Computer Access
Computer Access is important because it tells the user what the computer has and is capable of doing. There are different features on a computer along with equivalent features; it all depend on if the computer is a PC or a Mac. Each Type of computer has similar accessibility features that the other when it comes to their feature. These features include sticky keys, filter/slow keys, mouse keys, onscreen keyboard, magnifier/zoom, narrator/voice over, high contrast, sound sentry/screen flash. In order to utilize the accessibility features on a computer, students must understand the purpose for each feature. Sticky Keys allow
students to press keys sequentially to execute functions that typically require
pressing keys simultaneously. Filter/Slow Keys increase the amount of time a key must be depressed before registering a keystroke so that brief keystrokes will be ignored. Mouse Keys is an accessibility feature that allows users to direct the mouse pointer and execute all mouse functions using the keyboards’ numeric keypad. The Onscreen Keyboard is an interactive image of the keyboard on the monitor, allow students to select a key by moving the mouse to the desired key and clicking on it. The Magnifier/Zoom feature is a feature that zooms into the screen wherever the cursor is located. The Narrator/Voice Over is a screen reader built into the computers operating systems that allows users to access their MAC or iOS device based on spoken descriptions and the keyboard. This feature was designed for people with impaired vision. High Contrast has black background with white lettering, or white background with black lettering. Selecting the high-contrast display options presents files, folders, program names, and menu bar items in a large font in the selected color scheme. Sound Sentry/Screen Flash captures the action and sound in the device. All of these features are important regarding computer access. The overall concept of these features is the understanding that everyone has difficulty with certain aspects of using computers. Therefore, by utilizing these features, people can be assisted.
Low Tech
- Keyboard Labels: are stickers with large letters, number and symbols that are placed on the keyboard so students can see the keyboard. Keyboard labels are customizable and are available in tactile (Braille) labels for students who are blind.
- Selecting/Pointing Devices: helps students who have a difficult time isolating one finger or their hands to press the keys on a keyboard.
- Key-guards/Moisture Guards: Key-guards are covers with holes that go over the keyboard. The purpose for the key-guards is so students who have fine motor skills can find the key easier. Moisture guards are flexible keyboard skins or keyboard protectors that protect the keyboard from moisture, dirt, dust, and other substances. The moisture guard is important for the those students who drool or spill thing because it protects the computer.
- Selecting/Pointing Devices: helps students who have a difficult time isolating one finger or their hands to press the keys on a keyboard.
- Key-guards/Moisture Guards: Key-guards are covers with holes that go over the keyboard. The purpose for the key-guards is so students who have fine motor skills can find the key easier. Moisture guards are flexible keyboard skins or keyboard protectors that protect the keyboard from moisture, dirt, dust, and other substances. The moisture guard is important for the those students who drool or spill thing because it protects the computer.
Mid Tech
- Expanded Keyboards: are keyboards that offer a larger surface area than a standard keyboard. The expanded keyboard are popular with the students who have fine motor control because they need a bigger target to press. Though the purpose of the expanded keyboard is to help students develop motor control, the student must have motion in order for this keyboard to help them.
- Mini Keyboards: helps students who have motor impairment because it restricts their range of motion, since the keyboard is smaller than the standard keyboard.
- Joysticks: offer a moveable hand that is perpendicular to the base. Joysticks provide accessibility to buttons and directs the pointer on the computer screen to where the students wants to go. The pruprose for joysticks is to help students with disabilities control the mouse pointer.
- Mini Keyboards: helps students who have motor impairment because it restricts their range of motion, since the keyboard is smaller than the standard keyboard.
- Joysticks: offer a moveable hand that is perpendicular to the base. Joysticks provide accessibility to buttons and directs the pointer on the computer screen to where the students wants to go. The pruprose for joysticks is to help students with disabilities control the mouse pointer.
High Tech
- Head-pointing Systems: is a head controlled device that can help position the mouse and access all the functions. The Head-pointing System is a two-piece device where one component sits on top of the pc and the other is put not the students head. The purpose of the head-pointing system is it gives options for students who have difficulty in moving their hands.
- Braille Embossers: are Braille printers that printout the word processing entries into a hard copy, so students who are blind can read their document in Braille. Braille Embossers give students the opportunity to go back and review their work after its printed out, so they can see how accurate they were.
- Screen-reading Applications: provides auditory output for most of the systems contained the systems such as the toolbar buttons, dialog boxes, speak the text in word processing documents, along with much more. The Screen-reading application is customizable and helps students maneuver and use features throughout the computer and other software.
- Braille Embossers: are Braille printers that printout the word processing entries into a hard copy, so students who are blind can read their document in Braille. Braille Embossers give students the opportunity to go back and review their work after its printed out, so they can see how accurate they were.
- Screen-reading Applications: provides auditory output for most of the systems contained the systems such as the toolbar buttons, dialog boxes, speak the text in word processing documents, along with much more. The Screen-reading application is customizable and helps students maneuver and use features throughout the computer and other software.
Resources
Dell, Amy G., Deborah A. Newton, and Jerry G. Petroff. Assistive Technology
in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with
Disabilities. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print. 168-172, 176-178, 181-182, 185-187, 203-204
in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with
Disabilities. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print. 168-172, 176-178, 181-182, 185-187, 203-204