Assistive Technology for Computer Access

In my last post, I mentioned how computers offer many variations of simple tasks to provide flexibility as one of the major principles in terms of UDL. There is a great deal of tools and resources out there that many people, including those who own the device don't know about. Becoming familiar with such a device is crucial to getting the most out of the device an using the features (whether bought or come with the device) that are available. 

At the start of our Assistive Technology class, we became familiar with the phrase assistive technology continuum.To those that don't know what this phrase means, it is the level to which a device is able to provide support and assist a person in a daily living skill or function. There are three continuums's-low-tech tools, mid-tech tools, and high-tech tools. Low-tech tools typically tend to be the least expensive and don't use no electronic components. An example would be a pencil grip. Mid-tech tools are a little more advanced than the low-tech tools and have some kind of electronic compon.They are also typically more expensive than a low-tech tool. An example would be a calculator or an audiobook. A high-tech tool is the most expensive and is all technology based. Some examples include laptops, Ipads, the internet, and software. 

Now that we are all on the same page with what the Assistive Technology Continuum is all about, we can now talk about devices that would fit into each of the three categories.  

Students with disabilities often times struggle typing with the traditional QWERTY keyboard, as it is called. They need adaptive keyboards to assist them in communicating. There are four types of keyboards that have been adapted to better serve students with disabilities. Expanded keyboards, mini-keyboards, one-handed keyboards, and on-screen keyboards all are accommodations to better serve these students. 

• Expanded keyboards benefits students with fine motor control who need a large area to execute an accurate keystroke whether they are using their hand, foot, or typing aid (Dell, Newton & Petroff, 2011). 
• Mini-keyboards are beneficial to students with motor impairments that 1)restrict their range of motion and 2) have good accuracy within a narrow range of motion
• One-handed keyboards  benefits students who have good finger dexterity but have use of only one hand (Examples: half QWERTY keyboards & Dvorak keyboards)
• On-screen keyboards provide computer access to students who don't have the motor skills necessary to use the keyboard but can control a mouse or mouse emulator (Examples: Joystick, trackball, head-controlled mouse) 

        (Video of some alternative keyboards out there. Check it out!!!!!!!)

Resources:


Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Jerry G. Petroff. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom:Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. Chapter 8-Assistive Technology for Computer Access (pp. 175-189).