Computer Access
The definition of Computer Access is the process of transferring information into or out of a storage location or the time required to begin and complete the read and write functions of a specified piece of data.
Low Technology for Computer Access
Head Pointing Keyboarding:
These options should be used when activating keys with fingers is not a possibility. An individual can use a mouth stick or head stick to activate a standard keyboard.
Keyboard labels:
Keyboard labels stick or lay on top of a standard keyboard to assist the student. These labels and overlays may enlarge the keys, or just the print on the keys. They may have different textures, or color code them for the user. There are truly endless possibilities with labels and overlays that may assist with computer access.
Keyguards:
Keyguards, very much like keyboard labels, can be created for the individual end user. A keyguard is a plastic or metal plate that sits above the keys on a standard keyboard. They can alter the texture or shape of the key. These are used for anyone who has difficulty selecting the correct keys.
Magnetic letters or words:
These letters or words can allow struggling writers tap into ideas by moving words or ideas around. The student can shuffle these pre-formed pieces of language around to compose messages for a reader. Magnetic letters and words can offer a range of words at an appropriate reading and comprehension levels with a mix of words to allow the student more depth and complexity than they would manage when struggling to form legible handwriting. This is a very simple way for 'computer access' for an individual.
These options should be used when activating keys with fingers is not a possibility. An individual can use a mouth stick or head stick to activate a standard keyboard.
Keyboard labels:
Keyboard labels stick or lay on top of a standard keyboard to assist the student. These labels and overlays may enlarge the keys, or just the print on the keys. They may have different textures, or color code them for the user. There are truly endless possibilities with labels and overlays that may assist with computer access.
Keyguards:
Keyguards, very much like keyboard labels, can be created for the individual end user. A keyguard is a plastic or metal plate that sits above the keys on a standard keyboard. They can alter the texture or shape of the key. These are used for anyone who has difficulty selecting the correct keys.
Magnetic letters or words:
These letters or words can allow struggling writers tap into ideas by moving words or ideas around. The student can shuffle these pre-formed pieces of language around to compose messages for a reader. Magnetic letters and words can offer a range of words at an appropriate reading and comprehension levels with a mix of words to allow the student more depth and complexity than they would manage when struggling to form legible handwriting. This is a very simple way for 'computer access' for an individual.
Middle Technology for Computer Access
Portable Word Processor:
These devices are easy to use and easy to carry around being portable and durable. They are mainly for word processing during a class. They allow the opportunity to keyboard instead of write with a pen or pencil and print or save the file for another time. They have spell checking, grammar check, and some can even speak the text for the individual. Some now include word prediction software that anticipates what the user is trying to write based on the first few letters of the word, which can assist when typing long information. There are a number of portable word processors available with different option and should be chosen based on the individuals abilities.
Trackballs:
Trackballs were created to allow a student easy access to selecting items on the computer. Many trackballs have customized button functions which provide a pain-free and easier computing experience. There are hundreds of different trackballs available on-line and in stores. The possibilities are limitless in availability and functions. In addition, many of the companies can offer completely customized options.
Joysticks or switches:
A switch is generally used to do the equivalent of a mouse click. Switches are at the core of access technology. They can open computer access in many different ways, and can be easily customized for the student. I switch can be used by someones hands, feet, mouth, or any other part of their body that can function to change it. That is one of the reasons it is so useful, it can be customized to any situation.
These devices are easy to use and easy to carry around being portable and durable. They are mainly for word processing during a class. They allow the opportunity to keyboard instead of write with a pen or pencil and print or save the file for another time. They have spell checking, grammar check, and some can even speak the text for the individual. Some now include word prediction software that anticipates what the user is trying to write based on the first few letters of the word, which can assist when typing long information. There are a number of portable word processors available with different option and should be chosen based on the individuals abilities.
Trackballs:
Trackballs were created to allow a student easy access to selecting items on the computer. Many trackballs have customized button functions which provide a pain-free and easier computing experience. There are hundreds of different trackballs available on-line and in stores. The possibilities are limitless in availability and functions. In addition, many of the companies can offer completely customized options.
Joysticks or switches:
A switch is generally used to do the equivalent of a mouse click. Switches are at the core of access technology. They can open computer access in many different ways, and can be easily customized for the student. I switch can be used by someones hands, feet, mouth, or any other part of their body that can function to change it. That is one of the reasons it is so useful, it can be customized to any situation.
High Technology for Computer Access
Eye-Gazing Systems:
For some people whose only movement is with their eyes, an eye-operated mouse may be the best solution. Head operated mice use a sensor, typically mounted on the computer screen, which tracks eye movement. In some cases, a small reflective self-stick dot is placed on an eyeglass frame to provide the sensor with a clearer target. This can offer accurate cursor steering from a very slight motion of the eye ball.
Head Mice:
Eye operated mice track the movement of the eye, similar to the eye-gazing systems. These systems can be very expensive because the eye sensors and software needed to follow eye movements are much more complex. These systems also are harder to use and less accurate. Head Mice systems are also used with an on-screen keyboard.
Braille Embosser:
This is 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 Dragon Naturally Speaking.
For some people whose only movement is with their eyes, an eye-operated mouse may be the best solution. Head operated mice use a sensor, typically mounted on the computer screen, which tracks eye movement. In some cases, a small reflective self-stick dot is placed on an eyeglass frame to provide the sensor with a clearer target. This can offer accurate cursor steering from a very slight motion of the eye ball.
Head Mice:
Eye operated mice track the movement of the eye, similar to the eye-gazing systems. These systems can be very expensive because the eye sensors and software needed to follow eye movements are much more complex. These systems also are harder to use and less accurate. Head Mice systems are also used with an on-screen keyboard.
Braille Embosser:
This is 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 Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Resources:
http://teachingat.info/technology/writing11.html
Assessing Students' Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT) 5th Edition – complete version (June 2009).
Assessing Students' Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT) 5th Edition – complete version (June 2009).