4Real Forums: Adaptive Keyboard

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Topic: Adaptive Keyboard

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Willa
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Joined: Jan 28 2005
Location: California
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Posts: 3881

Posted: March 15 2008 at 3:55pm \| IP Logged

My son's OT recommended this adaptive keyboard in helping him with his early academics. He is 8 years old and just starting to read as in sounding out CVCs, but has moderate motor difficulties from a stroke in infancy. His handwriting isn't exactly readable right now

It is expensive but looks easy to use. So my questions:

Has anyone's child ever used something like this before?
Was it helpful? Did you use it for learning to read or just for writing tasks?

Have you found a way to get funding for an accommodation like this? (I don't know if we want to go that way, but I'd just like to hear if anyone has succeeded in getting adaptive academic equipment through school system or through private insurance).

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Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
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wamegomom
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Kansas
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Posts: 326

Posted: March 15 2008 at 9:58pm \| IP Logged

Willa, I clicked on the link but it didn't show anything for me. I'd be interested in hearing about this.

Anyway, one way to get expensive things free or nearly so for us (not wheelchairs or AFO's, though) has been that we have been blessed by folks who donate them to the Capper Foundation, a children's therapy practice about an hour away. And though they only treat children, people donate other adaptive devices as well. My dh, who uses a wheelchair after having had a benign spinal tumor removed as a very young man, was given a standing machine that we couldn't ever have afforded. It was donated to Capper's, even though it was an adult-sized device, and they offered it to him. Is there a place like that in your area where you could ask about donated items to "recycle"? Maybe Aidan's physical therapist would have suggestions.

Another idea is contacting Easter Seals, or United Cerebral Palsy. They often can direct you to equipment that may only be slightly used, or maybe to grants for needed items.

I'm not sure about the school system, as I've never approached them, but again, your physical or occupational therapist should know.

I hope this helps!

Have a Blessed Holy Week and Easter!
Mary Alice

Angi
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Joined: March 23 2007
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Posts: 521

Posted: April 22 2008 at 8:37pm \| IP Logged

I am going to assume that you are talking about "Big Keys" keyboard. We used something like this in my classroom (I am a former Spec Ed teacher). My students used it for both reading and writing.

Also, you might want to check with the Knights of Columbus to see if they will help you. I know that ours has purchased a computer and other items for families.

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