Computer Access
Students with disabilities may need assistive technology to make computers more accessible. As with any assitive technology implementation, the SETT model should be followed to determine the device that best meets the student's needs.
Low-Tech
Many of the computers in use in schools already have technology built in that make them more universally accessible. However, the following are low-tech devices that make computer use easier for those students with disabilities: keyboard labels, key guards, moisture guards, magnifying lenses, and wooden dowels for pressing keys.
Mid-Tech
If a student has needs that require greater intervention, a track ball is a device that can assist with computer access. A track ball takes the place of a mouse, which must be moved in order to work. A track ball is stationary, and only the ball on the device is rotated to move the screen cursor.
A joy stick is another device that may be easier for an individual to use than a mouse.
A joy stick is another device that may be easier for an individual to use than a mouse.
High-Tech
For those individuals with severe disabilities, high-tech assistive technology is necessary. Eye gaze and head pointing software systems give computer access to individuals with very limited movement.
Further Resources
Eye-gazing systems
https://www.eyetechds.com/
Track balls
http://www.bestbuy.com
Head pointing systems
http://atto.buffalo.edu
Sources Cited
Dell A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Gierach, Jill (ed.) (2009). Assessing students' needs for assistive technology, 5th Edition, Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Milton, WI.
Eye Tech Eye Gaze Control Computing for AAC Device.
EyeTechDS(2010). Retrieved on April 15, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com.
Eye gazing system graphic. Retrieved on April 15, 2013, from http://www.jersey.isle-news.com.
Keyboard moisture guards graphic. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.turningpointtechnology.com.
Track ball graphic. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.everythingusb.com.
Eye-gazing systems
https://www.eyetechds.com/
Track balls
http://www.bestbuy.com
Head pointing systems
http://atto.buffalo.edu
Sources Cited
Dell A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Gierach, Jill (ed.) (2009). Assessing students' needs for assistive technology, 5th Edition, Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Milton, WI.
Eye Tech Eye Gaze Control Computing for AAC Device.
EyeTechDS(2010). Retrieved on April 15, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com.
Eye gazing system graphic. Retrieved on April 15, 2013, from http://www.jersey.isle-news.com.
Keyboard moisture guards graphic. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.turningpointtechnology.com.
Track ball graphic. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.everythingusb.com.