Adaptation Station - Activities of Daily Living/Self-Help

Use the following jump down list to find adaptations for activities of daily living/self-help:

Stabilization of materials | Tools for grasping utensils
Adapted utensils | Adapted cups | Adapted dishes
Adapted toilet | Toileting schedule

Stabilization of materials

Dycem is a great "low tech" solution that can be used to stabilize materials at mealtimes. It is a flat sticky plastic that can be placed on a work surface and materials can be placed on top of it. Use it under plates, bowls and cups to keep them from sliding as children work on self-feeding skills.

Tools for grasping utensils

Items such as hand splints, utensil cuffs or straps can assist children in grasping spoons and forks so they can concentrate on learning self-feeding skills. They can be purchased or homemade. An occupational therapist (OT) will be able to help you decide if a child needs this and which would be most appropriate.

Adapted utensils

A wide variety of spoons and forks are available to assist children in becoming more independent in self-feeding. Sammons Preston is a catalog that carries many adaptations for daily living. An occupational therapist can help you decide what tool will be helpful for a particular child. A supply of these tools is always available on the PRIME Time van (305-271-5701).

Adapted cups

In addition Sammons Preston carries many adapted cups. An occupational therapist can help you decide what tool will be helpful for a particular child. A supply of these tools is always available on the PRIME Time van (305-271-5701).

Adapted dishes

A wide variety of plates and bowls are available as well from Sammons Preston. An occupational therapist can help you decide what tool will be helpful for a particular child. A supply of these tools is always available on the PRIME Time van (305-271-5701).

Adapted toilet

Some young children need a stand-alone toddler potty or a plastic toddler seat on the standard toilet due to their small size. But some children need a specially adapted potty or potty seat for support in sitting. A physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which option is right for a particular child.

Toileting schedule

Toilet trainging should be done on a schedule. Teachers should set certain times of the day to take the child to the bathroom. These toileting charts from Teacher Handbook, Appendix P will help show progress and provide documentation of intervention:

Toileting schedule

Toileting sequence

Browse the Adaptation Station HERE

Communication Tools

Augmentative / Alternative Communication (AAC) Strategies

Pre-Writing / Creative Representation

Play / Participation

Books and Literacy

Positioning, Seating and Mobility

Positive Behavior Supports / Organizational Strategies

Computer Access

Activities of Daily Living / Self-Help

Vision

Hearing