Assistive Technology for Computer Access
Computer access devices are assistive technology devices used to help special needs children access a computer and be able to use a computer to the maximum extent possible. Computer access methods that involve assistive technology range from high to low tech devices and can be both simple or more complex fixes. As for low tech devices Universal Design features have replaced many of the older low tech devices for computer access, however there are many low tech devices still in existence Such devices can be keyboard labels, keyguards, moisture guards, magnifying lenses and pointing devices. As for mid tech computer access devices mouse options such as a trackball, joysticks, and expanded keyboards are all mid tech devices that allow students who may have physical limitations to access a computer. Lastly, High tech computer access devices include customization oriented keyboards, eye-gaze system, or a sip and puff switch to access their computers.
Low Tech: Keyboard Labels
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Keyboard labels are highly inexpensive and can be found almost anywhere in computer stores and online. Keyboard labels are of use to students who may be visually impaired, have attention issues, or have visual perception issues. There are a wide array of these products available on the market including those that have larger letters, high contrast backgrounds, and can even include braille. Overall Keyboard labels can be helpful to a wide array of both special needs students and regular education students who are beginning to type
Low Tech: Keyboard moisture guard
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Keyboard moisture guards can be useful low tech devices for students who may not have adequate control over their bodily functions, and may drool. Keyboard moisture guards are transparent and have either long term use, or can be disposable. They are useful in a variety of classrooms for students who spill or drool, or to merely keep the keys clean from any other debris.
Low Tech: Keyguard
Keyguards are acrylic or metal devices that go over the keyguard so that a student can only press one key at a time. The keyguard can also be an effective wrist support, and are primarily used in addition to a selecting/ pointing device.
Mid Tech: Trackball Mouse
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There are many different varieties of track ball mice such as mini-trackball, standard, large trackballm and adapted track balls. A trackball mouse can be a useful device for children who are young, have a limited range of motion, have good gross motor skills, and students who need to rest their wrists on a key guard. Trackball mice are very popular for a wide range of computer users and is helpful because the device remains in one place at all times. most trackball mice have one to three buttons located somewhere on their base to allow for the user to click, just as if they were using a regular mouse.
Mid Tech: Adapted Joysticks
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Adapted joysticks come with a variety of features such as special handles to accommodate different grasping abilities, keyguards to prevent accidental clicking, a click lock button so the button does not need to be held down while moving the handle, and switch receptacles that provide switch access to button functions. An adapted joystick can also be created through software that converts a game joystick into a mouse. Overall an Adapted Joystick can be a good choice for students who may need a key guard, need to operate the joystick with a body part other than the hand, and can control a standard game joystick.
Mid Tech: Expanded Keyboard
An expanded keyboard is an enlarged keyboard that offers a larger surface area than the standard keyboard. They are helpful to students who may have limited fine motor control as these keyboards offer increased surface area for target accuracy. There are a variety of different types including QWERTY lay out as well as alphabetical and can also be adapted with a variety of overlays. This mid tech device is probably one of the most versatile and can be adapted for a variety of ages and disabilities.
High Tech: Customized Keyboards
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High tech customized keyboards allow for a variety of different functions to be directly programmed into a key board. The keyboard can be directed with specific instructions catered to an individual needs. Some of these keyboards allow for interchangeable key layouts and come with pre-printed overlays for specific commands. Overall these keyboards often require quite a deal of training on both the instructor and the student using they keyboard who will need to learn how to access specific commands.
High Tech: Eye-gaze System
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The eye-gaze system is one of the more high tech devices for computer access as the system is able to track the movement of the student's eyes and use this input to appropriately move the mouse pointer. The system employs a variety of highly sensitive infrared-sensitive video camera, or several cameras, to determine where a student is looking and then positions the mouse on that location. This system is optimal for students who have, severe muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, high level spinal injuries or brain strokes which result in conditions where the candidate has no ability to use head or hands. This system can only work if the candidate is able to focus their eye movements and keep their head completely still.
High Tech: Sip and Puff Switch
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The sip and puff switch is a device that allows users who may not be able to control fine motor skills to access a computer. Sip and puff switches are often used in conjunction with other programming that can range from simple mouse maneuvering to more complex program operation such as speech devices. This switch is an optimal use for cerebral palsy students who may not have the motor control to keep their heads still to access the eye-gaze system, and lack the necessary motor controls to use the other assistive devices.