Portable Writing Tools

Technology for Those Who Would

Benefit from Writing Support

These small word processors are light and portable and can store multiple files. Text can be transferred at a later time to a computer for further formatting. Some of these tools, such as the AlphaSmart Neo, have additional, loadable applets (mini-application) that allow for word prediction. Others have voice recognition capabilities.

A portable word processing tool could

allow a student to be as mobile as any of his/her classmates

Allow a student to concentrate on writing content, rather than letter formation

Provide a legible record of a student’s work or thinking

keep a child from being completely hampered by spelling or word choice issues in his/her written communication

Lower frustration caused by small motor difficulties that inhibit accurate, legible writing

Some studies have shown that the use of word prediction actually improves performance (as opposed to increasing the reliance on external assistance). A portable word processor with word prediction capabilities, then, would not only increase the speed at which a student might be able to compose, but might also help to strengthen a student’s spelling or word retrieval skills.

A student who has difficulty with writing, expressive language, or small motor coordination might benefit from the use of such a tool. A word prediction applet would be particularly helpful for a student with a spelling or expressive language disability. Some portable word processors have available software that allows voice recognition, which would be helpful to very young students, or those who have difficulty typing at all.

Click here for information about Alphasmart Products such as Neo and Dana, as well as software for special-needs students.Click here for information about

Perfect Solutions Products such as LaserPC6 and Digital Notebook, and

special applications.

Click here for dyslexic.com’s comparison between AlphaSmart3000 and the LaserPC6 (Please note that a third product mentioned, the CalcuScribe Duo, has been discontinued).

Click here for pricing information for AlphaSmart.

Click here for pricing information for Perfect Solutions.

Early intervention programs Schools

Transition programs Vocational Rehabilitation

State Programs for Children with

Special Health Care Needs Medicaid Medicare

State Technology Resources Used Equipment

Leasing Equipment Loan Programs

Disability Organizations

Although portable word processors are relatively inexpensive when compared to other assistive technologies, knowing where to look for “ways to pay” is useful knowledge. P.L.U.K.org’s “The Family Guide to Assistive Technology” suggests the following as possible funding sources for the often costly technological support.

Click here to go to “Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids” (P.L.U.K.)

Edutopia “Assistive Technology Enhances Learning for All”http://www.edutopia.org/php/article.php?id=Art_1045

North Central Regional Educational Laboratoryhttp://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm

Nova Scotia Community Networkhttp://www.nsnet.org/atc/tools/writingtoolbox.html

“If Word Prediction Can Help, Which Program Do You Choose?”http://trace.wisc.edu/docs/wordprediction2001/