Activity 2C

C & I 335

Summer, 1998

 

Shellie Brunsman

Pleasant Hill School

Springfield, Illinois

I found many informative resource sites while researching adaptive technology.

Handbook on Adaptive Computing Technology

WAI Accessibility Guidelines

 

The two main problems with accessing information are input and output barriers. Input barriers affect people who have difficulty using the standard keyboard or mouse. Limited control of hand movements, visual impairments or learning disabilities may affect a person's inputting ability. Track pads, redefining keys on the keyboard or different styles of keyboards may help with these concerns. Output barriers affect people who cannot access the words on the screen or the printed page. These barriers exist for people how have visual impairments or learning disabilities, hearing impaired or person's who have difficulty reading. Adaptive software (shareware/freeware) makes these output barriers less disabling. Software allows the letters and graphics to be enlarged, cursors can be enlarged or have their color changed, and synthetic speech systems can be added to the computer.

There are a few applications that I use to adapt my school computer to meet the needs of my students. As a Learning Disabilities Resource teacher, I service a wide range of disabilities, not just students with learning problems. I work with students who may be visually impaired, mentally impaired, deaf or heard of hearing, or have emotional problems. Students with learning disabilities benefit from software the helps organize information efficiently. Web pages that are "scattered" or contain too many graphics cause the student difficulty. I use the text-only version if that is an option. Below are a few more applications that I have found helpful.

  • Biggy Cursor - Enlarges the cursor to size you choose. Very helpful for younger students.
  • Color Arrow - This file goes into the System Folder and changes the arrow to rainbow colors. Also great for younger students. (older ones too!)
  • Fat Cursor - Works like Biggy Cursor. Power Book users find this especially helpful.
  • Zoom Lens - This application magnifies the portion of the screen under the mouse cursor. Excellent for the visually impaired student.

These programs may be downloaded from: Apple's Disability Connection - Disability Shareware

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