1. Computer Solutions for Disabled Learners and Employees Matt Harrison E-Learning Manager Portland College

2. Session Aims: To give an overview of the range of technology-based solutions available to those with disabilities. To present affordable, user-friendly options. To inspire you to consider using low-cost technology in your organisation.

3. Considerations: Individual’s abilities – Cognitive level – Motor skills and mobility Support / maintenance – Setting up – Maintenance and updates The environment – Shared equipment or desk? – Noise?

4. Internal Settings: Inbuilt accessibility getting better by the year. – Accessibility Options/Accessibility/Ease of Access/Universal Access Personalisation – Contrast ; magnification; screen reading; voice input; keyboard etc. Benefits – Free; assigned to user profile; transferable between machines.

5. Hardware:

6. Keyboards – Expanded; mini; high-vis; adjustable Mice – Left-handed; tackballs and joysticks; Mini; adjustable; anti-tremor etc. Ergonomic equipment – Arm, wrist, back and foot supports; keyboard risers.

7. Software:

8. Visual impairment – Dolphin; Jaws; ZoomText; Guide Dyslexia – Dragon; Read & Write Gold Suites – MyStudyBar and MyVisBar

9. Tablets and Apps

10. Benefits – Portable – Ubiquity / Normality / Kudos = motivational – Range of apps Swiss Army knife approach TextGrabber and ClaroSpeakUK Demo – OCR on the iPad – The £593 challenge!

11. Simple Technology:

12. Cheap, usable and effective! Boombox Plus – For audio prompts from a USB pen Talking Photo Album – Audiovisual prompts Digital keyrings – Discreet, portable, visual prompts

13. Contact: Matt Harrison E-Learning Manager Portland College mharrison@portland.ac.uk (01623) 499100 Ext. 253