Assistive Technology to access computers
Assistive technology for Computer Access- is any device or program that helps a student with disabilities or impairment access or use a computer to the fullest extent possible. The computer does have built in assistive technology features but they are not always enough. Sometimes other devices are used in tandem with the accessibility features to allow the student to use the computer to the fullest extent possible.
Alternative Keyboard
Some students with certain disabilities may not be able to use a standard keyboard. They may have to use an alternative keyboard. Alternative keyboards range in size and function. Some keyboards can be set up so students can hit one key and have a sentence or word appear. They may just have enlarged keys for the so the student can see them if they have a vision problem or trouble hitting smaller keys. The video below shows an example of an alternative keyboard. The student in the video has cerebral palsy and uses an alternative keyboard. The keyboard has frequently used words at the top and the letters at the bottom. There was an overlay that had common phrases that would be used frequently. It allowed the student to use the computer. Without the alternative keyboard the student in the video would have had a difficult time using the computer.
Smart NAV
Smart Nav is a addition to the computer. It has a small camera attached to the top of the computer. It is a hands- free mouse alternative that allows the user to control the computer by moving your head. This is a perfect device for someone who is cannot move their arms due to a physical disability or has poor fine motor skills. The smart nav allows the user to control every aspect of the computer by only using their head. The camera at the top of the computer reads the person movement and moves the cursor as you move your head. This device would most likely be used in tandem with an alternative keyboard or voice control software. The video below shows the basic features of the smart nav and shows how benefical this device can br. It would require some training and some time to get use to using it.
Word Prediction Software
Word prediction programs work with word processors. They predict the word a person wants to enter into the computer. The person types the first letter of a word, and the program offers a list of words beginning with that letter. If the right word appears on the list, it can be chosen and automatically inserted into the sentence. If the right word doesn't appear then the student continues to type om the letters until it appears. This software can help a variety or students access and type on the computer. Word prediction may be helpful to students who have trouble with spelling, grammar, or using a keyboard. For spelling, word prediction programs can be liberating. If they know the first few letter then the program will predict what word they are trying to spell. It can be frustrating if they do not know the first few letters. Most prediction software has a voice component to it. The software used in the video below reads the words aloud as the user types them in. This would be beneficial for students who have difficulty pronouncing words or if they are unsure they are using the correct word based upon spelling along. It also assists students who struggle to read.
Braille Embosser Printer
The video below shows a Braille printer that can be used for those students that are vision impaired and would benefit from computer access. These printers can change any written words into Braille, and can be coupled with a software program such as speech to text. That would allow the student to speak into a microphone and have the text appear on the screen. The printer is a necessary piece of technology in a classroom with a student with a vision impairment. This would allow the teacher to print material in Braille for the student and allows the student to use the computer and print out his/ her work. They would not be able to print out and use the material later without it being in Braille. The video below shows how the user converts the text into Braille and then prints it out. It may require some training and time to get use to using it but it is a necessary piece of equipment in any classroom with someone with a visual impairment.
Resources/ Links
Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Petroff, Jerry G., (2012) Assistive Technology in the Classroom.