Alternative Keyboards
Learn about assistive technology tools called alternative keyboards.
By Kristin Stanberry, Marshall Raskind, Ph.D.
These programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standard keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension.
What type(s) of learning difficulty do these tools address?
This type of tool benefits people who struggle with: writing.
Products to Consider:
Resources to help you evaluate assistive technology for your child:
Kristin Stanberry is a writer and editor specializing in parenting, education, and consumer health/wellness issues. Her areas of expertise include learning disabilities and AD/HD, which she wrote about extensively for Schwab Learning and GreatSchools.
Marshall H. Raskind, Ph.D. is a learning disability researcher. He is a frequent presenter at international learning disability conferences and is the author of numerous professional publications on learning disabilities. He is well-known for his research in assistive technology and longitudinal studies tracing LD across the lifespan.
