ICT Accessibility Essentials and Checklist

Posted by Paul Nisbet on the 14th October, 2013

Earlier this year we were asked by colleagues in ICTSLS (ICT for Support for Learning in Scotland - staff with specific responsibility for ICT and ASN across Scotland) to produce some simple recommendations about basic accessibility software that one would expect to find on computers in schools. We created two information sheets: ICT Accessibility Essentials, and an ICT Accessibility Checklist. The Essentials leaflet (see below) lists what we think should be made available on school computers in order to make them accessible for learners with disabilities; the Checklist is a simple audit tool.

The leaflets were shared with ICTSLS and they seemed helpful when the assistive technology specialists in local authorities were discussing and planning with technical staff what should be installed and made available on school computers.

Given the recent and on-going discussion regarding text-to-speech and other software for learners with disabilties, we thought we would share the leaflets more widely.

ICT Accessibility Essentials

All school computers should have:

• Adobe Reader 9, X or XI. Free from www.adobe.com.
• Generic text to speech software for reading the internet, Word or PDF files, such as ClaroRead, Co:Writer, IVONA MiniReader (free), Natural Reader (free), Penfriend or Read and Write.
• WordTalk (for Windows XP + Word 2003 or Windows 7 + Word 2007/2010; NOT for  Windows XP + Word 2010)
• The Speak button in Office 2010/2013 made available.
• The Scottish computer voices. Free from www.TheScottishVoice.org.uk
• The option of an Accessibility Profile log-in for pupils with additional support needs who need specialised access software or adjustments to the Control Panel.

An Accessibility Profile should have:

• All of the above.
• Access to Control Panels (particularly Display, Ease of Access, Keyboard, Mouse & Speech Recognition) so that designated staff can easily and quickly adjust settings for individual pupils, e.g. change default voices and speeds, alter mouse speed and pointers, adjust keyboard settings, change display font sizes and colours, and adjust other accessibility options.
• Right click enabled.
• Facility for staff to easily install accessibility software such as:
  • Clicker 6 (primary literacy support)
  • ClaroRead / Co:Writer / Penfriend / Read and Write / MyStudyBar (primary/secondary literacy support)
  • BoardMaker / Matrix Maker / Communicate: In Print (for creating visual/symbol resources)

Education Scotland sell BoardMaker, Co:Writer, Penfriend and Microsoft Office at discounted prices for Scottish schools. Tel. 0141 282 5000.