A Broadening Participation in Computing Alliance - Mobility/Ortho

What you should know about Your Students with Disabilities

FeedsImporter — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:55:01 +0000

What you should know about Your Students with Disabilities

Students share information about what the wish their faculty knew about students with disabilities.

Teresa and Computer Science: A Case Study in Coding With Minimal Movement

FeedsImporter — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:45:01 +0000

Background

Teresa is a senior studying computer science. She is a quadriplegic with limited fine motor and speech skills due to Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive neuromuscular disease. Teresa uses a variety of assistive technology (AT) products to access a computer. For programming, she uses a combination of Dragon in Spell Mode and a standard, mechanical keyboard with Windows FilterKeys enabled.

Access Issue

Teresa’s speech to text software, which translates her spoken words into text, doesn’t always work well with the programming environment being used in a class.

Solution

Each term, Teresa meets with her instructors before classes start to learn about the courses, programming environments, and assignments. Working with each faculty member, she determines the most accessible solution for completing her assignments. This may include using the same technology as other students, but often it requires that Teresa use a different environment. Teresa prefers to work in an environment that works with a variety of languages so she can use it often and become more efficient. For example, she often uses Atom, an open-source, highly customizable tool, which includes a variety of options that Teresa uses, such as intelligent command prediction and custom color schemes.

Conclusion

There is no one size fits all approach to using AT while programming. Students, faculty, and accessible IT staff can work together to determine the best solution for a student in a particular class.

For more information you may also be interested in How can programming be made more accessible to people with disabilities?, How can students with disabilities learn more about careers in computing fields?, and How can computing courses be made more accessible to students with specific learning disabilities?.

Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI)

FeedsImporter — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:25:01 +0000

Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI Access)

Offers online training on accessible information technology for persons with disabilities.

How can people with mobility impairments operate computers?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

Adaptive technology can allow a person with a mobility impairment to use all of the capabilities of a computer. While it is helpful to recognize the specific limitations of an individual, it is more important to focus on the task to be completed and how his abilities, perhaps assisted with technology, can be used to accomplish the goal or task. Work closely with the person with a mobility impairment to first determine what he needs or desires to accomplish by using a computer. Specific accommodations can then be explored that provide access to software or to a specific device, such as a keyboard or mouse.

Input

Wheelchairs may reduce access to the computer station itself:
- Equipment that provides flexibility in the positioning of monitors, keyboards, documentation, and tabletops is useful for many individuals with disabilities.
- Plugging all computer components into power outlet strips with accessible on/off switches makes it possible for some individuals to turn equipment on and off independently.
Minor modifications may permit access for some individuals:
- Keyguards (solid templates with holes over each key to assist with precise selection) can be used by those with limited fine motor control.
- For individuals who need to operate the computer with one hand, left- and right-handed keyboards are available. They provide more efficient key arrangements than standard keyboards designed for two-handed users.
- Individuals who have use of one finger or have access to a mouth- or headstick or some other pointing device can control the computer by pressing keys with the pointing device.
- Software utilities can electronically "hold down" or latch the SHIFT, CONTROL, and other keys until the user activates another key. This "StickyKeys" function allows the individual to use sequential activations to input commands that normally require keys to be pressed simultaneously. An example would be the control key followed by the letter V key for "pasting" instead of the simultaneous activation of those two keys.
- The key repeat function can be disabled for those who cannot release a key quickly enough to avoid multiple selections.
- Sometimes repositioning the keyboard and monitor can enhance accessibility. For example, mounting keyboards perpendicular to tables or wheelchair trays at head height can assist individuals who use head-pointing devices to press keys.
Alternative keyboards/mice may assist individuals with greater limitations:
- Expanded keyboards (larger keys spaced far apart) can replace standard keyboards for those with limited fine motor control.
- Mini Keyboard
  Mini keyboards provide access to those who have fine motor control but lack a range of motion great enough to use a standard keyboard.
- Trackballs and specialized input devices can replace mice.
Virtual keyboards may be useful for those with the most severe limitations:
- Scanning input allows the individual to make selections with one or more switches, activated by movement of the head, finger, foot, breath, etc. In scanning, lights or cursors move sequentially across letters and symbols on the computer screen. The individual makes a selection by activating a specially tailored switch when the cursor is on the desired character or command.
In Morse code input, users activate two switches (e.g., a sip-and-puff switch or two head switches) to produce the dots and dashes. Special adaptive hardware and software translate Morse code into the equivalent of keyboard characters or commands on the computer.
Speech input is an option for speaking individuals with disabilities. Speech recognition systems allow users to control computers by speaking words and letters. Although some systems recognize limited commands from any clear voice, the most efficient systems are "trained" to recognize the individual speech pattern of one specific user.
Alternative file storage may enhance performance:
- Disk guides can assist with inserting and removing disks.
- A dedicated hard disk and/or computer network access can eliminate or reduce the necessity to do so.
Special software can further aid those with mobility impairments:
- Abbreviation expansion (macro) can reduce input demands for commonly used text and keyboard commands. For example, "UW + SPACE BAR" could be a macro for "The ��ԭ��".
- Word prediction software anticipates entire words after several keystrokes and increases input speed. For example, if the user types "uni", the software is likely to predict "university", along with "uniform", "uninformed", etc. Selecting the predicted word saves keystrokes, time, and energy for the user.

