ABSTRACT

There are many students who have difficulty with one or more aspects of written language. Written expression is the final stage of literacy skill development. Difficulties experienced with listening, speaking, reading, and spelling can affect the ability to express thoughts, whether the person is writing by hand, typing, or dictating. There are many skills that successful writers may need to use, such as the ability to: initiate an activity; maintain attention to the task; dictate, type, or write by hand; and so on. Although assistive technology and word processing programs are undeniably helpful to students with writing challenges, it is important that students receive explicit handwriting instruction at some point in their education. If strategies and interventions to help the individual write well are not successful, it may then be time to consider assistive technology to help with written expression and the physical act of putting words onto the paper.