Devices

Cut PVC pipe in one-inch pieces. They make excellent beads as the opening is large for beginners. Find the thickest jump rope and cut to a size the child can handle. Use Elmer's glue on the cut end to stop fraying. When child holds a thick rope and uses large beads, they learn to use the interplay of both hands. It works better for beginners than a shoe string and beads.

Purchase swimming pool noodles. Use a serrated knife to cut the noodles in one or two inch pieces (as if cutting bread). Have the child hold a dollar store wooden spoon and put the rings on the handle of the spoon. This combines use of both hands and makes a cheap toy. Color matching can be integrated by using rings made from different color swim noodles. The noodles have a hole in the center so they make a cheap bead type play activity.

I play with many children that have sensory concerns. To ease the introduction I have made textured blocks. I cut pieces of lumber (4 inches width, 2 inches height, 5-6 inches length) and cover them with out door carpet. The out door carpet comes in red, blue, brown and grey. I use heavy duty staples to secure the carpet to the blocks. The little ones rub the blocks against the floor, scratch them together, rub their hands on them, roll cars over, match colors, and stack them. I have also made textured one inch blocks.

To help students play independently, attach toys to a plastic or rubber placemat with thin strands of elastic. If a toy happens to fall off the mat, students with limited fine motor skills can scoop the elastic bands and bring the toy back to the playing surface. Attach cookie cutters, mini-rolling pins and plastic pizza cutter to create a play mat compatible with clay and playdoh tasks.

Make enlarged color copies of playing cards and laminate or mount them on poster board to be cut out. Make a card holder out of a clean Styrofoam meat or produce tray. Turn it upside down and make slits for the cards and just slip them in. The top of a two-piece cardboard box can also be used.

Velcro each space and piece to increase stability. Use puff paint or glue to raise lines between spaces.
Laminate or use clear contact paper to coat flimsy game or boards.

Here is a summer project you can do if you need to attach a single switch to a mouse but lack the funds for the switch interface. A single switch acts as the left mouse button and enables an individual with limited motor skills to access the computer and software.
The cost for an off-the-shelf, single switch interface is about $100. You can adapt a mouse yourself so that a single switch can be plugged into it. This do-it-yourself project will allow you to spend your budget on other needed items.

Materials:

• One 24 inch long, 5/8 inch dowel
• One 1-1/4 inch metal cup holder hook
• One plastic-coated hat/coat hook
• 24 inches of pipe insulation with 5/8 inch hole (optional)

Directions:

Some small objects may be difficult for children to grasp. Attach shower curtain rings to them using a glue gun. The large ring is easier for the child to hold enabling them to use the cup, stamp, stencil, etc.

To increase participation in activities at the sandbox, attach foam to the handles of plastic flour scoops and enable students with limited grasp to dig or move sand independently. To increase student participation in activities involving playdoh or clay, add foam to the handle of a plastic pizza cutter.