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The 4th of July is a great holiday to celebrate our nation’s independence with friends and family. However, for many people and animals, it’s one of the most anxiety-inducing days of the year. While the 4th of July brings joy, barbecues and celebration, it also brings loud, crackling fireworks and booming music playing from every street corner or outdoor public area. For children with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and sensory sensitivities, this noise can be extremely unsettling and even scary.

As a caregiver, there are not many things you can do to control the noise in public areas or in your neighborhood. However, you can make this upcoming holiday easier for your child to help them feel comfortable and safe. Here are some sensory-friendly 4th of July items to have on hand ahead of the fireworks.

1. Noise-Blocking Headphones

Sound sensitivity is one of the most common symptoms found in children with autism or special needs, which can make the upcoming holiday very overwhelming for your child. Research shows that children with autism are often more sensitive to loud noises or perceive them to be louder than others. These loud, repetitive or abrupt noises on the 4th of July can be strong irritants, so it’s important to have noise-blocking headphones or other auditory sensory products on hand that help your child feel comforted.

Noise-canceling headphones can often block out most of the noise, which is why many parents use them when taking their children to concerts. You can also give your child headphones that play soothing music or white noise if they prefer. Whether you’re celebrating from the comfort of your home or out with friends and family, having these headphones with you can provide instant relief to your child, particularly if they use alternate methods of communication.

2. Sunglasses

Bright lights are also a common sensory sensitivity for children with visual processing disorders, autism and special needs. Bright lights, including fireworks, can cause sensory overload in children and result in sensory avoidance — when your child tries to escape a situation or stimuli others can easily tune out. Studies show bright, flashing or flickering lights can significantly affect hypersensitivity in people with autism and create negative visual sensory experiences. Though all needs and sensory sensitivities differ in children with special needs and autism, they may also have difficulties tolerating:

• Particular colors
• Visual distractions
• Unpredictable movements
• Patterns
• Bright environments

When it comes to light, you might find your child keeping their eyes closed, covering them or falling asleep to avoid the glare. Sunglasses can help your child feel more comfortable in the presence of bright lights by protecting their eyes and shielding them from the sun, fluorescent lights or spotlights that might be present during 4th of July celebrations.

3. A Favorite Comfort Item, Toy or Game

Bringing familiar toys, games or a particular item your child loves can be a perfect distraction during overstimulating activities like firework shows, barbecues, parades, block parties or other outdoor events. A toy or game will also serve as something to keep their mind occupied and focus on something in their hands rather than what’s going on around them. If they feel overwhelmed or frightened by the excessive noise, crowd or visual movements, they can turn to their favorite toy for comfort.

Some examples of these items can include:

• Bubbles
• Sensory games
• Stuffed animals
• Switch adapted toys
• Fidget kits
• Musical activities
• Learning toys

4. Favorite Snacks

It’s common for children with different disabilities to be picky eaters for many reasons, including how specific foods feel in their mouths or how crunchy or soft they are. Take advantage of this and stock up on your child’s favorite snacks ahead of the holiday. During the fireworks show or at home, your child can focus on enjoying the taste, texture and flavor of their snacks instead of the environment around them.

Food can also provide a crucial distraction for your child if they are anxious about the fireworks, the sounds of people grilling nearby, excited chatter or other activities that can make them feel overwhelmed. Be sure to bring a cooler if you go out and have plenty of snack options for your child to choose from when the day arrives.

5. A Favorite Blanket

As a child, nothing is more comforting than a favorite blanket, teddy bear or stuffed toy that you take with you everywhere. Your child likely has one of these, so it’s a good idea to make sure you bring them along wherever you’ll be on the 4th of July. A favorite blanket adds even more advantages because you can use it to establish a visual boundary for your child and the rest of your family.

This gives your child their own special space to play with toys and enjoy snacks in peace and comfort and ensures no one will invade their set boundaries. If you go to a parade or similar event, your child can still use their favorite blanket to wrap themselves up and feel hidden and cozy ahead of the activities.

Other Sensory-Friendly Tips for Preparing for the 4th of July

Here are some other autism-friendly 4th of July tips to keep in mind to help your child get through the celebrations in comfort:

• Count down: Mark your calendar for the 4th of July and cross out the days leading up to the holiday with your child to get them excited about it.
• Talk it out: Let your child know something different is coming up and what you plan to do. Kids with special needs may be more prepared for the 4th of July activities if you tell them what to expect, such as where you will go and how long the festivities will last. Tell them about fireworks and what colors or sounds they might see if they have never seen them before.
• Find the right spot: Provide a safe distance from the action if your child gets overwhelmed, such as a secluded area away from the crowd. You should also remain near your car if possible in case your child wants to escape from the noise and watch the fireworks from there.
• Know their limits: Be mindful of the situation. While family memories and celebrations are important, it’s not worth your child feeling stressed. Have a plan in place with alternate activities, such as watching the fireworks at home on TV, if your child becomes too overstimulated.
• Give them ways to ask for a break: If your child uses alternate communication methods, make sure they have a special card or device that lets them alert you when they feel overwhelmed or need a break. This can make them feel more prepared and safe before engaging in any activities.

Prepare for a Fun Fourth of July This Year

This upcoming holiday should be a wonderful time for you and your family to relax and celebrate. Your child with a disability deserves to make memories and enjoy themselves, and bringing along some of their favorite items and toys can create a calming experience. There are plenty of ways to keep them feeling safe and pleasantly distracted, even in a stimulating new environment.

At Enabling Devices, our goal is to create unique products, tools and devices that help individuals with disabilities participate in community events and day-to-day activities in comfort. If you’re a parent looking to make more fulfilling experiences with your child, browse our sensory products and adaptive toys and games. We also invite you to contact us to learn more about customizing a product to fit your child’s needs.

