Computer Access for Disabled
Persons
“The Computer as an
Educational Tool:
Productivity and Problem Solving”
©Richard C. Forcier and Don E. Descy
Overview
• Difference between regular access
and disabled access
• What tools are out there?
• How to incorporate tools/alternative
learning in the classroom
“Regular” Computer Access
vs.
Disabled Computer Access
Regular Access
• Spread out your hands
• Move your fingers
• Move your arms
• Move your eyes
• Turn your head left and right
• Listen
Disabled Access
• Curl fingers
• Wrists bent
• Arms close to your body
• Close your eyes
• Head to chest
• Plug your ears
Tools
Tele Typewriter
TTY
• This device is connected through the
phone line to deliver messages via
computer to the person you are
conversing with.
Used by:
• Hearing impaired
• Speech impaired
ZoomText
Program installed on your
computer to increase the size of
your items on screen (text
documents, spreadsheets, online
websites, etc.)
Used by:
Vision impaired
Access Keyboards
• 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.
Used by:
Physically impaired
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.).
Used by:
Physically impaired
(cannot click on mouse or move fingers)
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.).
Used by:
Physically impaired
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.).
Used by:
Visually impaired
Tracking (Head Pointing)
• This device can be used like a mouse.
• Point 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)
How to Incorporate Tools in
the Classroom
In the Classroom
Students with Physical Impairments
• Joystick mouse, tracking devices, dwell
cursors, and access keyboards
• Be patient with your students and allow
extra time for them to complete tasks
• Have extra helpers in the room to assist
students with physical disabilities
In the Classroom
Students with Visual Impairments
• ZoomText and Braille translators
• Make 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
impairments
In the Classroom
Students with Speech Impairments
• Tele Typewriter or speech pathologist at
school
• 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
development
In the Classroom
Students with Hearing Impairments
• Tele Typewriter
• Sign language assistant
• If student cannot type or is not clear in
his/her speech, speak or type for the child
• Speak directly to the child (lip reading)
• Learn sign language yourself or
communicate in written forms
Review
• Difference between “regular” and
disabled access
• Tools available for disabled persons
• Ways to incorporate tools/alternative
learning in the classroom
References by Website
www.gusinc.com/accessbrd.html
http://www.deburysystems.com/
www.madentec.com
www.yorku.ca/webaccess/