Assistive Technology Options

"Assistive Technology" refers to tools that make learning a more pleasant experience for your student. It may be an accommodation to a learning struggle, something to help with time management, or a pencil with a particular shape. 

• Live Chat Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5pm CT
• Call (888) 841-3456
• Email consultants@rainbowresource.com

• Email scarothers@rainbowresource.com

While time can be an abstract concept for a child, these show time passing in a way that students can see. Turn the timer and watch the red appear. Students “see” time pass, making it more concrete.

Many children find that a pencil grip makes handwriting more pleasant. It may be the texture, the shape, or simply the novelty that makes writing less of a chore!

The tactile element provides sensory feedback to a child who may be struggling associating meaning to letters and numbers. Children trace their fingers over the textured surface, say the letter and make the sound, adding more associations to their learning.

Just like adults have a favorite pen, children can show a preference for a particular pencil. They may like how the triangular-shaped ones feel in their hand, or the balance of a tiny pencil. 

An auditory learner often needs to hear themselves talk, as well as others. They hold a Toobaloo like an “old fashioned” phone handset. Practice reading books to build confidence! Or maybe your child would benefit from watching themselves form words in a mirror. 

When letter size and shape are a problem, handwriting paper that provides guidance is a simple option to try. Some have boxes you write in, some have space between lines, and some have lines you can feel.

Wiggleworms can place a special cushion on any hard chair and satisfy their need for movement. This movement can help a child focus and listen, often remembering better when using a cushion.

Like a weighted blanket, the pad and pets offer comfort to a child feeling anxious. They are cute, like a favorite stuffie, so there is less stigma attached to self-soothing behavior.

These are for a child who needs the sensation of tightness or squeezing. They are inflatable, so you control how firm the squeeze. This can be used to deescalate behavior or as comfort when listening to a lesson.

Putty is often used by therapists to develop fine motor muscles for handwriting skills. We offer a range of colors, textures, even scents and sizes. 

As children are sitting at desks and screens, they can find themselves hunched over. The cute stuffed animals have a particular shape that encourages the child to sit up straight holding the animal between a table and their chest. Personalize with your favorite creature.

Sensory overload affect many children (and adults.) Soften room noise with kid-friendly ear covering.

Not just for gym class, scooting on your belly strengthens core muscles important for sitting up and writing. Shoulders and back are activated as children cross the body’s midline, something like swimming. This is valuable for brain development.

Coordination is easier for some children than others. Develop balance and gross motor skills with activities like jumping rope and climbing. Moving their body through space is essential for brain development as well as overall health.