BRIC Assistive Technology Spotlight

April 2023: Assistive Writing Tools & Tech

BRIC AssistiveTechnology SpotlightApril 2023: Assistive Writing Tools & Tech

Assistive Writing Tools

Technology can be a huge boost for both adults and kids who struggle with writing. Assistive Technology (AT) tools can make the physical act of writing easier. AT can also help with spelling, grammar, organizing and expressing thoughts in writing. There are a wide range of writing AT tools from very low-tech to very high-tech.

Types of assistive technology tools for writing:

Handwriting tools can help people who struggle to write by hand due to troubles with motor skills. For example, a pencil grip makes it easier to hold a pencil properly. A slant board raises the writing surface and gives more leverage for handwriting. Lined or graph paper can be used to help people write in straight lines.

Graphic Organizers are visual tools that can help break down ideas and projects into smaller parts. People can use these to plan and organize what they want to write. Graphic organizers come in many forms, from mind maps to diagrams and flowcharts. These can be both digital or pen and paper.


Examples:

Dictionaries and Thesaurus help people define a word or find the right one. These come in physical print copy, or digital versions. There are many different types of dictionaries and thesauri as well. For example, a picture dictionary uses images to define words.


Spell check and grammar check are available on most word processors. Some AT tools for writing take spell check and grammar check to the next level by checking for incorrect words that sound alike or that don’t make sense in context.


Examples:

  • Basic spell check and some grammar check available through word processors such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs

  • Grammarly (free basic account)

  • White Smoke Grammar - spelling assistant (paid account)

  • Ginger Spell Check (free Google Chrome extension)


Dictation (speech-to-text) allows you to write by using your voice. As you speak, the words appear on the screen. Keep in mind that to use dictation, you need to be able to speak clearly. You also need to learn verbal commands for things like punctuation. Some dictation software can also be used to convert audio recordings into digital text.


Examples:

Word Prediction suggests correct spellings of words after only a few letters are typed. Word prediction sometimes uses “word banks” (commonly used words in a topic area) to help writers come up with words and complete sentences. Keep in mind that unlike dictation, word prediction requires using a keyboard.


Examples:

Text-to-speech (TTS) is typically thought of as a reading tool, but text-to-speech can also help with writing. This is because it can read aloud what’s written so you can check for mistakes. Some TTS tools can also read words aloud as they are typed.


Examples:

Where to get assistive technology for writing:

Many writing tools are “low-tech”. This is especially true of the handwriting tools. You can find pencil grips and graph paper, for instance, in most school supply stores. The school may also offer these tools.


When you’re selecting a handwriting tool, an occupational therapist can give helpful advice. They can tell you which tools are best fit, and they have access to a bigger selection of tools than a typical store. They can also talk you through the options for keyboarding or touchscreens.


As with other AT, tools for writing are being used more and more on computer platforms:


  • Desktop and laptop computers: Computers often have built-in AT tools, like TTS and dictation. You can also download software for writing to add more AT tools.


  • Mobile devices (tablets and smartphones): Mobile devices also have built-in AT options, too. You can add more tools to mobile devices with apps.


  • Chromebooks (and Chrome browsers on any device): These have built-in AT options, too. You can add Chrome apps and exceptions for more ways to help with writing.

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Contact Shelby Dukek

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out!

Email: sdukek@bric.k12.mn.us
Website: www.bric-k12.com
Location: 1615 5th Street Northwest, Bemidji, MN, USA
Phone: 218-751-6622