Pencil Grip Molded from Instamorph

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Written by: Lauren Pasquazzi, Early Childhood Educator and EC-SEAT scholar 


This summer I took an Assistive Technology class with Dr. Therese Willkomm. I was able to understand how to work with many different materials to help people with disabilities. In the class, we had to do a project where we create an assistive technology for someone with a disability. I worked with my brother for this project. I created a way for my brother to write without becoming frustrated because the pencil was too small for him to grip. I took Instamorph and was able to form it around the pencil so that my brother felt comfortable.

From this project, I learned about working with someone and making sure that the assistive technology is the right fit. Instead of just assuming that this is what my brother wanted, we discussed options together and tried different ways to hold the pencil with the Instamorph. At the end, not only did I feel accomplished, but I think my brother did too because he got to be a part of the process and his voice was heard on what he wanted.

About the Author: Lauren is a 2nd year EC-SEAT scholar. She is a certified educator for young children preschool aged to 3rd grade. She has written she adores children and loves the feeling of being in a classroom teaching and helping young minds grow. Lauren believes children have so much to offer and is excited to see what else is in store as she starts her internship experience. Currently, Lauren is interning in an inclusive preschool at North Hampton Elementary and with Child Family Center in Exeter, NH.

Comments

  1. LeslieSeptember 24, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Student voice is such an important part of the process. If it doesn't feel right, or s/he doesn't like it, they won't use it. Then it's been a waste of everyone's time and we're no further ahead. Including the student in the assessment, development and ownership is so important.

    ReplyDelete

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