Toys allow children to have fun, but they can also do so much more. Some toys are designed to help children develop their five senses, while others help children with specific tasks. If you teach a class of students with special needs, adding certain types of toys to your lesson plans or classroom setting can help your students relax, focus better and develop their fine motor and communications skills.

Toys for Increasing Focus

Children learn more effectively when they can pay attention to the instructions and focus on the lesson. Certain types of movement may improve some children’s concentration and focus. Enabling Devices offers several types of toys for improving focus, including Sensory Kits. The following toys can help students with special needs concentrate better in a classroom setting.

1. Classroom Fidget Kit

Fidgeting gives the body the chance to burn off excess energy. Redirecting some of a child’s fidgety energy can help enhance their learning. Several studies have examined the impact fidget toys have on children’s test scores. One study found a 10% increase in scores when students used fidget toys.

Fidget toys do more than help redirect a child’s energy. They can also help children develop fine motor skills and dexterity. Playing with these toys may help lower children’s stress and anxiety levels.

The Classroom Fidget Kit includes a variety of toys to meet the sensory needs of each student in a classroom. The toys are packaged in a handy tote bag for easy storage and transport.

Inside the kit, you’ll find:

• Fidgipod
• Gel Bead Balls
• Rainbow Pom Balls
• Desk Buddy Sensory Bars
• Figer Squash It
• Water Snakes
• Tangle, Jr.
• Sensory Stixx
• Pop Tubes
• Pencil Finger Fidgets
• Squish Disks
• Wood Fidget Puzzles

The kit contains two of each type of toy.

2. Twiddles

Twiddles is a cuddly and soft toy that children can wear around their arm like a sleeve. The Classic Twiddles has a soft fringe and marble pouch. We’ve added vibration, which provide additional sensory stimulation.

Twiddles is machine washable and can be put in the dryer, as long as you remove all of the attachments and battery packs first. You might want to purchase several so students can use the toys when they feel stressed or have trouble focusing during class time.

3. Gel Lap Pad

The Gel Lap Pad contains a sparkling, colorful gel that helps children focus and self-soothe. During classroom instruction, children can hold the pad on their lap and push into the gel to redirect their energy, improving their concentration.

The lap pad is easy to clean and contains a nontoxic gel.

4. Weighted Puppy

Weighted toys can help children concentrate while also helping calm and soothe them. The Weighted Puppy wraps around a child’s shoulders and neck. The gentle pressure from the cuddly pup helps improve children’s attention and concentration.

The weighted puppy is microwave-safe, so you can gently heat it for use as a hot pack. It can also go chill the freezer to use as a cold pack.

Toys to Help With Sleep

Children with special needs might have difficulty sleeping, whether at home or during classroom nap time. Fortunately, there are several toys available that may help calm and soothe them, making it easier to fall asleep.

1. Tranquil Turtle

The Tranquil Turtle is a soft, soothing friend a child can bring to bed or naptime. The turtle has a light-up shell that produces wave-like motions. It also makes soothing sounds similar to an ocean breeze. In a darkened room, the turtle’s lights and sounds help create a calm atmosphere.

You can adjust Tranquil Turtle’s volume, brightness and movement to create a sensory experience customized to each child.

2. Twinkles to Go Octo

Twinkles to Go Octo is an adapted illuminator that projects stars and fish onto the walls of your classroom. There’s one switch that turns Twinkles to Go on and off. A second switch changes the color of the lights. The switches are sold separately.

Twinkles to Go can be ideal as a soothing toy for children with a fear of the dark. The illuminator stays lit for 45 minutes before shutting off.

3. Weighted Blankets

Weighted Blankets have long been used to help children with sensory processing disorders. The blankets create a sensory experience that many children find calming. The gentle pressure creates a calming effect, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress in children. In some cases, a weighted blanket at nap or bedtime may help reduce the occurrence of nightmares and night-waking.

When choosing blankets, it’s important to pick the weight appropriate for a child’s age and size. Blankets that are too heavy can be overstimulating for some children. Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children age 4 or older who weigh more than 50 pounds.

Toys to Help Relax

Some children with autism can become over-stimulated following a change in routine or in triggering environments like loud areas or places with a lot of sensory stimulation, such as strong smells. The best relaxing toys for children with special needs help them avoid a meltdown or other behaviors such as self-stimulation.

1. Bubble Tubes

Bubble Tubes help create a relaxing atmosphere at home or in a classroom. The tubes vary in size but are typically water-filled cylinders that produce bubbles to help children relax and focus. Some tubes play soothing songs while others produce a gentle hum. The tubes may also have built-in LED lights in various colors that children can change with the push of a button.

2. Tubular Vibrator

Vibrations can help children with sensory processing difficulties, specifically excitatory vibrations. Excitatory vibration is most beneficial for children with low arousal who need additional stimulation to stay alert and relax. One way to provide vibration is through a Tubular Vibrator.

The Tubular Vibrator is a soft toy that can wrap around the neck, arm or any other body part. It provides vibrotactile feedback that can either soothe or energize a child. It’s available in adapted and unadapted versions. The adapted version vibrates only when the button on a switch is depressed. The unadapted version has an on/off switch.

3. Jellyfish Soother

The Jellyfish Soother is a cute and soft jellyfish toy that plays gentle music and ocean sounds. The Jellyfish Soother cycles through a rainbow of colors as it plays a four-minute melody. The soother is adapted for use with an external switch that activates the lights and music. It can also be used without a switch, as it turns on and off when the edge of the body is pressed.

The Jellyfish can rest on a tabletop or other surface. It also has a look so you can hang it from the ceiling or wall.

