When it comes to teaching a child with special educational needs, things have to be looked at from a slightly different angle – every child is different and you will learn alot from trial and error. Dependant on the childs difficulties you may find that your teaching can be assisted with the use of adaptive equipment – it’s worth discussing your options with your childs occupational therapist or your GP. If you are opting to use specialist software to teach your child, try it first. Really spend some time using the software before showing it to your child – put yourself in their shoes as you use it, think about their strengths and weaknesses as well as looking out for any potential problems with the software itself.
Preparing for teaching:Position and SeatingIdeally your child should be seated on a suitable chair at either a desk or a table, if your childs feet don’t reach the floor, or they are prone to alot of movement whilst seated (such as with Dyspraxia) I would recommend having them place their feet flat on either a small box or a lever arch file and if necessary putting a cushion behind their lower back to aid good posture. |
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Computer Settings
You may find it worthwhile to make small changes to the way the computer works when teaching your child – you may wish to make the icons appear slightly larger or make your mouse movement slightly slower to help children with poor hand – eye coordination.
On a Windows operating system – right click on your desktop > left click on ‘properties’.
On a Mac – Left Click the apple menu > left click ‘system preferences’.
Benefits of Technology and Computers for those with Special Needs.
- Improved hand – eye coordination
- Aids language development
- Teaches problem solving
- Typing can particularly benefit children with writing problems
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Helpful Sites & Articles:
Article from Microsoft.com: Simple Loop Helps Special Needs Youngsters Use Computer Mice
A Microsoft employee’s ingenuity and creative colleagues lead to a mouse that gives special needs children greater access to computer technology… Read More
Assistive Technology
Educational software, switches and computer access devices, communication aids and assistive technology for learners with special educational needs. Inclusive Technology.
Article from Kids and Computers.co.uk: Computers and Children with Special Needs
The term ‘Special Needs’ spans a huge range of physical, emotional and learning difficulties… Read More.
Software for all Abilities
Symbol Sets, Dyslexia, Learning Difficulties, Switch Access, Speech & Language Difficulties, Low Vision. Crick Software.
Cbeebies Switch Games
CBeebies has a range of games and stories which are ‘switch’ accessible, for those children who cannot use a keyboard or a mouse… Read More.
Article from BBC.co.uk: Teaching ICT to children on the Autistic Spectrum.
There is a computer in each class that each child uses, either with their 1:1 support if necessary or alone, sometimes as reinforcement… Read More.
Article from British Dyslexia Foundation: ICT Starting Points.
People with dyslexia and related disabilities may have problems accessing the written word. Using technology can not only help to overcome… Read More.
Free online dyslexia test – might my child be dyslexic?
Mini dyslexia test. Areas of difficulty to look out for. Dancing Kites Website
