20 Items Found At The Dollar Store That Could Be Used As Assistive Technology
Pool Noodle - This item could be used as a Physical Education class. Students with mobility impairments or in a wheelchair could use this during tag games. This would allow them to tag other students while they use they use their wheelchair when it is attached. Students with mobility issues would be able to tag other students without needing to be as quick as others.
Egg Cracker - This item could be used in a Family Students/Life Skills class with students who have fine motor/dexterity issues. Cracking an egg can be a very difficult task for anyone. This device can be used with one hand.
Travel Pillow - This item could be used with students who have neck stability issues. With the pillow around their neck it would provide support to ensure the neck is in a neutral position.
Spray Bottle - This item could be used in an Agriculture/Life Skills class. Students who have weak gross motor control would be able to water plants without using a traditional watering can.
Velcro Catcher - This item could be used in a Physical Education class. Students who are unable to close a baseball glove could use the Velcro catcher to play catch.
Camping Shelter - This camping shelter could be used in the class with students who have sensory concerns. The camping shelter could be used as a calming area to reduce anxiety.
Digital Timer - The digital timer can be used with student who have difficulty transitioning from task to task. This device allows for the student to monitor the time remaining on their own as well as an auditory signal of when it is time to transition to another activity.
Barbecue Lighter - The barbecue lighter could be used on a camping trip with a Leadership class to light a fire. Student who are unable to use a traditional lighter because of fine motor issues would be able to use the barbecue lighter with a squeeze of a finger.
Large Bats - The large bats could be used in a Physical Education class with student with gross motor or visual impairments. The larger bat has a greater surface area for the student to make contact with the ball.
Easel - This easel could be used in any class to hold a book or scribbler upright with students who are unable to do so or with visual impairments.
Tap Light - This tap light could be used in classroom with kids who are non-verbal or unable to raise their hand to gain the attention of the teacher. It could also used as a switch to answer questions with two possible responses.
Magnify Glass - A magnify glass can be used in class for students with visual impairments. This items can be easily accessible for students at their desk. It could be used to help look at pictures from text books or any print that is too small.
Sleep Mask - The sleep mask can be used with students sensory problem with light sensitivity. Some students are very sensitive to light causing headaches, discomfort or irritability. The mask could be used during these times to reduces the stress on the student.
Large Pen - This large pen could be used with students who have trouble grasping writing utensils. A wider pen allows for students to who can not close their hand small enough to grip a traditional sized writing utensil, to complete writing activities.
Wash Mitt - This wash mitt could be used in a life skills class with students who are unable to grab anything with their hands to clean surfaces. Student would be able to complete the life skill skill task of cleaning.
Ball Slinger - This could be used in a Physical Education class with students who are unable to through a ball because of strength or grasping ability. Many students have difficulty holding and throwing a ball. This devices could enhance their ability to perform this activity.
Balloon Pump - This pump could be used in an Art class instead of a paint brush. Students with fine motor control issues could use the pump to push the paint around to make a picture. A straw could also be used instead of a paint brush to create a painting.
Floss Picks - These floss picks could be used in a Life Skills class. Instead of using traditional floss with students who have fine motor and hand dexterity issues could used these to floss their teeth independently.
Play-Doh - This could be used with students to reduce stress and anxiety by squeezing it. When a student is able to squeeze the Play-Doh their muscles are contracting and relaxing. This can reduces stress and anxiety of students while continuing to be able to participate seamlessly in the class.
Squeeze Toy - This toy could be used in the class with students with ADHD as a fidget. Students with ADHD often have excess energy that they need to release. Having a fidget toy available to them to release that energy within the class and not miss instructional time.
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