Toys for Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills require a child to use the small muscles in their body, such as those in the hands and fingers. Developing fine motor skills helps children become more independent, as they need the skills to dress themselves, eat and perform numerous everyday tasks. With fine motor skills, children can grip objects and manipulate materials.

Examples of fine motor skills include being able to hold a pencil or crayon, use a computer mouse, tie shoelaces and brush their teeth. Numerous toys can help children with special needs develop their fine motor skills.

1. Therapeutic Manipulator

The Therapeutic Manipulator is an activity center that helps children develop key fine motor skills, including grasping and reaching. It also helps develop finger isolation. The toy has several activities built in, such as a dangling toy that makes a silly noise when pulled or a giant knob that makes a cartoon sound when turned. There’s a multicolored, light-up spring toy and a big green button that plays soothing music.

Children can play with the toy on the floor or at a table. You can also remove the base and attach it to a wall.

2. Tactivity Center

The Tactivity Center is a multipurpose toy that helps children with limited mobility exercise and participate in therapeutic activities. It securely fastens to a table or wheelchair tray with two c-clamps. The toy consists of lightweight tubing with three attached accessories, including two textured balls and a ring.

Children can reach for and grasp the ring or balls, helping develop strength and eye-hand coordination. You can purchase additional accessories and extra toys for the Tactivity Center.

3. Desktop Busy Box

The Desktop Busy Box provides a variety of tactile experiences to a child, as each of its four sides has a different tactile sensation. One side plays music, another has ball chains and music, a third lights up and the fourth lets you record a 10-second message. On the top of the Busy Box is a green button that vibrates when pushed.

The Busy Box is attached to a lazy Susan, which lets children spin it, encouraging them to practice reaching. It also teaches children the basics of cause and effect, as they can soon see what happens after they press on each side of the box.

AAC Devices for Communication Skills

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are designed to help children with special needs develop communication skills. Using communication devices allows children to express themselves and what they are feeling or thinking.

1. Mini-Coms

Mini-Coms help children develop simple communication skills. The devices let you record a short 20-second message, such as “I want an apple.” Children can press the yellow button on the front of the communication device to let you know that they want an apple. The devices have a track on the top where you can place pictures or icons that illustrate the child’s message.

Each Mini-Com has a small piece of hook and loop fastener on the side to connect several units and create more complex sentences.

2. Rocking Say It Play It

The Rocking Say It Play It helps children learn the connection between language and function. A useful toy for developing language skills, the Rocking Say It Play It lets you record two messages. Which message plays depends on the side of the switch the child presses. The toy helps children better understand how language works and what happens when certain words are spoken.

3. Puzzle Communicator Set

The Puzzle Communicator Set helps children recognize different types of animals while working on their communication skills. You can record up to 300 seconds on the communicator, creating messages for each of the five puzzle levels. When a child picks up or sets down a puzzle piece, the message will play.

Along with helping children learn communication skills, the Puzzle Communicator Set helps them develop grasping and fine motor skills. Each set comes with three puzzles and one base.

4. Totally Tactile Communicator

The Totally Tactile Communicator is an AAC device that’s particularly useful for children with visual impairment. The tool has textured icons that are bright and colorful. You can record up to 36 messages on the communicator at seven seconds per message.

It has three built-in controls, including an on/off adjustment and volume control. The tool is attached to a lazy Susan, allowing playback delay on outside plates and vibration adjustment.

The Totally Tactile Communicator is flexible and customizable. You can adjust the messages and recording times based on a child’s specific needs. You can also use the communicator in various settings, such as in the classroom, at the child’s home or in public. The toy helps motivate children to communicate and interact with the world around them by allowing them to share messages.

Get the Best Toys for Your Home or Classroom

For more than four decades, Enabling Devices has created toys and products to help people with disabilities interact and connect with the world. Our goal is to bring joy to children and further unlock their potential through toys and communication devices.

Our toys have a place in the classroom, the home and sensory rooms. If you’re looking for the best toys to help children develop communication skills and fine motor skills, we have plenty of options. Our toys can also help children learn to self-soothe and calm themselves in periods of anxiety and stress.

Browse our digital catalog to see what we have available. If there isn’t a toy or device that quite fits your needs, we also offer customized services. Contact us today to learn more.

Sensory Integration Toys and Products for Children and Adults With Special Needs

Sensory integration (SI) is the process the brain uses to organize and interpret information received from all senses, including sight, smell, sound, taste, touch, body awareness, movement and gravitational pull. Many kids develop sensory integration during normal childhood activities, but some are not able to develop it as efficiently as they should. Sensory integration disorders can lead to learning, behavioral or developmental problems.

Sensory integration therapy can help children with SI disorders by exposing them to structured and repetitive sensory stimulation. Over time, the child’s brain adapts and starts to process sensory stimulations more efficiently. Through their positive experiences with sensory stimulation, children and adults can engage more with different sensations and situations. Over time, they’ll be able to continue processing new experiences in the real world.

An important aspect of SI therapy is the use of carefully designed activities and accommodation. This process could happen in the form of special sensory processing disorder products and sensory room items. Some of the products that have helped people during SI therapy include activity mats, ball chairs and clampable sensory trays.

If you have a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or teach students with ADHD, you understand how learning at school can be difficult. You can help students with ADHD — whether you are a parent or a teacher. Talk to the other important people in their life, pay attention to how they interact with peers and create a structure so the student learns to build a routine.

Certain types of toys are specifically designed for students with ADHD or sensory processing disorders. Many schools and educators are open to children using fidget toys and gadgets during the school day to help keep them focused. Having these toys available in the classroom or buying toys for your child to bring to and from school can aid them in their academic journey.

