Getting Writing on the Radar for Students with Significant Physical, Communication and Intellectual Disabilities

Students with multiple disabilities typically have restricted opportunities to write with the full alphabet. Using a conventional pencil or keyboard is simply not an option, BUT- there is an alternative! A range of alternative pencils will be shown along with guidelines for selecting them for your students. No prerequisites needed! Participants will be able to: 1. Describe the differences between emergent literacy and early conventional literacy and the implications for students with the most significant disabilities, including those who do not use verbal speech to communication. 2. Identify 3 alternative pencils and which students might benefit from them based on their physical access methods, language skills and vision issues. 3. Describe 3 teaching strategies for emergent writers, including methods for informal assessment over time.