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People with Disabilities and Computer Technology Providing Access to Technology by Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D

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People with Disabilities and Computer Technology Providing Access to Technology by Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology Providing access to technology By Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D. People with disabilities meet barriers of all that normally require two or more keys to be types. However, technology is helping to lower pressed simultaneously. The key repeat function many of these barriers. By using computing can be disabled for those who cannot release a technology for tasks such as reading and writing key quickly enough to avoid multiple selections. documents, communicating with others, and Key ­­board guards (solid templates with holes over searching for information on the Internet, each key to assist precise selection) can be used by students and employees with disabilities are those with limited fine motor control. capable of handling a wider range of activities independently. Still, people with disabilities face a Sometimes repositioning the keyboard and variety of barriers to computer use. These barriers monitor can enhance accessibility. For example, can be grouped into three functional categories: mounting keyboards perpendicular to tables barriers to providing computer input, interpreting or wheelchair trays at head-height can assist output, and reading supporting documentation. individuals with limited mobility who use Hardware and software tools (known as adaptive pointing devices to press keys. Other simple or assistive technologies) have been developed to hardware modifications can assist individuals provide functional alternatives to these standard with mobility impairments. For instance, disk operations. Specific products, and approaches to guides can assist with inserting and removing using them, are described below. diskettes; a dedicated hard disk or computer network access can eliminate or reduce the necessity to do so. Mobility Impairments Some wheelchairs may not fit under standard For individuals who need to operate the computer height computer tables and some computer users with one hand, left- and right-handed keyboards do not have enough use of their hands and arms are available. They provide more efficient key to operate a standard keyboard or mouse. arrangements than standard keyboards designed for two-handed users. Input Equipment which provides flexibility in Some hardware modifications completely replace the positioning of monitors, keyboards, the keyboard or mouse for individuals who documentation, and tabletops is useful for cannot operate these standard devices. Expanded many individuals with disabilities. Plugging all keyboards (larger keys spaced far apart) can computer components into power outlet strips replace standard keyboards for those with limited with accessible on and off switches makes it fine motor control. Mini-keyboards provide access possible for some individuals to turn equipment to those who have fine motor control but lack a on and off independently. range of motion great enough to use a standard keyboard. Track balls and specialized input Some technology assists individuals with little devices can replace a mouse. or no use of their hands in using a standard keyboard. Individuals who have use of one finger, For those with more severe mobility impairments or have access to a mouth- or head-stick or some keyboard emulation is available, including other pointing device, can control the computer by scanning and Morse code input. In each case, pressing keys with the pointing device. Software special switches make use of at least one muscle utilities can create “sticky keys” that electronically over which the individual has voluntary control latch the SHIFT, CONTROL, and other keys to (e.g., head, finger, knee, mouth). In scanning allow sequential keystrokes to input commands input, lights or cursors scan letters and symbols displayed on computer screens or external Output devices. To make selections, individuals use Speech output systems can be used to read switches activated by movement of the head, screen text to computer users who are blind. finger, foot, breath, etc. Hundreds of switches Special software programs (called screen readers) tailor input devices to individual needs. In Morse “read” computer screens and speech synthesizers code input, users input Morse code by activating “speak” the text. The availability of earphones switches (e.g., a sip-and-puff switch registers dot for individuals using speech output systems can with a sip and dash with a puff). Special adaptive reduce the distractions for others nearby. hardware and software translate Morse code into a form that computers understand so that Refreshable Braille displays allow line-by- standard software can be used. line translation of screen text into Braille on a display area where vertical pins move into Speech input provides another option for Braille configurations as screen text is scanned. individuals with disabilities. Speech recognition Braille displays can be read quickly by those with systems allow users to control computers by advanced Braille skills, are good for detailed speaking words and letters. A particular system is editing (e.g., programming and final editing of “trained” to recognize specific voices. papers), and do not disrupt others in work areas because they are quiet. Braille printers provide Special software can further aid those with “hard copy” output for users who are blind. mobility impairments. Abbreviation expansion (macro) and word prediction software can Documentation reduce input demands for commonly used text Scanners with optical character recognition can and keyboard commands. For example, word read printed material and store it electronically prediction software anticipates entire words after on computers, where it can be read using speech several keystrokes and increases input speed. synthesis or printed using Braille translation software and Braille printers. Such systems Output provide independent access to journals, syllabi, Screen output does not present a challenge, but and homework assignments for students who individuals with mobility impairments who have are blind. Electronic versions of documentation difficulty obtaining output from printers may can support computer users who are blind if it is need assistance from others. delivered in an accessible format. Documentation On-screen help provides efficient access to user Low Vision guides for individuals who are unable to turn For some people with visual impairments the pages in books. standard size of letters on the screen or printed in documents are too small for them to read. Some people cannot distinguish one color from another. Blindness Individuals who are blind cannot access visual Input material presented on the computer screen or in Most individuals who have visual impairments printed materials. can use standard keyboards, but large print keytop labels are sometimes useful. Input Most individuals who are blind use standard Output keyboards, however, Braille input devices are Special equipment for individuals who are available. Braille key labels can assist with visually impaired can modify display or printer keyboard use. output. Computer-generated symbols, both text and graphics, can be enlarged on the monitor 2 or printer, thereby allowing individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities low vision to use standard word processing, Educational software where the computer spread sheet, electronic mail, and other software provides multi-sensory experiences, interaction, applications. For individuals with some visual positive reinforcement, individualized instruction, impairments, the ability to adjust the color and repetition can be useful in skill building. of the monitor or change the foreground and Some students with learning disabilities who have background colors is also of value. For example, difficulty processing written information can also special software can reverse the screen from benefit from completing writing assignments, black on white to white on black for people who tutorial lessons, and drill-and-practice work are light sensitive. Anti-glare screens can make with the aid of computers. For example, a screens easier to read. Voice output systems are standard word processor can be a valuable tool also used by people with low vision. for individuals with dysgraphia, an inability to produce handwriting reliably. Documentation Scanners with optical character recognition can Input read printed material and store it electronically Quiet work areas and ear protectors may make on computers, where it can be read using speech computer input easier for individuals with synthesis or printed in large print. learning disabilities who are hyper-sensitive to background noise. Hearing or Speech Impairments Software that aids in efficient and accurate input Speech and hearing disorders alone do not can also assist. Some people can compensate generally interfere with computer use. However, for high rates of input errors by using spell advanced speech synthesizers are close enough checkers, thesauruses, and grammar checkers. to human quality to act as substitute voices and In addition, word prediction programs (software thus provide a compensatory tool for students that predicts whole words from fragments) have who cannot communicate verbally. Students been used successfully by students with learning with portable systems can participate in class disabilities. Similarly, macro software which discussions once adapted computers provide expands abbreviations can reduce the necessity to them with intelligible speaking voices. Word memorize keyboard commands and
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