Continue reading to discover some of the best fidget toys for managing ADHD in the classroom.

Difficulties Children With ADHD May Face in School

Children with ADHD might experience more challenges in school than children without ADHD. Many schools have procedures to assist children with learning, such as giving students a distraction-free place to take exams. However, children with ADHD can still have difficulty in school. Some challenges might include:

• Lack of physical activity: Besides the allotted recess time, children stay seated for most of the school day. Stillness can be difficult for some students with ADHD, for whom physical activity can be vital.
• Trouble staying focused: Students with ADHD might struggle to focus for long periods, making classes and homework challenging.
• Difficulty finishing work: Some students with ADHD may face challenges finishing their work due to distractions.
• Being too talkative: Some students with ADHD might talk too much or be disruptive in the classroom.
• Bonding with other students: Some children with ADHD might experience difficulty making friends at school. Children who are inattentive might seem shy to other students, while students experiencing hyperactivity might be met with disdain or aggression.

Additionally, ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and depression, all of which can make school more difficult.

The 7 Best Toys for Managing ADHD in the Classroom

Aside from any systems already put in place by the school, there are ways to help children with ADHD be successful in school. Sensory toys may help students experiencing ADHD or anxiety in the classroom. You might find the following list of toys effective for classroom use:

1. Classroom Fidget Kit

Fidget toys help classroom focus. The Classroom Fidget Kit comes with various fidget toys for individuals with ADHD meant to help any student. This option is a good choice for teachers because it provides many different options for fidget toys. The toys also come in a convenient bag for easy portability and classroom storage. Children can use fidget toys during storytime, while waiting for other students to finish an exam, during a lesson or in other parts of the day requiring more focus.

 2. Textured Marble Fidget Board

Moving around the marbles on a Textured Marble Fidget Board provides exploration and tactile learning. This fidget toy is special due to its unique design. It is colorful and glossy, adding a visual element to its tactile quality.

The colors and mirrored elements can have a calming effect on students who feel overwhelmed during the school day. Playing with fidget toys is also beneficial for children with anxiety, as it keeps their hands occupied during moments of stress.

3. Oral Motor Chew Sets

Chew tools are created specifically for use in therapy. They especially benefit children who crave chewing or children with oral motor problems. However, they can also be helpful for students with ADHD and can be used — with the teacher’s permission — in the classroom.

Chew Sets can help with breath control and muscle tone. These toys come in three levels — soft, medium and hard. Chew sets may be helpful for students with ADHD in the classroom if they experience distractedness even while their hands are occupied, such as during an exam or while taking notes.

4. Weighted Handwriting Glove

A Weighted Handwriting Glove can provide support and compression for students with ADHD who need to build fine motor skills for writing or self-help activities. This glove comes in sizes small, medium and large, and is made of soft cotton spandex with a weighted pouch that rests on the back of the hand. Items with compression can be comforting for kids with ADHD experiencing discomfort in school. Compression is also sometimes helpful for students experiencing anxiety.

5. Cuddly Mimbleballs

Mimbleballs are fluffy options for kids to hold and squeeze during school. These little buddies are soft and comforting and come in pink, white and green. They also have fun frizzy hair and adorable button eyes. Mimbleballs are machine washable, making them a perfect addition to your home or classroom. They’re also sure to put a smile on a kid’s face during gloomy or stressful days!

6. Ball Chairs

Ball Chairs are great for any child who has difficulty sitting still for prolonged periods of time. As a bonus, they also help with posture and balance. The chairs stay in place using locking casters, making them equally safe and effective.

You can put one of these chairs at your child’s desk at home so they can stay occupied while doing homework in the evening. If you’re a teacher, you can outfit your classroom with one or two of these chairs that students can use as needed.

7. Activity Wall Panels

One of the most stimulating toys for individuals with ADHD is an activity panel. Activity Wall Panels can add a fun and stimulating element to the classroom. These panels are solid wood, and you can choose between a horse, zebra or frog design, or you can mix and match so students have different choices! Each animal has different activities that help students develop eye-hand coordination, motor skills and cognitive skills.

All the different options come with different activities — kids will find new ways to play every time! Additionally, these wall panels help encourage children to play together. The ability to develop fine motor skills while playing with other students is important for students with ADHD, who sometimes face difficulties making friends in the classroom.

The Toys From Enabling Devices Can Help Your Child Focus at School

At Enabling Devices, we work with therapists, teachers and parents to create tools and toys built to make life more joyful for people with disabilities. We have more than 40 years of experience and are dedicated to working together to make devices that are useful, fun and innovative.

If you’re a parent or teacher looking to make a child’s schooling experience more enjoyable, we’ve got something for you. To get more information on our fidget toys for individuals with anxiety and ADHD, contact us today!

In 2019, over 7 million students with disabilities navigated learning obstacles while attending school. That’s 14% of total student enrollment. In a typical classroom setting, teachers aid these students by designing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that are structured with assistive technological support. Teachers follow the same steps in an online setting, but the available instruction methods and assistive technologies are vastly different. This post outlines the 10 most beneficial assistive technologies you can use in your online classroom, as well as their unique benefits.

What Is Assistive Technology in Special Education?

Assistive technology is any device, software or product that improves a person’s ability to perform a task. In a special education setting, students use assistive technology to achieve the learning goals defined in their IEP. These aids can be as simple as a calculator or as high-tech as speech recognition software.

Generally, assistive technology falls into three categories:

• Low-tech: Technologies that don’t involve complex electronics or specialized software are considered low-tech. Some examples include graphic organizers and a pencil grip.
• Mid-tech: Mid-tech assistive technologies enhance another technology’s performance. Examples include screen magnifiers, adapted switches and talking calculators.
• High-tech: Assistive technologies are considered high-tech when they’re stand-alone technologies that enhance performance. Common examples include keyboard and mouse alternatives, word prediction programs and text-to-speech software.