Output

Viewing and reading screen output does not typically present a challenge to individuals with mobility impairments. However, it is important to remember that learning, sensory, or other disabilities may co-exist with a mobility impairment and can create additional computer access challenges. In some cases individuals may need assistance from others to retrieve output from printers.

Documentation

Many documents are now available online or via electronic files. People who have difficulty manipulating books or pages within books can access this material through their computer system. Here are a few examples:

Textbooks or portions of textbooks: These can be scanned into the individual's computer or a class website. This makes the material accessible to people who have difficulty physically manipulating books or turning pages within books.
Electronic readings: Many universities now put "reserved readings" into electronic files accessible via the Internet. As with textbooks, these are more accessible to individuals who cannot turn pages.
Electronic references: It is easier to use a dictionary or thesaurus that is online rather than reaching for a hard copy of the reference book.
On-screen help: Many companies provide technical support through web-based "help" files. If these files are designed to be accessible, they can provide information efficiently to individuals with mobility impairments.

For more information, consult Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology, Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments, and Accessible Technology.

How can switches be used by people who cannot operate a standard keyboard or mouse?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

When a person's mobility impairment prevents the use of a standard keyboard or mouse, using a switch may be a possibility. Switches come in a nearly limitless array and can be controlled with nearly any body part. Switches can be activated with a kick, a swipe of the hand, sip and puff by mouth, head movement, an eyeblink, or touch. Even physical closeness can activate a proximity switch. These switches work in concert with a box or an emulator that sends commands for the keyboard and/or mouse to the computer. Although switch input may be slow, it allows for independent computer use for some people who could not otherwise access a computer.

A variety of input methods rely on switches. Scanning and Morse code are two of the most popular. Upon activation of a switch, scanning will bring up a main menu of options on the screen. Additional switch activations allow the user to narrow the options down to the desired keystroke, mouse, or menu action. Morse code is a more direct method of control than scanning and, with practice, can be a very efficient input method. Most learners quickly adapt to using Morse code and can achieve high entry speeds.

Switch systems should be selected and mounted with the assistance of a knowledgeable professional, such as an occupational therapist. If mounted to a wheelchair, a switch must not interfere with wheelchair controls. Seating and positioning specialists can also help determine optimum placement for switches, reduce the time involved in discovering the best switch system, and maximize positive outcomes.

For more information, consult Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments and Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology.

What alternative pointing systems are available for someone who cannot use a mouse?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

With the advent of graphically oriented operating systems, it is vital to have access to a mouse or an alternative pointing device. For those who lack the coordination to use a standard mouse, there are many alternatives to consider. Trackballs are a good first choice; the control surface can be easier to manipulate, and the buttons can be activated without affecting the pointer position. Some trackballs offer additional buttons that add functionality, such as double clicking, click and hold, and other commands and can be programmed to a person's specific needs. A simple accommodation for use of a pointer by someone who can't use his hands but can move his feet is to place a standard mouse or trackball on the floor.

Other alternative pointers can be found in many mainstream computer stores and supply catalogs. External touchpads, similar to those built into many notebook computers, are ideal pointers for some. A handheld pointing device with a small control surface area may be useful for someone with very limited hand mobility. For a person with a mobility impairment who already uses a joystick to drive a wheelchair, a joystick-style mouse substitute may be an excellent choice.

A person with good head control who cannot control a mouse or an alternative pointing device with any limb should consider using a head-controlled pointing system. These systems use a transmitter or reflector that is worn on the user's head and translate head movement into mouse pointer movement on the computer screen. An additional switch replaces the mouse button. Combining a head-pointing system with an on-screen keyboard allows someone who cannot use a standard keyboard and mouse full computer control.

For more information about adaptive technology, consult Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments or view the video by the same title; also consult Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology or view this video by the same title.

What are the options for someone who cannot operate a standard keyboard?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

The keyboard can be the biggest obstacle to computing for a person with a mobility impairment. Fortunately, those who lack the dexterity or range of motion necessary to operate a standard keyboard have a wide range of options from which to choose. Pointers can be held in the mouth or mounted to a hat or headgear and used to press keys on a standard keyboard. Repositioning the keyboard to the floor can allow someone to use his feet instead of his hands for typing.

Before purchasing a complex keyboard option, evaluate the accessibility features that are built into current popular operating systems. For instance, the Accessibility Options control panel in current versions of Microsoft Windows contains settings that can make a standard keyboard easier to use. For a person who has a single point of entry (a single finger or a mouthstick), use of StickyKeys allows keystrokes that are usually entered simultaneously to be entered sequentially. FilterKeys can eliminate repeated keystrokes for a person who tends to keep a key pressed down too long or presses keys multiple times because of uncontrolled movements. Check the settings for these features and experiment with different time delays for optimum effect. Macintosh operating systems have similar features in the Easy Access control panel.

