Shopping Trip to Dollarama - Low Tech Items

TASK A

So off to the Dollarama I went after class in search of low tech assistive technology items. Here are the five 'off the shelf' items I chose.

Bath Loofa

These bath loofas could be used in a couple of ways. At first I thought about how they feel when you touch them or rub them over your arm. The feeling is hard to describe but is pleasant, so I figured they could be used with students for a calming/relaxation effect. The second idea I had was the loofa as a painting tool. For students who have fine motor difficulties using a paintbrush the loofa provides another option making it easier to grasp.

Foam Dominoes

Foam dominoes are a great math manipulative to have in any classroom. However, these dominoes are made of foam and will not break like some of the glass ones. Also since they are made of foam they are much quieter to use in comparison to the glass ones. These dominoes would work best for a visually impaired student as the dots are much larger and easier to count than the regular sized dominoes.

Pipe Cleaners

The pipe cleaners could be used with students with sensory problems or a visual impairment for letter and number formation. The fuzzy material of the pipe cleaner would assist a student as they ran their finger over it in developing letter and number formation.

Dish Drying Rack

The dish drying rack could be used as an organizational tool. What an excellent place for a disorganized student to store binders, books and folders in the slots where the plates would fit. And if you have one just like in the picture the student can store their pencils, pens and highlighters; the small things that often get misplaced.

Garden Gloves

These garden gloves have rubber backing making it easier to grasp things. Students with grasping difficulties or motor challenges would benefit from using these gloves.

TASK B

My modified low tech assistive technology design.

I decided to create a large pencil holder. Using only a turkey baster and a pencil I was able to make this low tech assistive technology. To get the pencil to fit snuggly without popping up I chipped away at the pencil rather than just sharpening it. This adapted tool would work best with students who have fine motor challenges and find it difficult to hold a regular pencil. The top of the turkey baster should be removed during writing as this part makes the pencil holder feel top heavy. Added bonus to using a turkey baster as a pencil holder is the top portion can be used as an eraser.