Introduction to Assistive Devices for Writing

For many individuals, writing can be made more difficult due to executive functioning barriers such as distractions of modern writing tools. There can also be difficulties with transferring handwritten text to digital or keeping track of the writing that has been created.

The tools below may help if you are struggling with one or more of these areas. As an added benefit, some of these tools also support things such as spell-check and editing support.

someone using a stylus on a tablet slanted upwards

Pros and Cons of Devices for Writing:

Pros:

  • Unique features, not offered by apps or extensions

  • Often replace items already being used

Cons:

  • Must be remembered

  • May add a level of difficulty for individuals who struggle with executive functioning

  • May be more costly than low-tech options

Quick List of Devices for Writing

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of AT for writing but is meant to be a starting place for exploration.

  • Remarkable Tablet – Digital tablet with writing capabilities

  • Neo SmartPen – Captures digital notes as you write them

  • Rocketbook – Specialized notebooks that can transfer handwritten notes to digital

  • FreeWrite – Distraction-free writing

A dimly lit tablet with a keyboard attached; the screen shows both typed text and handwritten lines

Remarkable Tablet

What It Does:

  • Mimics the paper-and-pen experience with a digital twist

  • Organizes notes into digital notebooks

  • Converts handwriting into typed text

  • Syncs with cloud storage for access across devices

Why it Helps:

  • Eliminates the need for multiple notebooks

  • Easy organization of multiple subjects or topics

  • Minimal distractions (no social media, no pop-ups)

  • Convert handwriting to typed text

Neo SmartPen

What It Does:

  • Captures handwritten notes and transfers them to a digital format

  • Stores notes in real-time on the companion app

  • Allows you to search and organize notes digitally

Why it Helps:

  • Supports working memory with digitized notes

  • Allows teachers or therapists to view and comment digitally

  • Preserves the connection between handwriting and memory

Two versions of the rocketbook placed next to each other

Rocketbook

What It Does:

  • Lets you handwrite on erasable pages

  • Scans pages using a smartphone app

  • Uploads content to cloud storage or email using custom icons

Why it Helps:

  • Reduces paper waste

  • Saves handwritten work to the cloud

  • Custom symbols at the bottom of each page direct where the scan g

FreeWrite

What It Does:

  • Allows distraction-free typing on an e-ink screen

  • Automatically saves work to the cloud

  • Encourages writing in a linear, focused format

Why it Helps:

  • Removes all distractions

  • Great for long-form writing

  • Encourages focus and flow state

Previous

AI Tools