Assistive Technology for Computer Access (Ch 8)

• 1.What is the assistive technology continuum, and what is its significance?
• Devices range from low tech to high tech in the assistive technology continuum.  Technology consideration begins at the low-tech end and progresses to mid-tech and high tech solutions. This is only if the student's needs remain unmet. The most appropriate device is determined through careful evaluation and actual usage. 

• 2.Major types of alternative keyboards and students for whom each type would be appropriate.

• Expanded keyboards (enlarged keyboards)- for students with poor fine motor control who need a larger target area

• Mini keyboard- students with motor impairments that (1) restrict their range of motion and (2) have good accuracy within a narrow range of motion
• One-Handed keyboard- students that have good finger dexterity but use of only one hand,
• On Screen keyboard- for students who do not have the motor control to use the keyboard.

• 3. Major types of mouse emulators and the students that would benefit from them.
• Trackballs- students with poor fine motor control in their upper extremities and those who use a foot to operate the trackball
• Joysticks- students that have limited control of their fingers and hands.
• Head Pointing Systems- students who can not use their hands for operating the mouse, students with muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injurys
• Eye-Gaze System- Students who cannot use their hands or head

• 4. Computer accessible alternate input and output devices for students with vision impairments and blindness-
• Screen Magnification-provides an enlarged view of text, images and entire desktop
• Screen Readers- provides an auditory output for the elements that are visible on a computer monitor. The screen reader speaks the contents of dialog boxes, menus and other text on the screen.
• Refreshable Braille- sits in front of the keyboard and is like the braille paper. The keys have raised bumps.