Technology for the Boy

I was asked the other day if I would attend a team meeting for E. They usually do this in writing with a lot of advance notice, so I was a bit worried at getting a phone call just a few days ahead. My fears were unfounded, however, and the meeting was excellent.

His teachers feel he would benefit from some technology when it comes to putting his ideas & work on paper. He has been in Occupational Therapy at school for a year and a half, and although it helps, he is still behind. He has an immature pencil grip, and because his mind flies while his hand crawls, he gets frustrated. The idea is for him to continue with OT, but to bring in a writing tool as well. The man from the Intermediate Unit had several suggestions, and we will be trying out two different types of writing tools.  I've seen them called notebooks or portable keyboards as well, but they're mostly referred to by their brand names, the Neo or the Student Mate.

Here's an example of what they look like:

He would keep it in his desk, and just pull it out when he has an assignment. It would also come home for work as well. They will be teaching him how to use it today, and he'll get a loaner from the state for 4-5 weeks. It will take 6-7 weeks for the permanent one to come from the state, which won't be ordered until we know which one he wants.

E absolutely loves computers & techy stuff, and I really think this will be a great tool for him. They asked if I thought he would feel uncomfortable using it in front of the other kids, who may realize he needs extra help.  I assured them that he would feel like a rock star if he got to take that out to work on every day.  So that's the update, and I hope to report back soon that it's working very well for him. :)