Computers
There can be no doubt that computers have a major role to play in making information accessible for children with disabilities in school. Written text can easily be enlarged for people with low vision; text can be spoken out loud by the computer for people with a visual impairment or a reading difficulty such as dyslexia; information can be made available through the internet at the touch of a button.
At the same time, computers that are not fully accessible can impose major barriers for pupils who cannot use a keyboard, or mouse, or have difficulty seeing the monitor.
Making a Computer More Accessible
Sometimes it is possible to make a computer more accessible for pupils by simply adjusting the operating system’s built-in accessibility features. These generally include:
- Options to enlarge the mouse pointer and change the mouse speed;
- ‘sticky keys’ to allow a person who can only activate one key at a time to press two keys (e.g. CONTROL and P);
- Adjustable key repeat so that a person with a hand tremor does not end up with several identical letters on screen by accident;
- Simple screen magnification for people with low vision;
- Basic text to speech facilities for people with reading difficulties.
If a pupil is unable to use a standard keyboard and mouse, even using the accessibility features, there are a number of alternative devices that may be suitable. These include:
- ‘big’ keyboards, ‘mini’ keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, keyboards designed for use with only one hand;
- Ergonomic mice, trackballs, trackpads, touch screens, eye-gaze systems.
Some of these devices can be borrowed from the CALL Scotland Loan Bank for evaluation.
Further Information
CALL’s 1997 book on Special Access Technology, though no longer in print, is still very relevant, even though some of the specific devices have changed. The book includes useful quick assessment tools for identifying suitable alternatives to the keyboard and mouse.
Abilitynet have a wide range of factsheets and skillsheets offering advice on different ways to make computers more accessible for people with disabilities.
Supplier web sites, e.g. Inclusive Technology and Keytools provide useful information on the wide range of tools available to improve access to computers.
