TabletTable: An In-classroom Experience

When Amy, a middle school teacher in upstate New York, brought TabletTable into her classroom, she hoped it would help Sarah*, a student with physical limitations, to be able to participate more fully in activities.

What she didn’t expect was the popularity of the device among all of her students.

“We were all surprised at how popular it became with the students,” she said. “They would rush into the classroom and want to be the first one to take it to their desk.”

Sarah, who has difficulty with purposeful arm movements, was able to use the TabletTable with the confidence that it was in a safe, secure and stable environment. It was easily positionable on her wheelchair tray and allowed her the same access as other students in the class, just in a slightly modified way.

“She was able to reach for the tablet screen without fear of it falling or without having to have an aide hold it for her,” Amy said. “This was especially helpful in promoting greater independence for her.”

Instilling that kind of self confidence is extremely important for pre-teen girls like Sarah; it’s even more important when there’s a physical disability of some kind involved. According to StopBullying.gov, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children with a disability — whether it’s physical, emotional, or intellectual — are at a higher risk of being bullied.

In addition to its importance in increasing her independence and confidence, Sarah was also able to use her TabletTable in her therapy and other special classes. Her classmates, on the other hand, also enjoyed using the device with her in their Art and Technology class.

Amy said the device worked especially well in this class due to its sturdiness. It allowed students the ability to access individualized programs and again allowed Sarah to participate fully in all of the activities in the class.

“The students could position the TabletTable without fear of it dropping,” she said. “Because of the angle in which the tablet sits (within the device), it was easy for the students to see.”

TabletTable revolutionized the way technology was used in Amy’s classroom. It transformed Sarah’s learning experiences, allowing her to participate with her classmates and gain confidence in her abilities. And because of those things, Amy can’t stress enough how important TabletTable is for teachers, regardless of the age of the student.

“Not only is it a great piece of low-tech adaptive equipment for students with physical needs, it also allows independent use for any student using a tablet,” she said. “It’s lightweight, student-friendly and portable, while providing a safe home for a tablet. I would recommend that any classroom with individuals needing a device to assist in holding a tablet in a stationary position invest in a classroom set for their students.”