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Computer
Access (making it more usable)
If a student
has any physical limitations, ensure that he can reach and appropriately
activate the mouse
and all of the keys. If you
have any questions or concerns about physical aspects of computer
use, talk with the occupational therapist in your school.
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For Your Information
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 The word “access” in this context means
more than just the conventional English meaning; this
is not just about getting to it and reaching it. “Access” more
or less means “use effectively without unreasonable
effort”.
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There
are a variety of input interfaces, i.e. alternative controls,
that can help a student better access* a computer. They
range from simple key guards and arm supports to sophisticated
software
applications. One thing to remember is that both Microsoft
Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/enable)
and Macintosh http://www.apple.com/education/accessibility)
operating systems have a variety of accessibility features
that
can be helpful
to students with special needs.
Both word prediction
and abbreviation/expansion described above can be useful for
students who experience physical
challenges.
They cut
down on the number of key strokes needed to produce written
text.
If a student is not able to easily and accurately activate
a standard mass-market mouse or keyboard, there are a number
of
alternative
controls devices and strategies that can help. The occupational
therapist will be the best resource for identifying potentially
useful tools,
but the following is a general idea of the types of products
that may help.
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