Computer access refers to the physical accessing of a computer. The typical input devices one gets with a computer system are the keyboard and the mouse. When a person has physical loss or limitations in movement, particularly in the arms and hands, there are alternatives and adaptations that can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the keyboard and mouse.
Output from the computer is usually displayed on the screen. When a person has a visual loss or limitations, alternatives to the screen are available. Output from the computer is also produced through speakers. Software and hardware available today is multimedia. Computer input and output is multi-sensory, and alternative devices are available for those with disabilities. Everyone is able to access a computer, regardless of functioning ability. Click here for freeware/shareware.
a keyguard is a rigid template that fits over a keyboard. It allows resting of a hand without causing a keystroke. It also serves as a guide for the user's finger or pointing device to strike only the key associated with the hole over the key.
replaces the standard keyboard with keys and/or buttons that are more accessible to those with limited dexterity. Alternative keyboards are sometimes somewhat larger than a standard keyboard and can be customized for convenience.
for those with some control of movement of some part of their body, a single switch can be used with an on-screen scanning mechanism. By activating the switch with hand, foot, head, a user can control the on-screen scanning control. Pneumatic switches controlled with mouth air pressure can also be used in a "sip and puff" technique. Although scanning is not very efficient, it is effective.
this technique can be very efficient for those willing to learn Morse Code. Using two switches, one for "dit" and one for "dah", a practiced user can access the functions of a keyboard very quickly.
the simplest alternative to a mouse. Sometimes called an up-side-down mouse, a trackball allows cursor steering with very limited movement. A standard size trackball can be mounted on a mechanical arm from a table or wheelchair at head height for chin control. Miniature trackballs are now readily available for the laptop computer market that can be hand held, table mounted or wheelchair mounted. These trackballs, require even less motion and are often controlled with thumb or finger.
a mouse interface can be simulated with a head-mounted device and head motion to steer the on-screen cursor. Simple switches can be used to do the work of the mouse button.
in conjunction with a mouse or mouse-alternative, a user can activate keyboard functions with an on-screen keyboard. The keyboard graphi looks similar in layout to a standard keyboard, or the user can design a custom layout. Moving the cursor over a key and activating it with a mouse button function has the same effect as pressing the key on a standard keyboard.
also known as speech or voice recognition, is the most sophisticated of alternative input devices. It allows the user to simply speak commands into a microphone connected to the computer. For best results, the system must be trained to recognize the user's voice. This means the user does not have to speak clearly and accurately, but rather consistently with the trained pronunciation.
provide synthesized speech and, in conjunction with software, produce audio output of information displayed on a computer screen. Screen-reading software allows the user to hear what is on the screen.
output from the computer is routed to a display unit that consists of raised dots (braille) that the user reads by moving back and forth across the display.
magnification of the screen is accomplished in a couple of ways. An actual magnifying lens can be put in front of the screen, accomplishing 2x to 3x magnification. Magnification software allows for magnification of the screen up to 8x. Combinations of hardware and software allow for magnification up to 16x.
alerts given by the computer through flashing of the screen instead of audible beeps and other sounds. Two of the major operating systems for personal computers, Microsoft's Windows95 and Apple's MacOS allow the user to shut off sound. When the sound is shut off, alerts are provided to the user through a flashing of the menu or screen, instead of some kind of sound. For individuals with hearing impairments, the computer hardware needs very little adapting. Visual alternatives to audio output is the access issue.
an alternative to visual feedback. More and more visual cues are given to the user of today's software applications. More auditory and corresponding visual feedback has to be considered in the development of computer applications.
Changes in the technology that have taken place causing the graphical user interface (GUI) and mouse to become standard on most computer systems, have caused new access issues to emerge. The problem is probably most significant for those with vision problems. On the other side of the issue, the (GUI) and mouse are less of a barrier to those with losses or limitations in moving or different learning and thinking styles. Computer access technology addresses the differences among people and their abilities.
Some of these alternate and adaptive input and output (I/O) devices can be purchased through regular computer suppliers. Some of them are only available through specialized equipment distributors, and some only from the manufacturer.
For more information on access technology, visit ATEC Access
Consider AT in the IEP Process
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