 

In the classroom, teachers supply their students with assistive technologies knowing they can monitor usage and guide group instruction. In an online classroom, teachers lose the ability to administer physical assistive technologies. However, there are still many effective solutions that students can use from home — either individually or with the help of a caregiver.

How Can Assistive Technology Be Used to Help Students?

Assistive technologies help students navigate learning obstacles. For some students, this may mean reducing stimuli by going to a quiet and dimly lit room. Other students may require more support, like aligning math equations or having braille text. Assistive technology can be used for at-home education to help students do the following:

• Hear and listen to instructions
• Understand math concepts
• Improve writing abilities
• Stay engaged
• Write their thoughts and solutions completely and legibly
• Read assigned text
• Communicate with other students and faculty online

You can supply some assistive technologies as online resources that students can easily access. If you supply online resources, consider adding every resource to one webpage on your teaching module. That way, students don’t have to navigate through a handful of webpages.

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Additionally, you can supply in-home assistive technologies, such as an alternative keyboard or braille printer. Your school may or may not be able to cover these costs. If not, make a suggestion to the students’ parents, but be prepared if the student simply can’t access high-tech assistive technologies.

The Benefits of Assistive Technology for Online Education

Assistive technology makes it easier for students to learn. Being able to take control of their education is huge for students with disabilities. For some, this feeling of control can even be life-changing. The use of various assistive technology devices in an online classroom facilitates the following benefits:

1. Instills a Sense of Independence

Students with disabilities overcome many challenges in their daily routine. At school, these challenges can make them feel dependent on others. Although there’s nothing wrong with receiving assistance, some students may feel different from their peers who don’t require the same teacher-student dependence.

Assistive technology restores students’ independence. It allows students to take charge of their own learning, manipulating technologies by themselves to achieve tasks independently.

2. Allows Students to Realize Their Potential

When students take charge of their learning, their newfound independence unlocks potential they didn’t know was possible. Stigmas and a lack of technology may have built boundaries that made it difficult, or impossible, for students to work around. With assistive technology, students don’t have to face the same obstacles. Students with disabilities have the potential to perform larger and more complex tasks, preparing them for a future of continued success.

3. Restores Confidence in Students With Disabilities

A sense of independence and unlocked potential helps students with disabilities feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. Without assistive technology, students may become frustrated when they can’t complete a task. With assistive technology, every task completed restores students’ self-esteem and willingness to complete more tasks.

4. Brings Students With Differing Abilities Together

Differing abilities can lead to social separation. At school, students learn foundational concepts they’ll use throughout their life, including social skills. It’s important for students of all abilities to interact with each other because:

• Able-bodied students empathize with people different than them, breaking down the social stigma associated with differing abilities.
• Students with disabilities feel included, strengthening their self-worth.

In an online setting, give everyone the same access to assistive technology. Giving only a handful of students access to assistive technology can make them feel excluded from the group. Offering everyone the same learning opportunities echoes the benefits outlined above.

10 Best Assistive Technology Tools for Teachers and Students

Online education is stressful for many teachers. Although special education is most often taught in-person, assistive technologies allow instruction to take place online. Meet with each student and, after designing their IEP, make a game plan. Prepare synchronous and asynchronous lesson plans. Reflecting on each IEP, think about the students’ learning obstacles and determine a list of assistive technologies that could help your student succeed.

Consider adding these 10 assistive technologies to your online instruction as needed:

High-Tech Assistive Technology

High-tech assistive technology students can use for online learning includes:

1. Speech Recognition Software

Speech recognition software, also known as speech-to-text, decodes the human voice to perform a defined behavior. An example you may be familiar with is the speech recognition software in modern smartphones. A single phrase activates the software, where you then use your voice to tell the software what to do. If you want to make a call, you can tell the software to call your friend, and the speech recognition software will start the call for you.

Students with disabilities, like those with a movement disorder, benefit from speech-to-text software because they don’t have to directly manipulate a keyboard or mouse. Also, students with stronger verbal than written skills can complete assignments like essays or short-response questions more easily.

2. Speech Synthesizer

Speech synthesizer, also known as text-to-speech, does the opposite — it reads text aloud to the students. A common example of text-to-speech software is an audiobook. The software picks up syllables, speech patterns, dates, abbreviations and more to piece together complete and coherent sentences.

Students can use speech-to-text and text-to-speech software together. That way, students can talk to their speech software, and their speech software can talk back. This two-way relationship benefits students who are visually impaired or who have a hard time deciphering sentence and word structures.

3. Electronic Math Worksheets

Students with dyscalculia have a hard time understanding math concepts. Numbers are difficult to differentiate, and aligning math formulas proves challenging. Electronic math worksheets are software programs that help students align formulas, work through problems and organize their thoughts in a single space.

Electronic math worksheets work in tandem with text-to-speech software, reading math problems aloud. Some software has built-in talking calculators, so students don’t have to transfer attention back-and-forth between worksheets and calculators. This makes it easy for students with visual impairments to complete their work, as well as students with attention deficits.

4. Word Prediction Program

When students type with a physical or on-screen keyboard, word prediction programs help them translate their thoughts into complete sentences. As a student completes assignments, word prediction programs detect their speech patterns. As they type more, the program suggests words the students can click or tap.

Word prediction programs are valuable tools for students with general writing issues. Some students have a hard time typing on their keyboard, and word prediction programs can save them a lot of time. Others have a hard time slowing their mind down to complete coherent sentences. Whatever the case, every student can benefit from this type of software.

