Low Tech - Low Cost dollar store items

After the morning demonstration of low-tech items for AT applications, the class took the afternoon to shop for similiar items that could be useful for classrooom (potentially home as well) applications. The Dollar store had many great items to choose from - 5 such items are below:

*	Rubber Ball with moving soccer ball and glitter inside. This ball responds to movement similar to an old-style snow globe and easily fits into one’s hand. This ball would make a great fidget toy for a student - such as one diagnosed with ADHD - who could benefit with an item that assists with self-regulation. It also can assist with focus and attention to task, calming, and active listening. Additionally it would not break easily and it would be quiet if dropped.
*	Tug Toy for a Dog. This study rope double looped item has its intended use for a game of tug with one’s dog, however, this 9” item with a tennis ball inside would be beneficial for an OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) student who has an aversion to touching other people’s hands but needs to be led by another person. As this item is very stiff and doesn’t lose its shape, it would be easy to grasp one end of the loop.
*	Stretch Cord with Carabiners. This multi-purpose “bungee” cord with attached carabiners at either end can serve so many useful purposes for students with exceptionalities with motor skills. It can be used to secure items such as books to an extension table for example, for students who are diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia (Paraplegia) Cerebral Palsy - the most common form of CP. This item could also be useful for attaching items at one end, such as a key, and securing the other end to a person or wheelchair for example. Since the cord stretches, it would allow for movement while staying with the intended person or object.
*	Bathtime Foam Shapes These lightweight foam shaped pieces are waterproof, small hand-sized, and colourful with high interest pictures. One possible use for the pieces is to assist a visually impaired student. The ability to ‘feel the shape’ of the pieces would assist in learning shapes like star, circle, square etc., as they could feel the shape and add tactile sensory information in addition to auditory.
	Create Your Own Photo Magnets This item is basically one magnet sheet with a peel and stick surface. It can have a paper picture attached and then can be cut to any shape. This item would be great for an ASD student who depends on visual cues for prompting and assistance. The ability to be moved from one magnetic surface to another makes this item flexible and portable.