{"id":2342,"date":"2017-01-27T12:32:03","date_gmt":"2017-01-27T18:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/at3center.org\/?page_id=2342"},"modified":"2020-07-12T10:39:09","modified_gmt":"2020-07-12T15:39:09","slug":"computer-access","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/exploreat.net\/at-discovery\/computer-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t

\"GirlWhat is Computer Access?<\/strong> When we talk about computers we are referring to hardware and software products that enable people with disabilities to access, interact with, and use computers. Assistive devices in this category includes modified or alternate keyboards, input and pointing devices such as large \u201cmice\u201d or switches activated by pressure or some other means, and software including speech-to-text software. Even if the device is a \u201cgeneric\u201d product (e.g. a \u201cvertical\u201d mouse or large trackball), the product is considered assistive technology if it is needed by someone with a disability. Computer operating systems now come with many \u201cbuilt in\u201d accessibility features that may provide sufficient support when \u201cturned on\u201d and customized for the user.<\/p>\n

When do I need to use AT for Computer Access?<\/strong> AT may be needed at any time and in many places. Whether in school, work, or in the community, computer use is important in all areas of our lives.<\/p>\n

Who needs Computer Access AT?<\/strong> Anyone struggling with the three functional barriers: 1) providing computer input 2) interpreting output, and 3) reading supporting documentation. Individuals with motor, sensory, cognitive or learning disabilities all can benefit from assistive technology options.<\/p>\n

Why aren\u2019t computers more accessible?<\/strong> Too often, people think of accessibility as an add-on to a device or program. Increasingly today, developers and designers are realizing that maintenance becomes easier when accessibility is part of the basic design.\u00a0Now, many smartphones, tablets and computers also include screen readers, word prediction and speech recognition.<\/p>\n\t

Solutions for Computer Access Needs<\/p>\n

The links to solutions below are intended as examples only to give you an idea of the types of AT available. You may find more examples in the Resources section or by viewing the devices available for loan on the website of your state or territory AT program.<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\tNo Tech Solutions for Computer Access<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t
Low Tech \/ No Tech Solutions<\/th><\/th><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1. Consider the built in accessibility \u2013 built in features allow you can use the computer without added on assistive technology. There is speech to text dictation, magnification, text to speech narration, on-screen keyboard, mouse settings all built in all computers, tablets and phones.<\/td>2. Keyboard commands make software more accessible to all. Some people simply prefer using the keyboard instead of the mouse. For others who may have difficulty using the mouse, key commands offer an alternative control method. They are very helpful for employees those who are trying to navigate software and the internet and for customization activities.<\/td>3. Can\u2019t access a \u201cregular\u201d keyboard, an employee may benefit from an onscreen keyboard. It is important to consider the physical layout or organization of the keys when selecting alternate keyboards. If an add-on keyboard besides onscreen is deemed necessary there are many choices of keyboards. They make large keys, color coded, and different layout keyboards. There are also smaller keyboards for small fingers or even a one handed typist.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\t\t\tAT Available for Computer Access<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Assistive technology for Computer Access is listed below. Links go directly to the manufacturer’s or developer’s website where you can further research, or purchase, the AT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
AT Available for Computer Access to Purchase<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
KEYBOARDS<\/strong>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EZSee Large Print Keyboard<\/a>
\nOne-handed Keyboard<\/a>
\nCrayola EZ Type Keyboard<\/a>
\nOnscreen Keyboard<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MICE<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trackball<\/a>
\nHandshoe Mouse (at NewEgg)<\/a>
\nVertical Mouse<\/a>
\nJoystick<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t
AT Available for Computer Access to Purchase<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
SOFTWARE \/ ALTERNATIVE ACCESS<\/strong>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dragon NaturallySpeaking<\/a>
\nPCEye Go Mini<\/a>
\niPad<\/a>
\nChromebook<\/a>
\nTouch screen laptops (at Amazon)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\tResources for Computer Access
\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Helpful Links & PDF Resources<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (Ed)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (Ed)<\/a>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Teaching All Students (Ed)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AskJan.org - Alternative Computer Input Devices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Video\/Webinar\/Podcast Resources<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Video: AT Assessment Made Easy (Ed)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Video: Using the SETT Framework (Ed)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Webinar: Computer Access (Ed)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Video: Free to Low-Cost Assistive Technology Solutions (General)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Microsoft Accessibility (General)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Apple Accessibility (General)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t
\n

Information on this page addresses Assistive Technology for people\u00a0who have difficulty interacting with a computer
because of sensory, motor, or cognitive limitations in…<\/p>\n

EDUCATION<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0EMPLOYMENT<\/a> \u00a0| \u00a0COMMUNITY\u00a0LIVING<\/a>
<\/strong>(click the titles above to jump to the content area)<\/em><\/p>\n\t

EDUCATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Computer\n\tTalking Points for Computer Access Assistive Technology in Education
\n\n\t

The category of Education<\/em> encompasses learners – young and old – who are participating as a student whether at the pre-school, elementary, middle\/junior or high school levels. It also refers to those attending post-secondary institutions, vocational training programs, and adult education classes.<\/p>\n

For children transitioning into the public school at age 3 – <\/strong>To ensure successful AT transitions for children turning 3 years old, it is important for any AT the child is currently using or may need to use in school, whether written into the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)<\/a> or not, be incorporated into the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For students transitioning into the community or employment settings upon high school graduation<\/strong> – To ensure successful AT transitions for students aging out of school services, it is important for any AT the student is currently using or may need to pursue employment outcomes, whether written into the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or not, be incorporated into the student’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)<\/a>. IPEs are developed through collaboration with your state vocational rehabilitation agency using a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor.<\/p>\n

For students transitioning into college or other higher education programs<\/strong>\u00a0– Students transitioning out of high school into college or other higher education institutions should explore AT needs in advance of enrolling in classes. Meeting with the school’s student disability services office is one key element in anticipating issues and exploring situations.<\/p>\n\tSituations Where a Student Might Need Assistive Technology for Computer Access:
\n\n\t

Students may need computer access within the classroom where instruction occurs, as well as at home (for homework and when \u201cschool\u201d is home-schooling, cyber-school, or on-line courses). They may also need computer access at sites that are providing internships or community-based instruction, or community resources needed to complete educational assignments (e.g. public library). What are examples of tasks or activities for which a student needs Computer Access AT?<\/p>\n\t