Computer Access
Students will physical disabilities find it difficult to navigate classroom tools such as books, pens, markers, etc. They can even have trouble navigating a computer. Through the use of technology there are adaptations and other resources which give students access to the tools they need. Computers have become a critical component of our society so it is important that all students be able to have access to a computer.
![Picture](/uploads/2/0/4/8/20483886/2462962.jpg)
Low Tech Tools:
- One of the first things to consider in regards to computer access is the position of the student at the workstation. Something as simple as creating a non slip surface on the chair using Dycem could help a student have access to the computer.
- Using a wrist or forearm rest such as Ergo rest could help the student from making incorrect keystrokes.
![Picture](/uploads/2/0/4/8/20483886/7698153.jpg)
Mid Tech Tools:
- Using an alternative key board like the one shown on the Motor Aspects of Writing page or an alternative mouse can make using a computer easier for a student with physical disabilities.
- Using an on screen keyboard is another way for a student to be able to navigate a computer.
![Picture](/uploads/2/0/4/8/20483886/9892470.jpg)
High Tech Tools:
- Using speech recognition software like the Dragon software mention on the Motor Aspects of Writing is also very useful for access to the computer.
- Another useful tool is eye gaze systems such as The Eye Gaze Edge. These systems allow a person to navigate a computer only using their eyes.
References:
Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Comfort Keyboard Systems - ErgoRest Wrist Support - Ergonomic Mouseand Keyboard Rests. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/ergo_wrist.html
Assistive Technology | Eye Controlled Assistive Technology by LC Technologies |. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://www.eyegaze.com/assistive-technology-device/
Amazon.com: dycem. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dycem&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4244552617&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1161666864449830672&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1bguyytvsb_b
Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch4-ComputerAccess.pdf
on screen keyboard - Google Search. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from https://www.google.com/search?q=on+screen+keyboard&client=firefox&hs=djh&rls=com.yahoo:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=mV3KUbz7K5Sh4AOVi4CwBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=649#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=A7_NqI8lb-0v3M%3A%3BkkK_jU6fm4f51M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhot-virtual-keyboard.com%252Fimages%252Fkbdemom.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhot-virtual-keyboard.com%252Fonscreen-keyboard%252F%3B530%3B226
Links Fore Tomorrow 2011 [Video file]. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lY22CZ7XP-4
Eye Tracking. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://https://www.google.com/search?q=eye+gaze+systems&client=firefox&hs=XKN&rls=com.yahoo:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=hmHKUYuQDdWl4AP5toCoBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=649#facrc=_&imgrc=Z_2i29Q0xcHV0M%3A%3BptAtA4Ij7FjkqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Feyegaze.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252FEyegaze-eye-tracking_2.bmp%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.eyegaze.com%252Finstrument-specifications%252F%3B600%3B409
Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Comfort Keyboard Systems - ErgoRest Wrist Support - Ergonomic Mouseand Keyboard Rests. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/ergo_wrist.html
Assistive Technology | Eye Controlled Assistive Technology by LC Technologies |. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://www.eyegaze.com/assistive-technology-device/
Amazon.com: dycem. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dycem&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4244552617&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1161666864449830672&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1bguyytvsb_b
Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch4-ComputerAccess.pdf
on screen keyboard - Google Search. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from https://www.google.com/search?q=on+screen+keyboard&client=firefox&hs=djh&rls=com.yahoo:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=mV3KUbz7K5Sh4AOVi4CwBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=649#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=A7_NqI8lb-0v3M%3A%3BkkK_jU6fm4f51M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhot-virtual-keyboard.com%252Fimages%252Fkbdemom.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhot-virtual-keyboard.com%252Fonscreen-keyboard%252F%3B530%3B226
Links Fore Tomorrow 2011 [Video file]. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lY22CZ7XP-4
Eye Tracking. (2013, June 25). Retrieved from http://https://www.google.com/search?q=eye+gaze+systems&client=firefox&hs=XKN&rls=com.yahoo:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=hmHKUYuQDdWl4AP5toCoBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=649#facrc=_&imgrc=Z_2i29Q0xcHV0M%3A%3BptAtA4Ij7FjkqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Feyegaze.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252FEyegaze-eye-tracking_2.bmp%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.eyegaze.com%252Finstrument-specifications%252F%3B600%3B409