Alternatives to Handwriting: Suggestions from Academy School District 20 Occupational Therapy

Alternatives to Handwriting: Suggestions from Academy School District 20 Occupational Therapy

Alternatives to handwriting: Suggestions from Academy School District 20 Occupational Therapy wiki

Use of a word processor

All of the computers at Academy District Twenty schools have some type of word processor that a student can access if they have difficulty with handwriting. For a description of how word processors can assist with the writing process, please click here:word processor.doc

Talking word processors

For students who have problems with reading and/or writing, a word processor that provides voice output utilizes a multisensory approach to learning. For a description of how these programs can help, click here:talking word processor.doc

Write:OutLoud

This is an example of a talking word processing software program frequently used in our district.For product information, click here:
For short video tutorials to help you learn how to use Write:OutLoud 6 (newer version) please click on the following link:

Or if you would like access to a 30 min. training program for Write:OutLoud 6 (new version), please click on the following link:

For training assistance to help you learn how to use Write:OutLoud SE (older version), please click on the following link:
For a product demonstration, click here:

Word prediction

For students who need spelling support, a word processor that provides word prediction can be used to provide a list of words from which they can choose. The “flexible spelling mode” can also be set to recognize words that are phonetically spelled. For a description of how these programs can help, click here:wordprediction.doc

Co:Writer

This is an example of a word prediction program frequently used in our district.For Co:Writer product information, click here:

For short video tutorials to help you learn how to use Co:Writer 6 (new version), please click on the following link:

For a product demonstration:

Or if you would like access to a 30 min. training program for Co:Writer 6 (new version), please click on the following link:

For training assistance to help you learn how to use Co:Writer SE (older version), please click on the following link:

Train-in-30: Co:Writer Tutorial
This is a tutorial program which helps train you how to use Co:Writer in 30 minutes.

Voice recognition Software
Dragon Speaking Naturally: This is a voice recognition program frequently used in our district. For product information, please click here:

Portable note takers
These devices are light and portable, and can be used to type notes instead of writing notes. It should be noted, however, that many students with writing disabilities often have trouble identifying a key word/ main idea, so it is recommended that you work with the students with the note taker practicing these skills first, prior to having them start using it in a class.

The Neo:
This is an example of a portable note taker that is an updated version of the alphasmart. You can order it with voice output, so the student can listen to what he has typed. You can also order a Co:Writer applet with it, which offers word prediction and spelling support.