5. Alternative Keyboards and Mice

Some students have difficulties using traditional keyboards and mice. The fine and gross motor movements can be difficult for students with limited mobility, and students with visual impairments may find it hard to read keyboard fonts.

There are a number of alternative keyboards and mice available. Most are compatible with modern computers and laptops. Some alternative keyboards and mice attributes include:

• Larger fonts
• Color-coded key groupings
• Angled keyboard shapes
• Orbital mice

Provide parents with resources on where they can find an alternative keyboard or mouse that suits their student’s individual needs. Or, consider talking to your school administrator about supplying these keyboards and mice to students.

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Mid-Tech Assistive Technology

Mid-tech assistive technology students can use for online learning includes:

6. Braille Support

Some students with visual impairments require Braille support to follow along with lessons. There are a handful of Braille support tools for online learning. Two of the most influential support tools are:

• Refreshable Braille display: Most commonly, a Braille display device is a keyboard attachment that displays text from a computer screen. It takes information from the screen — wherever the cursor is — and raises or retracts the Braille characters to reflect the information displayed.
• Braille printer: A Braille printer is like a normal printer, but instead of printing text in ink, it prints text in Braille. This assistive technology is especially useful when distributing textbook pages or worksheets.

Many traditional schools have Braille printers available. It’s harder to distribute Braille text in an online setting if the student doesn’t have a Braille printer in their home. Braille support requires solid parent-teacher communication because not everyone can afford Braille displays or printers.

7. Proofreading Programs

Some students with disabilities find it hard to type and form complete sentences. Proofreading programs are similar to word prediction software, except they don’t think ahead. Instead, proofreading programs read what students have already written and make suggestions based on grammar principles.

A lot of proofreading programs are free and students can install proofreading programs on their web browser. As they type, the program will correct mistakes, provide quick translation, define words when prompted and act as a personal trainer.

8. Talking Calculator

A talking calculator is like an average calculator, except it has a built-in speech synthesizer that vocalizes numbers, operations, symbols and solutions. Talking calculators are particularly helpful for students who are visually impaired. When working through solutions, the calculator confirms they clicked the right number and will vocalize the calculated solution.

Talking calculators may also be beneficial for students with other disabilities. The added element of verbal confirmation can help students stay focused and engaged. Students can find online talking calculators. Or, they may prefer purchasing a physical talking calculator.

Low-Tech Assistive Technology

Low-tech assistive technology students can use for online learning includes:

9. Timer

Timers are suitable assistive technology tools. Using a timer in your online instruction is beneficial for:

• Transitioning from task to task: Switching tasks can feel overwhelming for students, especially those with an autism spectrum disorder. Having a timer helps students mentally prepare for the switch and maintain their motivation.
• Staying on task: When students see the timer ticking down, they may feel more motivated to complete their tasks before the timer finishes.
• Promoting independence: Timing a task tells students what they need to do and how much time they have to do it. This sense of control promotes independence for students.

You can use a digital timer, keep a timer in-view on your webcam or encourage students to buy their own timers to keep on their desks.

10. Graphic Organizers and Outlining Programs

Students have a busy schedule. Graphic organizers and outlining programs are important for students with learning disabilities because they keep their schedule manageable. A busy schedule can feel very overwhelming for students, lessening their attention span and willingness to learn.

Visual organizers and schedules are a good way to compartmentalize daily tasks for your students with learning disabilities. They can help students manage their tasks on their own without overwhelming or stressing them out. Additionally, schedules that use color coordination and pictures to organize tasks can help students better remember and understand what they need to do.

On your teacher module, outline your program the best you can. Keep a public calendar that lists synchronous due dates. Also, send notifications to students to remind them to add other important dates and times, like one-on-one instruction. Keep the same line of communication with the students’ parents, too.

Browse Learning Aids for Online Teaching at Enabling Devices

Teaching special education online is new for many teachers. Enabling Devices offers assistive technologies that help students learn from the comfort of their homes when paired with the right instruction. For 40 years, we’ve designed assistive tools that satisfy today’s growing needs. If you’re a teacher or administrator looking for ways to strengthen your online teaching, browse our assistive technologies today. For immediate service, give us a call at 914-747-3070.

Whether your child is a virtual student or you want to supplement their in-school learning with online resources, you have a range of options to choose from. Learning from home takes some considerations, especially if you have a child with disabilities. But it can also provide an excellent opportunity to encourage your child and adapt their learning activities to fit their needs.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite educational resources into one list that’s a great place to start when looking for learning from home resources. Whether your child is learning virtually or you’re looking for ways to keep them engaged during the summer months, check out these tools and get started!

15 At-Home Learning Resources for Parents

You probably find yourself spending a lot more time helping your child through their classes, whether they’re virtual or in-person. We get it — most parents aren’t trained as teachers. And even the best school districts may not offer just the right content to meet each student’s needs.

Even with quality public instruction from your child’s school, you may choose to supplement learning at home. But finding the right tools at the right price can be tricky. It doesn’t have to be! With the right options — including free resources — you can help your child make the most of whatever educational environment they find themselves in this year.

1. Reach for the Stars With NASA Online

If your child has an interest in science and space, go right to the source! The best place to learn about space is from the folks at NASA. Dive into NASA’s Space Place, an interactive site where kids can learn all about our solar system and the universe we live in. Your child will explore the wonders of the universe by watching videos with bright colors and movement, or you can help them with space-themed activities.

You can help your child discover the Big Bang theory with the more tactile activity of making glittery, stretchy universe slime. Or discover ions in action with a fun static electricity activity. From learning about the phases of the moon to watching a video of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flying around, kids can get an up-close look at the universe around them through visually engaging content and tactile experiences.

