech to high tech.  Low tech examples include slant boards, adapted paper, visual schedules, and pencil grips.  These often are overlooked as being assistive technology (you may need to advocate that it is appropriately indicated on a student’s IEP!).  

High tech assistive technology includes things like portable word processors and AAC devices.  Quite a range!  It’s no wonder staff members that are unfamiliar with assistive technology get a little confused by the term.

So Who’s in Charge of Assistive Technology Anyway?

This can vary by district as some locations have designated assistive technology specialists on staff, particularly to assist with high-tech needs.  Even if your district has staff dedicated to assistive technology, as an OTP you’re well equipped to be addressing some of the lower tech needs.  

The assistive technology specialist is a great person to reach out to if you have questions about programs that your district may or may not have available.  I’ve learned so much from AT staff in the past!  

Chances are, assistive technology needs are handled by multiple members of your school team.  Speech therapists, assistive technology specialists, and occupational therapists can all play a role.  

With the increased use of technology in the classroom and ongoing efforts in Universal Design, many teachers are even well versed in tools such as word prediction and speech-to-text.  

OT’s Collaborative Role in Assistive Technology

OTPs should embrace a collaborative role when it comes to assistive technology in the school setting.  As school-based OTPs, we should be well aware of what a student’s day looks like and where they may need some accommodations and support.  

As we provide support throughout the school-day and collaborate with the staff, we are in prime positions to educate and equip staff that work with the student on a daily basis with basic training to carry over the tools.  

Assistive Technology Every School-Based OTP Should Know

As a school-based OTP, there are some assistive technology tools we should know.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather some of the tools I’ve found that are most regularly used by OTPs in the school system.

• Tools to Support Handwriting:  spacers (these astronaut spacers are some of my favorites!), adapted handwriting paper, slant boards, pencil grips
• Tools to Support Generating Text: SnapType, word prediction tools, speech to text
• Tools to Support Reading: C-Pens/Reader Pens, text to speech, guided reading strips
• Tools to Support Sequencing & Daily Routines: visuals (Canva, LessonPix, and SymbolStix are some tools your district may be able to access to create visuals), timers, and organizers

And the list could go on and on!  Is there a type of assistive technology you’ve been loving in the classroom?  I’d love to hear about it!  Email me at [email protected] and let me know 🙂.

Written By: Jennifer Huff, OTR