Transcript Computer Access

Using Macintosh Computers
with Special Needs Students
A Presentation for TBE 550
Farah Fisher, EdD
Presentation Objectives
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List computer-related
physical/educational needs of special
students.
Given a problem related to computer
use, list at least two possible solutions.
Given a problem related to computer
use, describe a Macintosh program that
may provide a solution.
What is assistive technology?
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General term for hardware and/or
software used to assist individuals with
disabilities.
This presentation will focus on
computer-related access adaptations,
but many other types of assistive
technology are available.
Why cover Macintosh only?
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Macintosh computers have always had
free adaptive software built in.
TBE 550-01 meets in a Mac lab, so we
can try the adaptations.
There will be references to Windows
applications at the end of the
presentation.
Presentation Organization
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The assistive technology adaptations
will be organized by general type of
disability (type of impairment).
This is the most common way to access
information about assistive technology.
Fine Motor Movement
Problems
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Some disabilities impair the use of hands and
arms (“fine motor” means small muscles).
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Cerebral Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Arthritis
Quadriplegia
Central Nervous System Disorders
Fine Motor Movement
Problems
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There are at least two possibilities:
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Cannot use hands
Lack of hand control
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shaking
jerky movement
hold keys down too long
cannot hit correct key
difficulty moving mouse
Fine Motor Movement
Problems - Adaptations
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Headstick/Mouthstick
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Keyboard Cover
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Keyboard Control
Turn off repeatability
Hold down key longer to
access
Keyboard replaces mouse
Fine Motor Movement
Problems - Adaptations
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Special keyboards
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Voice commands
(speech recognition)
ListenDo!
Dragon products
ViaVoice
Scanning Software - for those who
cannot use their hands or speak
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Characters/words displayed in grid
Single switch chooses
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puff switch
button switch
key on keyboard
Vision Problems - Disabilities
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Vision impairments may be divided into
two general categories:
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Partially sighted (“low vision”)
Blind
Vision Problems
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Vision impaired individuals have
problems seeing the screen:
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Can see only large displays (low vision)
Cannot see screen (blind)
Vision Problems - Adaptations
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Speech synthesis
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Large letter display
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computer “pronounces” text on screen
small
characters are shown in large fonts
larger
larger
larger larger
larger
really large
Vision Problems - Adaptations
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Screen reading software
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Reads all part of the screen, including menus
Screen enlarging software
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Enlarges all screen display, not only text
Hearing Problems Disabilities
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As with vision problems, there are two
basic categories of hearing problems:
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Hard of hearing
Deaf
Hearing Problems
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Computers generate beeps and other
alert signals to notify the user that
something is happening.
Deaf students generally have a low
reading level and may not be able to
understand messages on the screen.
Hearing Problems Adaptations
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The auditory signals can be replaced by
flashes on the screen.
Turn up the volume (consider ear phones).
Pictorial instructions can replace text.
Cognitive Problems Disabilities
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Individuals with cognitive disabilities
sometimes need adaptations.
Classifications:
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Learning disabled (LD)
Developmentally disabled (DD)
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“mildly retarded”
“moderately retarded’
Cognitive Problems
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Students may not be able to read or
have a low reading level - may not be
able to read instructions or menus.
Students may not understand or
remember how to operate the computer.
Cognitive Problems Adaptations
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Speech synthesis to read screen
Cross-ability pairing
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disabled student paired with good reader
Students in Wheelchairs Disabilities
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Permanent disabilities
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cerebral palsy
para/quadriplegic
birth defects (e.g. Spina Bifida)
Temporary orthopedic problems
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broken leg
Students in Wheelchairs Problems
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Access to computer lab
Movement within lab
Cannot get close enough to computer
D
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R
Students in Wheelchairs Adaptations
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When arranging computer lab, allow
access for wheelchairs.
Use computers with moveable
keyboards (do not lock down).
Purchase special tables
that can be raised/lowered
Put a computer table up on blocks
Adaptive Programs for
the Macintosh
OS 8.x/9.x
OS X
Keyboard Control Panel
(8.x/9.x)
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Choose Control Panels in Apple Menu
Choose Keyboard
Set mouse tracking and double click
speed
Control keyboard repeatability and
delay time (minimum control)
Easy Access
(OS 8.x/9.x)
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Comes with Macintosh system
In Universal Access folder
Put into Extensions folder and restart
Three functions controlled by Easy
Access
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Sticky Keys
Slow Keys
Mouse Keys
Easy Access
Sticky Keys
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Latches keys like Command and Shift
Allows easy one-hand (or stick) use
Activate/deactivate by pressing Shift
key 5 times without moving mouse
Easy Access
Slow Keys
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Controls repeatability factor for students
who hold keys too long
Can delay or turn off repeatability
Easy Access
Mouse Keys
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Allows numeric keypad to be used
instead of mouse
7 8 9
4
6
1 2 3
5 = mouse button
0 = lock mouse button
. = unlock mouse button
CloseView
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Must be in Control Panel folder
Use Control Panels from Apple menu
or...
turn on/off
magnify on/off
magnify up/down
Option Command O
Option Command X
Option Command
MacinTalk
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Easy speech synthesis
Software only
Works with word processing (speaks
highlighted text when menu item is chosen)
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SimpleText (OS 8.x/9.x)
TextEdit (OS X)
Universal Access
(OS X)
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Open System Preferences (in the
blue Apple menu)
Double click Universal Access
Options will appear for seeing,
hearing, keyboard and mouse.
Universal Access
(OS X)
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Seeing options
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Zoom (like CloseView)
White/black exchange
Hearing options
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Screen flash (alert)
Volume
Universal Access
(OS X)
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Keyboard options
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Sticky keys
Slow keys
Mouse options
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Mouse keys
Let’s try the Mac adaptations!
What about Windows?
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Let’s visit the TBE 550 “open site”
disability links.
http://www.csudh.edu/fisher/tbe550/spec.html
We will also visit shareware/freeware sites to
find free/inexpensive adaptive software
http://www.tucows.com/
End of Presentation
TBE 550
Special Needs Students
And Computers