Alterative Pencils!

 What.  Alternative pencils are tools to access the FULL alphabet.  The initial alternative pencils were designed by Dr. Gretchen Hanser and Dr. Karen Erickson.

Why.  Alternative pencils are used for learners who can't use traditional tools such as pencils, pens, or markers to write.

How. They could be accessed by:

• Direct select with a finger point or hand

• Eye gaze

• Partner assisted scanning

• Switches

Where.  A great resource for alternative pencils is the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies.  They have many alternative pencils that can be downloaded for free.

https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/clds/alternative-pencils/

Follow ihopeNYC on Instagram to see images and stories of students using alternative pencils.

Stay Tuned!  I will post more articles on alternative pencils at this blog!