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AT Product Analyses
& Recommendations
Switches | Low
Vision Modifications | Output Devices
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Adaptive Switches
Below are descriptions
of adaptive switches and recommendations for accessibility for students
with disabilities. |
| Touch Switch: |
A round switch that can be touched to
activate an object. In a general
classroom, it could be used to provide an alternative switch on a small
lamp to shine more light for independent or paired reading in a reading
corner. Students with visual impairments may benefit from the
extra lighting. Click here to see an image of
a round switch. (UMF, 2003) |
| Magnetic
Finger Switch
|
A magnet is sewn to a leather finger
sleeve better enable a person to use the attract a the magnetic switch to
turn on a radio.
|
| Grip
Switch
|
A grip switch is activated by a
squeeze of pressure. For example, electronic toys or fans can be
turn on using a grip switch.
|
| Infrared
Switch
|
Similar to a grocery store scanner,
the switch is activated when an object (such as a pen) is interrupts the
infrared beam. Some communication boards will speak the message when
the pen is placed on an image icon. |
| Leaf
Switch
|
A leaf switch is simply bent in a
clockwise position to indicate the intent to activate an object.
|
| Roller
Switch
|
A roller switch can turn a light on
and off by rolling the switch forward or backward.
|
| Tilt
Switch
|
A tilt switch is a mercury filled
tube, and tilted in a downward motion, the mercury fills to complete the
circuit to activate an object, like a coffee maker.
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Low Vision in Educational Setting
The following general types of
modifications may be suitable for students with visual impairment or blindness.
Specific technology needs may be addressed when using:
-
magnification
tool (electronic as in MS windows)
-
traditional
magnifying glasses for print material
- word
processing application with the ability to increase font size when
taking class notes
-
read
aloud software with headphones on a personal laptop computer
-
supplemental
digital resources (science simulation software),
-
technology-competent
teachers.
Adaptive
Technology Consulting
provides, installs and trains in the use of equipment for the
blind, visually impaired and individuals with reading difficulties
Reference
material may be found at: http://www.adaptivetech.net |
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Output Devices:
Barriers & Recommendations
Output devices such as monitor and
printers can present access barriers for people with a range of
disabilities. The table below shows the type of disability, and
possible output barriers, and recommendations for modifications. |
| Disability |
Output Barrier
& Recommendation |
| Learning or cognitive problem(learning
disabilities, mental retardation, etc.): |
Individuals with cognitive impairments may not have the ability to read text materials from the printed output.
Combined with visual representation libraries such as the one that is
available in BoardmakerŪ software, an alternative output device may be a
communication board or communication book. |
| Sensory impairment (vision,
hearing, or touch problems): |
Screen readers permit visually impaired to have the text on a screen to be permit individuals to hear what is displayed on the monitor. When designing universally accessible websites, alternative text written for images is what is translated to the individual with visual limitations. Technical requirements for using screen readers includes a standard multimedia card to function.
A monitor can be altered by using a a screen magnifier. Some screen magnifiers are a attached to the computer monitor.
|
| Microsoft Word contains features that make it easier for people who are blind or have low vision to read and for people who have limited dexterity to write. One can change the size or magnification of text and objects, zoom in on or out of a document, make toolbar buttons larger, scroll and zoom in a Word document by using the Microsoft IntelliMouse pointing device. Microsoft provides step-by-step directions in the Help Index. |
| A physical or health impairment: |
A touch screen permits users with limited mobility to pull down menus, click on icons, select and move objects, all with the touch of a
finger |
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