Adaptive Technology for People with Disabilities

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Adaptive Technology for People with Disabilities

• Designed by the Neil Squire Foundation for new
  computer tutors

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Overview

• Step 1 Identify Adaptive Technology Requirements
• Step 2 Setup appropriate technology
• Step 3 Train client to use technology
• Step 4 Use tutoring resources

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Step 1 Identify Adaptive Technology Requirements

• Each client has individual needs based on their
  disability.
• Ask client about their accessibility needs. Do
  they require
• vision aids (screen magnification, larger text)
• typing aids (voice recognition software, word
  prediction software, ergonomic keyboard)
• Seating (ergonomic chair)

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Step 2 Setup Adaptive Technology

• Screen magnification/reading software assist
  people with little or no vision
• An Onscreen Keyboard assists people with a typing
  difficulty or limited movement

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Windows Magnifier
This magnification software splits the screen in
half whereby the top window follows the cursor.
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ZoomText

• ZoomText on the other hand is a full screen
  magnifier which also includes a screen reader

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Accessibility Keyboard Settings

• Sticky Keys allows you to use Shift, Ctrl, or
  the Alt key by pressing one key at a time.
• E.g. in using the shift key, when making capital
  letters, instead of holding the shift key down
  and typing the letter just hit the shift key
  once, then type the letter.
• Filter Keys ignores brief or repeated
  keystrokes
• Toggle Keys enables tones when pressing Caps
  Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock

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Accessibility Sound Settings

• Use Sound Sentry if you want windows to
  generate visual warnings when your system makes a
  sound.
• Use Show Sounds to tell your programs to
  display captions for the speech and sounds they
  make

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Accessibility Display Settings

• Use High Contrast settings if you want windows
  to use colours and fonts designed for easy
  reading.

Windows Standard Scheme
High Contrast Black Scheme
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Accessibility Mouse Settings

• Use Mouse Keys if you want to control the
  pointer with the numeric keypad on your keyboard

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Voice Recognition (Dragon Naturally Speaking)

• Lets you talk to your computer instead of typing.
  
• You can dictate into many programs, e.g. Word,
  email programs, on the web, in spreadsheet
  programs and more.
• Choosing the appropriate dictation mode, e.g.
  numbers mode, spell mode, or command mode can
  increase recognition.

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Voice Recognition (Dragon Naturally Speaking)

• Key points for good recognition
• Pronounce each word clearly
• Say commands without pausing between individual
  words
• If saying multiple commands, pause after each
  command so that Dragon can separate commands from
  words.

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Voice Recognition (Dragon Naturally Speaking)

• To maintain your line of thought, dictate one or
  two paragraphs, then go back and correct the
  mistakes.
• Keep the microphone in the same position, approx.
  1 inch from your lips, every time you dictate.
• Keep a glass of water handy, as dictating a long
  document can be dehydrating.

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Voice Recognition (Dragon Naturally Speaking)

• Common voice commands
• Go To Sleep, Wake Up, Microphone Off
• Delete That, Scratch That, Select All
• Page Up, Page Down
• Begin Scrolling, Stop Scrolling
• Bold That, Italicize That, Underline That

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Word Prediction Software

• LetMeType Analyzes what you type and attempts to
  guess a word after you have typed the first two
  or three letters. A list of the most probable
  words is displayed, and you can select one with a
  single keystroke.

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Adaptive Hardware Alternatives

• Trackball - great for people who have tremors,
  arthritis, or limited hand control or movement.

• Joymouse - a program which makes any standard
  joystick act like a mouse device

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Adaptive Hardware Alternatives

• Mini keyboard

• Wave, ergonomic or Natural keyboard

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Step 3 Train Client to use Adaptive Technology

• Initial training should be done with the client
  when setting up adaptive technology.
• They should eventually become comfortable in
  adjusting these settings themselves.

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Step 4 Use Tutoring Resources

• Resources are located on the network for tutoring
  in the following areas
• Computer, Windows and Internet basics
• Checklists on various programs.
• All resources are located on the CD in the
  following folder
• CAP 2003 Project\Tutoring Resources

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Conclusion

• Each client requires different adaptive
  technology
• Identify the appropriate technology for the
  client.
• Teach client to setup assistive technology.
• Setting up the correct adaptive technology for a
  client makes the whole computer experience
  easier, and more enjoyable.