Word Prediction Software

Since communication is now the main focus, the next blogs will be focused on AT that can be used for all types of students.

Word prediction software is used to assist students who have difficulty with writing, spelling, grammar, or students with motor and communication impairments.  This program predicts a word the student may want to use in their sentence when the first letter or letters are typed.  Once the first letter is typed, a list of words appear on a prediction list.  If the desired word is on the list, the student then picks the word by visually identifying the word or by moving the cursor over each word to listen to it.  Over time, the program gets to know the student and will predict words they use more commonly.

This video is a tutorial on ClaroRead Word Prediction for Macs.

References:

http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/WS-Word-Prediction-Software.aspx

A Keyboard For Everyone

Along with all the different types of mouse emulators, there are multiple types of alternative keyboards.  Expanded keyboards are oversized keyboards with more surface area than a standard keyboard for students that have poor fine motor control and need a large target.

Mini-keyboards are smaller keyboards that benefit students that have limited range of motion.

One-handed keyboards have two types.  The Half-QWERTY keyboards have the appearance of a standard keyboard and can be used for both left and right handed users. (Right)  The Dvorak keyboard layout has the most frequent keys on the home-row position. (Left)

On-screen keyboards, mentioned in a previous blog, have a standard keyboard on the computer monitor.  Letters are selected by clicking with the mouse.

Finally, customizable or programmable keyboards are for individual students and have three basic types.  The first, is the standard QWERTY with extra programmable keys, the second use interchangeable overlays, and the third alter on screen keyboards.

Below is a chart summarizing all types of keyboards.

Like I didn't know so many mouse emulators existed, I also never knew about all the different types of keyboards that were out there!  With this knowledge, a computer can become completely individualized to each student.

References:

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Mouse Emulators Galore

As mentioned in previous posts, the computer adapts to a variety of students.  Not only can we alter a computer within the program but physically as well.  In this post I will discuss five major types of mouse emulators, trackball, joysticks, touch screen, head-pointing systems, and eye-gaze system, students with disabilities can use.  In my next post, I will talk about different types of keyboards.

Trackball has a stationary base and a ball that is rotated to move the pointer on the screen. 

A joystick has a stationary base and a stick that is a perpendicular handle students use to move the pointer.  This is used for students that have limited hand and finger control.

Touch screen, AKA touch windows, allow students to touch the computer monitor directly.  We see these types in ATMs, iPads, and smart phones. 

Head-pointing systems have one component sitting on top of the computer monitor while the student wears the other component.  The component the student wears is tracked by the component on top of the monitor.  These are used for students who cannot use their hands.

Eye-gaze systems track a student’s eye movements, acting like the mouse pointer.  To click, a student can have a switch or blink depending on the system.

Everything can be summed up in the chart below.

I never knew so many different types of mouse emulators existed and now being informed, I will always have a way for any student to use the computer.  No matter what problem big or small, a mouse can be found to suit their needs!

References:

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Additional Computer Features

In the previous post, we spoke about how computers are flexible to the needs of students.  There are also additional operating system features that allow students with disabilities to use the computer successfully.

For students with hand tremors or poor fine motor skills, the use of Slow Key allows students to press on a key for a longer period of time without typing multiple letters.  Students with limited motor skills can also use on screen keyboards to type by using the mouse.

“Computers emit beeps, tones, and voiced messages to alter users to a variety of events; students who are hard of hearing of deaf may be unable to hear these sounds” (Dell, Newton, & Petroff, p. 171).  For these students, computers offer controls that replace auditory prompts and signals with visuals such as icons or captions.

There are so many different ways to incorporate computers into the lives of students with disabilities and I plan to fully take advantage!

References:

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.