Adapted Keyboards for Special Ed Class Computers (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

Adapted Keyboards for Special Ed Class Computers

Classroom project requested by Mrs. S. on Jan 5, 2008

High Poverty

California (North)

Where is the classroom located?

"I teach a self contained special ed class for middle school students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, autism, ADD/ADHD, behavior problems and emotional disturbances. My students come from a high need community that a former mayor once referred to as "Murder Alley". My greatest challenge and biggest success has been to help these children want to do well in school. This is no small task considering the neighborhood my students are in and the budget cuts that California schools will again endure.

It is hard work for my students to write but they push through their frustration with the writing process to get their thoughts down on paper. After this struggle they tend to be dissatisfied with their final product because of their poor handwriting. I encourage them to use the computer to type final drafts but the keyboard confuses them. All of the keys look the same to a person with a visual processing delay. This continues their cycle of frustration.

Our class needs color-coded keyboards to make typing easier. I want to provide my students with adapted keyboards that have green consonant keys, blue vowel keys, red number keys and yellow punctuation keys. Once my students can discern which keys are which, they will be able to type their prized writing pieces without frustration. Because these keyboards have the same layout as adult keyboards they will be able to memorize where the keys are and apply that knowledge when they are working on a non color-coded keyboard.

With your help, I will be able to provide an adapted technology for my students that is most appropriate for their learning styles. This small change in our classroom will make a big difference for the students. Thank you in advance for helping me meet my students needs. hide»

My students need 4 color-coded keyboards to make typing at the computer easier. details»

Jan 14, 2009 Syed R a staff member at donorschoose.org

Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mrs. S.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Aug 27, 2008 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the technology for Mrs. S.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Jul 1, 2008 Mrs. S. the Teacher

Dear Howard and Rebecca & Paul,

Thank you for giving to our class! The color coded keyboards are going to delight my students and hopefully take away some of their frustration around writing and publishing. This small but significant change is another step in helping me change my class from just a regular room to a unique one where adaptations have been made for students with special educational needs. Thank you again and I greatly look forward to implementing this change.

Sincerely,

Cori S

Reply to the classroom

On Jan 14, 2009, Mrs. S. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.

Jul 1, 2008 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Jul 1, 2008 Mark gave from Newark, CA in honor of Rebecca & Paul from Newar, CA

Jun 30, 2008 Howard from Hillsborough, CA

"I gave to this project because I have a great respect for writing. It will take you a long ways. Gotta learn how to communicate all those brilliant ideas you have!! Best of luck!!!!"

Jun 26, 2008 Mary Ellen H a staff member at donorschoose.org

Verified the cost of the requested technology and posted this project.

Jun 26, 2008 Mary Ellen H a staff member at donorschoose.org

Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.

Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.

Jan 5, 2008Mrs. S. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
LearningBoard Standard-Size Keyboard	Nasco	$25.92	4	$103.68

Vendor Shipping Charges				$10.37
State Sales Tax				$7.52
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$2.59
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$17.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$141.00
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$30.95
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$171.95
2 Donors				-$171.95
To Go				$0.00