Definition: Computer access, synonymous with universal access, is a wide category and within the special education world, it encompasses multiple ways of making a computer accessible for students with a wide variety of disabilities. In general, a computer is accessed via its accompanying keyboard and mouse, however, for students with disabilities these routes may not be useful or appropriate. Some accessibility features that can be implemented from within the computer alone are sticky keys, slow keys, mouse keys, screen magnification, voice recognition, read aloud, or setting toggle keys, just to name a few. Modified accessbility options outside the computer itself are numerous as well. Joysticks, touch screens, trackballs, expanded keyboards, mini-keyboards, and again speech recognition are just a few of the modifications available to individual's with a disability. As with any assistive technology some of these modifications are more expensive than others and some require more training in how to use the modification than another. Also, any modified accessibility feature that is chosen for use, must be assessed and determined whether the individual is benefitting from that modification and whether another modification may be more beneficial. Similarly, the individual may outgrow that modification and require reassessing.
Example: One of the most common computer accessbility features used today is voice recognition devices that control the computer, as well as, dictate written text to be typed by the computer.1
Example: One of the most common computer accessbility features used today is voice recognition devices that control the computer, as well as, dictate written text to be typed by the computer.1
Websites: Listed below are two websites that list and describe the various features PC's and Mac computers have to offer that meet the universal access needs.
Apple Software offers numerous accessbility features for each of their products, however, here is the website for their computer asseccibility information: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/macosx/vision.html
PC: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
Some of the features can be found on both Mac and PC, while others are only applicable to one of the operating systems.
Video: The following video provides us with a glance into how an individual with a hearing or visual impairment may use some of the accesbility features avialable on a Mac.2
Apple Software offers numerous accessbility features for each of their products, however, here is the website for their computer asseccibility information: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/macosx/vision.html
PC: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
Some of the features can be found on both Mac and PC, while others are only applicable to one of the operating systems.
Video: The following video provides us with a glance into how an individual with a hearing or visual impairment may use some of the accesbility features avialable on a Mac.2
Low-Tech Assistive Technologies
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Two low-tech assistive technologies used to allow easier computer access are enlarged letters for the keyboard. Special keyboards with larger letters can be purchased, or a simple larger letter overlay can be placed on an ordinary keyboard. A low-tech device that can be used in place of a mouse is a pointing device such as a mouth-stick. Mouth-sticks can be used to click on things directly on a touch screen, or used to type on a keyboard. A person using this device will have good control of their head and neck, but may struggle with fine motor skills.
Mid-Tech Assistive Technologies
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Similar to the mid-tech technologies mentioned under math, these technologies may require some explanation in how to use them properly. Additionally, these technologies may require an electrical source, but they are not dependent on that source and could operate from battery power.
Such technologies include: mini-QWERTY keyboards to supplement the way an individual inputs information or a trackball instead of the traditional mouse.
Such technologies include: mini-QWERTY keyboards to supplement the way an individual inputs information or a trackball instead of the traditional mouse.
High-Tech Assistive Technologies
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/6/3/16637692/6557398.jpeg)
An alternative way of inputting information is one of the most common ways of enhancing the accessibility of a computer. With this in mind, many of the most recently developed computers come inherent with a feature that enables an onscreen keyboard. Onscreen keyboards can be used via mouth-sticks, trackball mice, regular mice, or any other pointing device. There are also free virtual keyboards that you can download.
Just like there are ways to assist with the input of information, there are ways to assist with navigating about the computer screen. There are many adapted mice that have been developed, but probably one of the most futuristic ways of controlling your computer access is through eye-gaze. Currently, Eyegaze Edge, is the number 1 AT in use that allows individuals with disabilities to control a computer and communicate. It is controlled by a camera that is mounted below the screen that follows the individual's eye movements. It is a fascinating technology. The following video is only a preview into the world that this technology has allowed individuals with impairments to discover. For more information please go to this link: http://www.eyegaze.com/assistive-technology-device/
Just like there are ways to assist with the input of information, there are ways to assist with navigating about the computer screen. There are many adapted mice that have been developed, but probably one of the most futuristic ways of controlling your computer access is through eye-gaze. Currently, Eyegaze Edge, is the number 1 AT in use that allows individuals with disabilities to control a computer and communicate. It is controlled by a camera that is mounted below the screen that follows the individual's eye movements. It is a fascinating technology. The following video is only a preview into the world that this technology has allowed individuals with impairments to discover. For more information please go to this link: http://www.eyegaze.com/assistive-technology-device/
Sources:
1. Chadra, D. Speech Voice Recognition. Retreived on march 12, 2013 from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Speech+Voice+Recognition&FORM=RESTAB#view=detail&id=62226D1A574D
7384DB27900FE3463E04738D6876&selectedIndex=3.
2. Zagri, J. (2011, June 28). Usaing a Mac-hearing/visually impaired. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZpoHBBHN1k.
1. Chadra, D. Speech Voice Recognition. Retreived on march 12, 2013 from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Speech+Voice+Recognition&FORM=RESTAB#view=detail&id=62226D1A574D
7384DB27900FE3463E04738D6876&selectedIndex=3.
2. Zagri, J. (2011, June 28). Usaing a Mac-hearing/visually impaired. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZpoHBBHN1k.