2. Tour the National Museum of Natural History From Home

View all the Smithsonian has to offer from the comfort of your own home. This virtual tour allows students of all ages to take in the exhibits at this world-class museum. View their extensive permanent collection of dinosaur fossils, gemstones and other fascinating exhibits. Bright, eye-catching colors and textures will help keep your child engaged as they click through or listen to information about each exhibit. Discover the diversity of rich patterns and shapes in our natural world.

3. Head to the Zoo or Tour the Farm

We just can’t get enough of virtual field trips! Taking a virtual trip to the zoo or farm is an ideal way to experience a variety of animals and learn all about their behavior. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden offers behind-the-scenes tours of various animal enclosures, and they’re all on their Facebook page for you to watch! Each video focuses on one animal at a time, allowing children to learn about one specific animal before moving on to the next one.

Or, discover where food comes from with interactive virtual farm tours. FarmFood 360 offers 360-degree video tours of different types of farms, including egg, beef, dairy and chicken farms. Your child will stay engaged by clicking around the screen or tilting a mobile device to virtually tour farms. Scamper with the pigs during feeding time, or relax among the gently waving apple trees as workers pick the bright red treats.

4. Wind Down With Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Say “Goodnight” with famed singer Dolly Parton as she reads bedtime stories online. Accompanied by an activity sheet and songs, these read-out-loud videos are a great way to wind down at naptime or at the end of a long day. Your child can follow along with the textured and brightly colored pages of popular children’s storybooks as Dolly’s relaxing Southern voice lulls them to sleep. You’ll also find resources for reading tips for parents to help keep your child engaged with storytime.

5. Get Fit With School of Strength

If your child is interested in sports or even just needs to get out their extra energy, the Special Olympics School of Strength is an excellent free resource for athletes with special needs and their coaches and caregivers. The series includes four videos under 10 minutes to help your child warm up and build their endurance, strength and balance.

For children who crave more activity, try the 30-minute-long extra-credit videos with celebrity trainer Shannon Decker and Special Olympic athletes. The site also includes minute-long extra-credit challenges, like frog jumps and side-to-side bouncing, accompanied by quick gifs and easy-to-follow steps for quick workouts.

Modify the videos for your child’s athletic ability with three different levels of exercises — superstar, champion and master trainer. Give your child the best experience with tools for coaches and caregivers that explain the various workouts, how to empower athletes, healthy foods and drinks and workout calendars.

6. Explore Early Exercise With Young Athletes At Home

Help your child grow their motor skills and confidence with Special Olympics Young Athletes at Home. Young Athletes at Home includes different activities tailor-made to build your child’s skills and prepare them for school by teaching them physical skills, turn-taking and following directions. Easy-to-follow flashcards detail activities for all ages and abilities, such as beginner obstacle courses with household items, dance games with place markers and activities like pretending to be different animals.

Activities on the flashcards are meant to build foundational skills like:

• Health and fitness
• Walking
• Running
• Balancing
• Jumping
• Throwing
• Catching
• Striking objects
• Kicking
• Dribbling and other, more advanced sports skills

Young Athletes also helps you figure out safe places to play with your child, how you can encourage your child’s development during activities and how to promote daily healthy play. It even details everyday household items you can use like tape or stickers instead of gym floor markers and empty cups instead of cones. Follow those and other tips to create visually engaging exercise activities for your child.

7. Discover Inclusive Education Resources Through Educating All Learners Alliance

As a parent of a child with a disability, you may have experienced the challenges of remote education. Educating All Learners Alliance, or EALA, is a group of inclusive education organizations that supports the educational needs of students with disabilities. EALA has online learning resources for parents and educators who work with students with disabilities. Specific resources include teaching and learning strategies, information about particular intervention services like speech and physical therapy, fostering social and emotional well-being and best family communication practices.

The organization also offers webinars to discuss various disability and education concepts. Common topics include discussions on how families can use EALA resources, other families’ experiences with hybrid and remote learning, information on the most recent accessibility education technology, national disability policies and other best inclusive education practices.

8. Make Reading Easier With Bookshare

Students with learning disabilities, dyslexia or physical disabilities sometimes have trouble reading in a traditional sense. But with Bookshare, qualifying students with disabilities in the U.S. can enjoy more than 1 million titles for free. Your child will be able to read on the device of their choosing, whether they prefer to use a laptop, smartphone, e-books or an assistive device.

Your child will be empowered to customize their reading experience to their needs. Bookshare allows children with disabilities to curate their e-reading experience with adjusted reading speed and multiple fonts and colors. They can also choose from a variety of reading methods, including read-along highlighting, listening to their books or reading in braille. Plus, Bookshare even allows students to add bookmarks and notes and use partner apps and study tools to help them process the information they’re reading.

9. Learn From Home With Do2Learn

If you’re searching for a well-established learning resource for kids with disabilities, Do2 Learn has you covered. Founded in 1996, Do2Learn provides resources for parents and teachers of children with special needs. It offers fun activities for students to build different academic skills like fine motor development, language skills, math and learning strategies, in addition to providing educational resources for building social and behavioral management skills. The site even features picture card resources for people with language difficulties to help develop and communicate daily life skills!

As a parent, you’ll also be able to research more about disability. You can explore the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s definitions of disability, how school districts and early intervention centers evaluate children for different disabilities, the characteristics of multiple cognitive disabilities and strategies to address them. Additionally, you can review your rights as a parent with a child receiving special education services.

