From Slip-and-Slide to Traction: Tools for Supporting Writing with an iPad and Apple Pencil
Writing on an iPad can feel slippery and challenging for students with visual impairments and complex disabilities, but simple tools like screen overlays and interchangeable Apple Pencil tips can add traction, control, and even build confidence.
Date: April 12, 2025
For my students, writing on traditional paper and pencil can come with barriers to access. The use of an iPad with an Apple Pencil has opened doors for many of my students with visual impairments – especially those with complex disabilities. The ability to zoom in, change contrast, or instantly erase mistakes can turn writing from something overwhelming into something not only possible but also fun.
That being said, for a lot of students, especially those with fine motor needs, writing on an iPad can feel unpleasant at first. The glass screen, combined with the plastic tip of the Apple Pencil, can feel incredibly slippery and offers little resistance and almost no tactile feedback while writing. However, let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. We can add layers of support for students who need it.
This post is about moving from slip-and-slide to traction. I will share two types of tools that have helped me turn the iPad into a writing space that feels grounded, builds confidence, and supports access.
Tools to Add Traction
I learned about screen overlays and tips with friction from an artist at a coffee shop. He was sitting next to me with his pink-tipped Apple Pencil, and I knew I had to ask him what that was. This interaction caused me to fall down a bit of a rabbit hole, and I learned a lot about the world of artists and iPad enhancements that make writing and drawing on an iPad feel like drawing on paper. What I realized pretty quickly is that many of these tools, designed for artists, have incredible potential for students with visual impairments and complex disabilities who are learning to write on an iPad.
Option 1: Screen Overlays with a Paper Feel
Screen overlays are thin screen protectors that are applied much like a screen protector designed to give the iPad screen a paper-like texture. They add subtle resistance and friction that feels much more natural for writing or drawing.
Pros:
- Increases traction of the Apple Pencil on the iPad surface
- Allows for more control when writing or drawing
- Can reduce visual glare on bright screens
Cons:
- May slightly reduce screen clarity or sharpness
- Needs occasional replacement over time
- Can be tricky to apply smoothly without bubbles
Option 2: Apple Pencil Interchangeable Tips
If you are like me before meeting the artist in that coffee shop, you might not even realize that you can buy tips for your Apple Pencil that are not from Apple themselves. This seems obvious now in retrospect. However, interchangeable Apple Pencil tips are exactly what they sound like. Special tips for your Apple Pencil that change the way writing on the iPad feels. My favorite is the deep purple tip that is fuzzy shown below. However, there are many, many options depending on the needs of your student.
Pros:
- Easy to swap out and try different textures
- Adds control and friction for students who need slower, steadier writing
- Available in different colors and materials
Cons:
- Tiny and easy to lose
- May wear down with heavy use
- Certain textures (like felt) can become dirty
- Some tips loosen over time or don’t fit perfectly depending on model
- May not feel comfortable for students with tactile sensitivities
Small Changes, Big Impact
Transitioning from a slippery, unresponsive surface to one that offers tactile feedback can significantly enhance the writing experience for students with visual impairments. By incorporating textured screen protectors and ergonomic grips, educators can provide students with the tools they need to write confidently and comfortably.
Links to Products Referenced
These are just a few of the products I’ve personally explored or seen recommended. There are many other options out there. Don’t forget that sometimes the best tools are the ones you discover by searching for exactly the type of support your student needs.
- PenTips — Interchangeable friction tips for the Apple Pencil
- PaperLike — Screen overlay for adding texture and reducing glare
