Back-to-School with Assistive Tech: 5 Quick Wins for a Stronger Start

By Raine Sims

Ah, the start of a new school year! The scent of freshly sharpened pencils, the quiet buzz of anticipation, and the hope that this year will be just a little smoother than the last. The right tools can help you make it happen.

Whether you're supporting a nonverbal communicator, a student who struggles with writing, or one who needs help staying regulated, assistive technology (AT) can make a meaningful difference from day one.

These five tools from the ATLAS Lending Library are quick to implement, flexible across grade levels, and built to remove barriers to learning. The best part? They give your students more ways to succeed—and they’re available to borrow from ATLAS at no cost!

1. App: SnapType Pro (iOS)

Let ideas flow without handwriting getting in the way.

SnapType transforms a worksheet into a digital workspace. With just an iPad and a quick photo, students can type their answers, save their work, and send it off—all independently. It’s a small shift with a big impact for students who struggle with writing due to dysgraphia, motor planning, or attention challenges.

2. C-Pen Reader 3

Put independence in the hands of your readers. This intuitive yet powerful scanning pen reads printed text aloud with as little effort as dragging a highlighter across the page. It empowers students with dyslexia, English language learners, and others to access grade-level material at their own pace. With

Bluetooth headphone compatibility and customizable settings, students can engage confidently and discreetly—no adult assistance required.

3.Via Mini (PRC-Saltillo)

Every student deserves a voice—make sure they have one. The Via Mini is a compact, iOS-based AAC device that supports expressive communication using symbol-based apps like LAMP Words for Life and TouchChat with WordPower. Its size makes it a perfect fit for younger users or students seeking a lightweight solution, all without sacrificing power.

4. Adapted “Hi Ho! Cherry-O” Game

Make learning playful and accessible. Adapted board games are more than fun—they’re functional! This version of “Hi Ho! Cherry-O” is designed for accessibility, offering students the chance to work on communication, turn-taking, motor skills, and early math. It’s a go-to resource for SLPs, OTs, and teachers alike.

5. Sensory Supports: Stan the Weighted Starfish + Fidget Kits

Help students feel grounded, calm, and ready to learn. Sensory tools like Stan the Weighted Starfish and our fidget kits offer students the regulation support they need to engage meaningfully in the classroom. Whether it’s easing transitions, improving focus, or creating a calm-down space, these items help build safer, more supportive learning environments.

These tools (and so many others!) are ready for you to borrow through the ATLAS Lending Library, free of charge. Ready to begin? Our AT Specialists will guide you toward the right solutions to help your students thrive.

Let’s work together to make this school year the most accessible one yet!

Submit a Technical Assistance Request or browse our catalog to discover tools and strategies available to try in your classroom!

Join us in August as we host two sessions to get the school year started. Both sessions will cover the same topic.

August Focus:

AT 101: What is in the ATLAS Lending Library and How to Use It!

August 19th- 3:30pm
August 27th- 12:00pm

All sessions will be held live via Zoom, and you can use the same Zoom link each month to join.

ATLAS is excited to launch ATLAS Answers, a new live monthly series starting this August! Each session will highlight a different assistive technology topic to help you build your knowledge and confidence with AT tools and strategies.

Join us each month for:

A brief, focused presentation on a featured AT topic

Followed by open Q&A time for educators to ask questions and get support

Can’t make the live session? No problem! Each session will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing so you can watch whenever it works for you.

Whether you're just getting started with AT or looking to deepen your expertise, ATLAS Answers is here to support your journey.

Your questions. Real answers. Practical support – every month!

Click Here for ATLAS FAQ

Did you Know?

Read&Write is an amazing assistive tech tool that helps students with reading & writing challenges by offering text-to-speech, word prediction, and audio dictionaries — making learning easier and boosting confidence!

Ready to borrow items from our Lending Library?

Watch this short video on how to create an account!

Once you have created an account you will be all set to borrow items!

Check out two of our newest devices!

Guided Hands

Guided Hands is an assistive device for people with limited hand mobility. It enables anyone with limited fine motor skills to write, paint, draw, and access technology. Guided Hands breaks down barriers in the classroom by fostering communication, sensory motor skills, and self-expression. This device promotes guided hand movements and allows students to use pens, pencils, paintbrushes, markers, and even a stylus.

Blueline Joystick (Bluetooth)

The Pretorian BlueLine is a compact desktop Bluetooth Joystick allowing direct wireless connection to any computer or tablet that has built-in Bluetooth. Ideal for connection to iPad or iPhone using iOS Assistive Touch to give precise cursor movement without the need for fine motor skills. Also allows for easy connection to Android devices.

BlueLine includes three recessed buttons and two sockets for external switches, all of which can be individually configured according to the user’s precise needs. The unit also supports four cursor speed settings which may be changed by the user. Other button options include swipe left and swipe right which are ideal for page turning in addition to drag-lock and dwell-click features.

Borrow from the Lending Library

View our loan catalog here!

Complete a loan request here.

First time user? Click here to find out how to create your account!

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