The Family Center on Technology and Disability

Ideas That Work

• Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by awershing@aol.com on Jul 27, 2009

  I have used CoWriter or another word prediction program to teach them to type. While it takes a while to get used to word prediction, it can help them increase their typing abilities. Another approach that was used when I worked at another AT site in Berkeley was the Herzog method. This is not software based and can be used in any word processor. The keys are taught in alphabetical order when teaching typing, and can be used to assist kids in learning where to place their fingers. The program comes with key caps, or you can put tactile markers on some of the keys so they know where to place their fingers. You might also want to look at using a mouse and an onscreen keyboard for typing.

  • Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by Kathy Vining on Jul 27, 2009

    I have had success with a software application called 2Simiple 2Type (http://www.2simpleusa.com). The students I have placed it with are 5th and 8th graders. They have learning disabilities and struggle to keep up with their classmates during any kind of writing activites. I have received positive feedback from the OTs and LD teachers who have used it. The site has a brief demo and it is quite affordable. I have sent it home for several studetns to use, too.

  • Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by Debra on Jul 27, 2009

    The Writer and Writer Fusion have built in typing progams. I've used it with students on the Autism Spectrum, most with learning disabilities. They are portable word processors with a variety of additional features, including a Text to Speech option. www.writerlearning.com

• Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by Sue Somerville on Jul 28, 2009

  I first started using Typing Tutor to teach typing skills, but the students would revert back to single finger typing for the games. Then I used an on-line typing program from BBC at http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ but I had difficulty at some schools getting onto the internet so I came up with my own program following the typing program from BBC (without the annoying music and error noises my older students didn't like). I start with teaching the homerow keys, then upper keys 2 at a time(such as ded and kik)using the same finger on each hand (both e and i use the middle finger). I teach the single letter paired with the homerow key for that finger, then I have them type words that encompass the letters they have learned. I also teach all of this with their hands covered because they look at their hands. Quick, automatic typing is more kinethsetic than visual. I have had some good results teaching typing this way. A fellow OT I used to work with sent me a list of websites for typing I will include here. Free online Typing programs Can be used for all ages – as young as Grade 3 to High school http://www.freetypinggame.net/ (All around awesome site – Keyboard Triathlon) http://www.powertyping.com/ (Has music button while you type) http://www.nimblefingers.com/index_1.html (Basic typing & Free downloads) http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/ (Free downloads for teacher modifications) Designed for younger children (K-5) http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ Compiled by Sherry Stewart OTR/L Thank you to Sue Somerville OTR/L for adding Typing Mat -Sue

  • Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by kATHY gRIFFIN on Jul 28, 2009

    I've had success using a color-coding method that I saw at a conference. Colored alphabet labels are put on the keys with each key that is hit with the same finger being the same color. The keys hit with the index fingers are red - the f,r,v,j,m,u; the ones that you move the index finger over are pink - the t,g,b,h,n,y. The keys hit with the middle fingers are blue, the next keys over are lavender, and the keys hit using the little finger are green. The space is yellow. Then you put corresponding color dots on the finger nails. Then you just match the color on your finger to the color on the key.It's from www.ThelearningStudio.com

    • Re:Teaching student with dysgraphia how to type/keyboard with two hands posted by sara harpe on Jul 30, 2009

      I have used the inexpensive program Cosmi Talking Typing Teacher with success for several of my students. Marble Soft also has a Talk Typing Teacher program.