How to make writing more accessible and engaging for students with significant disabilities

Writing
give students life experiences from which to draw ideas/experiences to write design writing activities that are appropriate to student abilities let students choose what they want to write about trust that students will be able to complete their writing projects give students choice in how they want to write (e.g., pen/paper, type on computer, etc.) give enough time for students to plan and create create word banks, word wall, and lists of words with students display

Writing
accept more than just written work, be open to computer-generated, pictures, symbols, audio versions of stories teach small pieces at a time (mini lessons that directly teach a specific writing skills) provide meaningful practice and repetition consider alphabet books explore iPad apps (e.g., iDiary, Speech Journal, Book Creator, Storymaker) make tools available in one spot in the classroom to all students