1. Computer Access for Disabled Persons “The Computer as an Educational Tool: Productivity and Problem Solving” ©Richard C. Forcier and Don E. Descy

2. Overview Difference between regular access and disabled accessDifference between regular access and disabled access What tools are out there?What tools are out there? How to incorporate tools/alternative learning in the classroomHow to incorporate tools/alternative learning in the classroom

3. “Regular” Computer Access vs. Disabled Computer Access

4. Regular Access Spread out your handsSpread out your hands Move your fingersMove your fingers Move your armsMove your arms Move your eyesMove your eyes Turn your head left and rightTurn your head left and right ListenListen

5. Disabled Access Curl fingersCurl fingers Wrists bentWrists bent Arms close to your bodyArms close to your body Close your eyesClose your eyes Head to chestHead to chest Plug your earsPlug your ears

6. Tools

7. Tele Typewriter TTY This device is connected through the phone line to deliver messages via computer to the person you are conversing with.This device is connected through the phone line to deliver messages via computer to the person you are conversing with. Used by: Hearing impairedHearing impaired Speech impairedSpeech impaired

8. ZoomText Program installed on your computer to increase the size of your items on screen (text documents, spreadsheets, online websites, etc.) Program installed on your computer to increase the size of your items on screen (text documents, spreadsheets, online websites, etc.) Used by: Vision impaired

9. Access Keyboards Access keyboards appear on your computer screen and are used by clicking the letters with a mouse.Access keyboards appear on your computer screen and are used by clicking the letters with a mouse. Use this keyboard to “type” on word documents or search the Internet.Use this keyboard to “type” on word documents or search the Internet. Used by: Physically impaired

10. Dwell Cursors This device allows you to “dwell” over the menu (usually for about two seconds) with a mouse to choose what function you want to perform (e.g., right click, remove link, etc.).This device allows you to “dwell” over the menu (usually for about two seconds) with a mouse to choose what function you want to perform (e.g., right click, remove link, etc.). Used by: Physically impaired (cannot click on mouse or move fingers)

11. Joystick Mouse A joystick mouse is used just like a mouse on your computer (e.g., top button for right click, front button for left click, etc.).A joystick mouse is used just like a mouse on your computer (e.g., top button for right click, front button for left click, etc.). Used by: Physically impaired

12. Braille Translators Braille translators (computer software) print out computer text from the screen to a printer that prints Braille letters (e.g., MegaDots 2.2, Perky Duck, etc.).Braille translators (computer software) print out computer text from the screen to a printer that prints Braille letters (e.g., MegaDots 2.2, Perky Duck, etc.). Used by: Visually impaired

13. Tracking (Head Pointing) This device can be used like a mouse.This device can be used like a mouse. Point your head (reflective dot) at the motion detector to move “mouse” around the computerPoint your head (reflective dot) at the motion detector to move “mouse” around the computer Used by: Physically impaired (quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy)

14. How to Incorporate Tools in the Classroom

15. In the Classroom Students with Physical Impairments Joystick mouse, tracking devices, dwell cursors, and access keyboardsJoystick mouse, tracking devices, dwell cursors, and access keyboards Be patient with your students and allow extra time for them to complete tasksBe patient with your students and allow extra time for them to complete tasks Have extra helpers in the room to assist students with physical disabilitiesHave extra helpers in the room to assist students with physical disabilities

16. In the Classroom Students with Visual Impairments ZoomText and Braille translatorsZoomText and Braille translators Make sure to print Braille papers for students OR read aloud to students for homework helpMake sure to print Braille papers for students OR read aloud to students for homework help Allow students extra time and provide assistants for students with visual impairmentsAllow students extra time and provide assistants for students with visual impairments

17. In the Classroom Students with Speech Impairments Tele Typewriter or speech pathologist at schoolTele Typewriter or speech pathologist at school Place children further away from other children trying to concentrate on typing (quiet area)Place children further away from other children trying to concentrate on typing (quiet area) Allow child to work with pathologist during school hours to improve speech developmentAllow child to work with pathologist during school hours to improve speech development

18. In the Classroom Students with Hearing Impairments Tele TypewriterTele Typewriter Sign language assistantSign language assistant If student cannot type or is not clear in his/her speech, speak or type for the childIf student cannot type or is not clear in his/her speech, speak or type for the child Speak directly to the child (lip reading)Speak directly to the child (lip reading) Learn sign language yourself or communicate in written formsLearn sign language yourself or communicate in written forms

19. Review Difference between “regular” and disabled accessDifference between “regular” and disabled access Tools available for disabled personsTools available for disabled persons Ways to incorporate tools/alternative learning in the classroomWays to incorporate tools/alternative learning in the classroom

20. References by Website www.gusinc.com/accessbrd.htmlhttp://www.deburysystems.com/www.madentec.comwww.yorku.ca/webaccess/