Consider using the features common in popular word processors, such as Microsoft Word, to ease text entry. The AutoCorrect feature of Word allows sentences or blocks of text, such as an address, to be represented by unique and brief letter sequences. For example, entering "myaddr" could be set to automatically display one's address in proper format. Long words can be abbreviated and entered into the AutoCorrect settings to increase typing speed and accuracy.

A keyguard is a plastic or metal shield that fits over a standard keyboard. Holes are drilled into the guard to help an individual with poor dexterity or hand control press only the desired key without inadvertently pressing other keys. Keyguards are available from a variety of manufacturers.

Alternative keyboards can be considered for a person who cannot effectively operate a regular keyboard despite changing settings or use of a keyguard. For someone who has a limited range of motion, a minikeyboard may be considered. If a person has good range of motion and poor dexterity, a keyboard with extra-large keys can offer a good solution. Several vendors offer an array of alternative keyboards, including those that are configured to relieve the effects of repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

When physically activating a keyboard — whether through changing the settings or switching to an alternative keyboard — is not possible, evaluate the utility of a virtual keyboard. A virtual keyboard appears on the computer screen as a picture of a keyboard. A mouse, trackball, or alternative pointing system activates the keys on the screen and inserts the appropriate keystrokes into the desired program. A person can enter text by clicking on specific keys on the keyboard image. Modifier keys, such as CONTROL and ALT, can also be accessed, as can the function keys. Some virtual keyboards incorporate word prediction to increase entry speed and may include alternate layouts in addition to the traditional QWERTY layout found on standard keyboards.

For more information, consult Accessible Technology and Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments or view the video by the same title.

What specific challenges make it difficult for people with mobility impairments to operate computers?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

An elevator or ramp provides access to spaces when a staircase is insurmountable for someone who uses a wheelchair. Similarly, specialized hardware and software, called assistive or adaptive technology, allows people with mobility impairments to use computers. These tools allow a person with limited, uncontrollable, or no hand or arm movement to successfully perform in educational and job settings. Adaptive technology can allow a person with a mobility impairment to use all of the capabilities of a computer.

While some mobility impairments are obvious to the observer, others are less apparent. For example, individuals with repetitive stress injuries (RSI) may have no visible impairments yet require adaptive technology in order to use a computer without experiencing pain. However, people who use wheelchairs or crutches may require no special technology to access a computer. Although it may be helpful for adaptive technology practitioners to know details about specific disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or RSI, it is not essential to be an expert on these conditions. People with the same medical condition, such as muscular dystrophy, may require different adaptive technology. On the other hand, an accommodation for someone with cerebral palsy may be used by someone with RSI. Also, learning, sensory, or other disabilities may coexist with a mobility impairment and can create additional computer access challenges.

While it is helpful to recognize the specific limitations of an individual, it is more important to focus on the task he wants to complete and how his abilities, perhaps assisted with technology, can be used to accomplish the goal or task. Work closely with the person with a mobility impairment to first determine what he needs or desires to accomplish by using a computer. Specific accommodations that provide access to software or to a specific device, such as a keyboard or mouse, can then be explored.

The specific need for adaptive technology is unique to the individual. Trial and error may be required to find a set of appropriate tools and techniques. The person with a mobility impairment should play a key role in determining her goals and needs when selecting her adaptive technology. Once basic tools and strategies are initially selected, she can test-drive, discard, adapt, and/or refine. The end user of the technology should ultimately determine what works best.

For more information about adaptive technology for people with mobility impairments, consult Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments or view the video by the same title.

Are there computer keyboards designed to be used with only one hand?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

Yes, and there are several options you can choose from.

One option is to see if the keyboard layout in your operating system can be changed. Many modern systems have this option, which will allow you to type one-handed efficiently and without purchasing a new keyboard device. You could use a standard keyboard changed to a Dvorak layout for right- or left-handed use. Known as "Home Base," this method focuses on the letters F, G, H, and J on the standard keyboard. The finger on F handles all the keys above, below, and to the left of F. G, H, and J follow a similar pattern. For detailed instruction on this method, visit the website ��ԭ�� One Hand Typing and Keyboarding.

Another option is to use a dedicated Dvorak keyboard, specially designed to be used by typists with only one hand. A Dvorak keyboard rearranges the letters of a standard keyboard so that they are more efficient. There are three Dvorak layouts: two-handed, left-handed, and right-handed. Each is optimized for faster and more accurate touch typing.

Chorded keyboards have fewer keys than a standard keyboard, usually one for each finger. Letters are typed by a combination of keys, similar to a musical chord on the piano. Each letter has its own unique chord. This keyboard requires good finger coordination and memory.

For additional information on devices that provide access to information technology, consult the DO-IT publication Accessible Technology.

What is a mobility impairment?

FeedsImporter — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:04:31 +0000

A mobility impairment is a disability that affects movement ranging from gross motor skills, such as walking, to fine motor movement, involving manipulation of objects by hand.

For more information, consult Glossary of Disability-Related Terms and Mobility Impairments.

For more information about how individuals with mobility impairments can access computers, consult the publication and video Working Together: Computers and People with Mobility Impairments.