10. Use Chrome Extensions to Maximize Web Accessibility

With Google Chrome browser extensions, you can maximize webpage accessibility right from your browser. Authorized Google Education Trainer and Certified Innovator Eric Curts has compiled a list of Chrome browser extensions for easy readability, increased focus and comprehension and easier navigation. Tools include:

• Word prediction
• Dictionaries and picture dictionaries
• Text-to-speech
• Voice typing
• Font replacements for people with reading disorders like dyslexia

Other services help with focus, like horizontal reading bars and ad-blockers.

11. Boost Communications Skills With Seaver Autism Center

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, schools sent children home for remote learning. While this move was challenging for most families, it was especially difficult for many children with autism. Because attending school is a significant source of socialization and professional support for students, many parents are searching for resources and activities to help their children develop conversation skills. The Seaver Autism Center has online learning resources for parents to help their children continue to grow in their ability to communicate effectively.

The Center has hosted webinar series on topics like advice for overcoming sensory issues while wearing masks, strategies on combatting anxiety as businesses and public places re-open and how caregivers can take care of themselves during this time. Additional resources include games like Simon Says, charades and using a conversation ball. The Center also has a plethora of general information and resources for parents of children with autism.

12. Get Away With Easterseals Recreation and Camping

All children should have the opportunity to attend camp. Easterseals is the largest camping and recreation services provider for people with disabilities in the U.S., with 30 camps across the country. Services include both day and residential camping with a variety of barrier-free recreation options like water sports, campfires, arts and crafts, horseback riding, bingo and dances. Your child can discover their independence in a safe place away from home while developing their interests, learning how to work on a team and create life-long friendships.

But beyond providing an accessible camp experience for both children and adults with disabilities, Easterseals also provides respite services for both you as a caregiver and your child with special needs. You can rest, relax and connect with other caregivers through support groups and retreats with the peace of mind that your child is safe. Plus, their blog and brain health center resources also include great information for parents of children with special needs.

13. Join a Parent Group

Parents of children with special needs have particular concerns for their families and child care. By joining a parent group, you’ll discover a range of resources, like information about your child’s school, learning at home resources and which local medical professionals are best with children with disabilities. You’ll also be able to share and relate to other families’ experiences. Parent groups are a great educational resource for emotional support and learning more about your child’s disability.

If you’re looking to speak one-on-one with someone going through a similar experience as you, check out the Parent to Parent Program. Parent to Parent USA is a great resource to find fellow parents whose child has the same disability as yours. You can also find parent groups for specific disabilities. By talking to other parents, you’ll be able to share your experiences and gain insight and tips from other caregivers.

14. Research State-Run Programs

Beyond privately-run parent groups, states also have resources to support parents of children with disabilities. While some groups are state-specific, each state has a Parent Training and Information Center, or PTI. Some states also have Community Parent Resource Centers, or CPRCs, which local parenting organizations run. These groups can provide you with information about your child’s disability, resources available to your family and how you can effectively support your child.

15. Consult How-To Resources for Parents

A big part of helping your child through at-home learning is knowing how to provide them with the emotional support they need. Even more than reading, writing and math lessons, children need the love and support of their parents.

The Child Mind Institute offers resources for parents to help them talk to their children about some of today’s most pressing topics, including disappointment, back-to-school anxiety and fear of getting sick. They also offer resources for parents of children with autism, including topics such as managing anxiety, telehealth and revising an IEP for distance learning.

Shop Assistive Technologies and Tools With Enabling Devices

Since our founding nearly 40 years ago, Enabling Devices has been committed to providing products that help individuals with disabilities lead more productive, fulfilling lives. We firmly believe that a disability shouldn’t prevent you from learning, growing and making the most of what the world has to offer. It just means it’s time to get creative! We are proud to offer a variety of products to assist with learning, play and communications for children and adults.

Browse our shop or contact us for help finding the right products for your needs.

In recent years, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has been steadily rising. In fact, the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network found that one in 59 children carry a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. New research suggests that it’s not only autism that’s becoming more prevalent — the numbers of children diagnosed with at least one developmental disability has also increased.

The October 2019 issue of the journal Pediatrics reported that between 2009 and 2017, the number of children ages 3-17 diagnosed with at least one developmental disability rose from 16.2 percent in 2009 to 17.8 percent (or one in 6 children) in 2017.

Data for the study, “Prevalence and Trends of Developmental Disabilities among Children in the United States: 2009–2017” included the health information of 88,000 children using the “National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. Parents reported physician or other health care professional diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; blindness; cerebral palsy; moderate to profound hearing loss; learning disability; intellectual disability; seizures; stuttering or stammering; and other developmental delays.” 

As reported by Disability Scoop’s Michelle Diament, “the prevalence of autism, intellectual disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder increased during [2009 and 2017] while there was a decrease in the percentage of kids in the catch-all category of ‘other developmental delay.’”

The survey found that the greatest increases in diagnoses occurred among boys, Caucasian and Hispanic children, older youngsters, children who lived in cities and those whose mothers were relatively uneducated.

Though the survey didn’t look at the causes of the increase in developmental disabilities diagnoses, the CDC hypothesized that “previous research has found improved awareness, screening, diagnosis, and service accessibility may contribute to the increases seen.”

That could be good news, since early intervention is key in improving the prognoses for children with developmental disabilities. Programs like the CDC’s Learn the Signs, Act Early help families to identify developmental disabilities early so that they can access services and resources that can address their children’s deficits. Though developmental disabilities aren’t curable, children who receive the services they need are more likely to be successful in school and in other areas of their lives.

Examples of early intervention may include speech and language therapy; physical therapy; occupational therapy; hearing and vision services; psychological services; social work services; nutrition services; and medical and nursing interventions. Children with developmental disabilities have the greatest chance for success if they receive appropriate therapies between the ages of birth and 3 years old.