So, when the accommodation of using keyboard skills over handwriting is approached, it can be an easy flow into function. Children are using computers in the classroom and at home at a very young age. Read about carryover of functional tasks for a better understanding of this point.Ĭhildren begin computer use when they enter Kindergarten. Rather, typing practice needs to occur daily at home and in functional tasks like assignments. Working on typing in therapy sessions won’t lead to functional use. The biggest point to recognize about typing and occupational therapy is that even when typing is used as an assistive technology tool, the OT practitioner is not the typing teacher. With the use of keyboards and screens available in classrooms, homes, work places, and communities, there is more of a need for independence with keyboarding skills than perhaps in our past generations.
There can be a point when kids would be better off just typing as an accommodation in school work. What happens when no matter what interventions are attempted, the child simply can not function with the details and cohesiveness of completing all of the “parts” of written work? Handwriting can be a difficult and stressful action for many children.
