Computer Access
This page explores different tools that span the assistive technology continuum in the field of computer access. Here, you can find tools that improve the way students with disabilities input information into, or retrieve information from a computer.
Low-Tech Tools
A moisture guard is an inexpensive tool that helps to protect the keyboard against drool.
Head wands and mouth sticks are tools that allow students to point to things or click on keys to operate a computer. The mouth stick goes into the person's mouth and they use it to tap, click, or point. The head wands work the same way, but they are fastened to the person's head instead of put into their mouth.
Head wands and mouth sticks are tools that allow students to point to things or click on keys to operate a computer. The mouth stick goes into the person's mouth and they use it to tap, click, or point. The head wands work the same way, but they are fastened to the person's head instead of put into their mouth.
Mid-Tech Tools
Mini-keyboards are smaller than the standard keyboard. They are beneficial for students who have a very limited range of motion. This could be for students who have neuromuscular conditions or for students who have use of only one hand.
Trackballs perform the same function as computer mice, however there is one significant difference. Instead of moving across a horizontal surface, a trackball remains in one place while the user rotates the ball that sits in its stationary base. They come in different sizes and their positions could be adjusted to fit the needs of the user. For more information on trackballs, click here.
Trackballs perform the same function as computer mice, however there is one significant difference. Instead of moving across a horizontal surface, a trackball remains in one place while the user rotates the ball that sits in its stationary base. They come in different sizes and their positions could be adjusted to fit the needs of the user. For more information on trackballs, click here.
High-Tech Tools
Intellikeys USB keyboard is an alternative keyboard that can be customized to suite the student's needs. Users can order a variety of overlays or a teacher can create their own overlay. This keyboard allows students to surf the web, research topics, compose emails, and write documents in a simplified way. For more information on Intellikeys USB keyboard, click here. Check out the video below to see how it works!
Co Writer 6 is a unique word prediction software used to assist students with disabilities. What makes Co Writer 6 different from other word prediction software is that it guesses what word the user is trying to type based on the letters they have typed, but it also takes into consideration the words they have previously input. This assists students with using correct grammar, as well as minimizing the necessary keystrokes to type a sentence. For more information on Co Writer 6, click here.
Co Writer 6 is a unique word prediction software used to assist students with disabilities. What makes Co Writer 6 different from other word prediction software is that it guesses what word the user is trying to type based on the letters they have typed, but it also takes into consideration the words they have previously input. This assists students with using correct grammar, as well as minimizing the necessary keystrokes to type a sentence. For more information on Co Writer 6, click here.
Resources:
Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of
Students with Disabilities (2nd ed.). United States: Pearson Education.
Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of
Students with Disabilities (2nd ed.). United States: Pearson Education.