Physical Disabilities

Transcript

Physical Disabilities Assistive Technology Portable Word Processors Rationale for Utilization Benefits Possible Barrier: Writing ƒ Can be used to Can be used as an alternative when the record responses for physical process of writing is slow, laborious, and dysgraphic due to the connection between a variety of tasks and requests brain and hand. More advanced portable word ƒ printed copies are processors have the capability for software applications such as Palm Power for PDA easily extracted by a simple hook up to a (Personal Digital Assistant) capabilities that printing computer help with organization and managing tasks as well as portable writing capabilities. via USB cord ƒ Compact, light weight, cordless, and durable ƒ Can be accessed anywhere ƒ Runs on batteries ƒ Inexpensive when compared with laptop and notebook computers ƒ Keyguards are available ƒ Many have add-on applications (e.g., word prediction, larger fonts) ƒ Some have Palm software (for PDA capabilities) Drawbacks ƒ Keyboarding efficiency impacts this accommodation 1 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  ƒ Some have Internet capabilities Possible Barrier: Computer Access Windows Accessibility Features (see document entitled “Using Windows Accommodations Features”) On-screen Keyboards Many built-in features of Microsoft Windows provide accommodations for computer access such as screen magnification, speech output, and keyboard options. ƒ ƒ Readily available Easy to use ƒ Occasionally a different keyboard provides better access to the computer and increases productivity. ƒ Functions with any pointing device (track ball mouse, infrared head pointer) providing keyboard access to individuals with limited direct select capabilities Works with any application Often comes with word prediction to reduce keystrokes Some have scanning capabilities for switch access ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Some Windows accessibility features are limited in flexibility as compared with proprietary software e.g., on-screen keyboard Requires software not found in the workplace Not as effective as two handed touch typing Need to install software Windows onscreen keyboard does not require software but is not very versatile (small and has no customizable features or word prediction) 2 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Membrane Keyboards Occasionally a different keyboard provides better access to the computer and increases productivity. ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Compact Keyboards Occasionally a different keyboard provides better access to the computer and increases productivity. ƒ ƒ Flat surface and requires very little pressure to select keys Control panel with keyboard allows many customizable features to meet individual physical needs Interchangeable key arrangements are provided Additional software allows one to create customized key layouts (good for customizing to specific tasks) ƒ Requires less range of motion for individuals using only one hand or those with limited range of movement Keys can be standard size but keyboard itself is more compact ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Some are larger than the standard keyboard (Intellikeys) Require software Not found in workplace Some are smaller and require good fine motor control (Tash) Can control both keyboard and mouse functions Not as effective if motor control is an issue 3 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Large Key Keyboards Occasionally a different keyboard provides better access to the computer and increases productivity. ƒ ƒ ƒ Trackball Mouse Occasionally a different mouse input provides better access to the computer and increases productivity ƒ ƒ Larger than the standard keyboard The ability for touch typing can be compromised with this key size Keys are approximately 1 square inch with ½ inch letters so can provide more accurate access for individuals with poor motor control Enlarged keys and letters are easier to see for individuals with visual impairment QWERTY or ABC layouts available ƒ Mouse cursor is controlled by the ball rather than moving the entire mouse allowing access for individuals with very limited range of motion and movement or unstable movements Some track balls have programmable buttons in close proximity to the ball that can be programmed to provide variety of Trackballs can become unresponsive or inaccurate after repetitive use ƒ 4 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  ƒ functions, e.g., open/close programs, save, print, click/drag, etc. Some small trackballs require only thumb movement to control the cursor creating greater access for individuals with limited movement Mouse Pad Occasionally a different mouse input provides better access to the computer and increases productivity ƒ External hardware similar to mouse pad on laptops allowing access for individuals with very limited range of motion and movement or unstable movements ƒ None identified Joystick Mouse Occasionally a different mouse input provides better access to the computer and increases productivity ƒ Can improve accuracy for individuals with limited strength that fatigue easily and those with unstable hand movements Can be controlled by mouth ƒ Can be difficult to be precise with a joy stick mouse ƒ 5 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Mouse Emulators such as Mouse Keys (Windows Feature) Occasionally a different mouse input provides better access to the computer and increases productivity ƒ Allows one to use the keyboard to control the mouse movement so it can be advantageous for those with very unstable hand movements ƒ Takes more time to navigate screen than standard mouse access Switch Access Provides full access to the computer when direct select options are prohibited. ƒ Discover Pro 2 available through Madentec works in conjunction with all computer applications to provide full access for scanning/switch users Two-switch scanning can significantly increase input and engage users ƒ Much slower than direct select input Can be laborious for some individuals Automatic scanning (one switch) requires wait time and reinforces passive waiting versus active selecting Training time for users can be quite involved Must use proprietary switches (Intelliswitch or Intellikeys) ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ 6 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Word Prediction This software can eliminate the need for keying in every letter of every word, thus making someone with a physical disability more productive when keyboarding ƒ ƒ ƒ Voice Recognition Software Allows spoken words to be recognized by the computer and transformed into text and commands. • ƒ Saves keystrokes Can create custom dictionaries relevant to the task at hand, ƒ e.g., data entry Works in conjunction with most computer applications Sometimes “glitchy” when using with some applications Some word prediction programs are better than others ƒ Greatly reduces need for direct select when that option is slow and laborious ƒ Not intended as a sole, handsfree computer access Client training can be extensive and voice files are built up over time for effective use Need good breath support and clarity of speech Does not work well when articulation or voice strength are problems ƒ ƒ 7 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Product pricing and vendor information/training considerations Product Cost Vendor Information Training Considerations Portable Word Processors Alphasmart Neo $219.00 http://www.neo-direct.com/default.aspx 866-558-8452 Alphasmart Dana $350.00 (starting) http://www.neo-direct.com/default.aspx 866-558-8452 Basic uses overview would take no more than one hour Somewhat more involved training to use fully (has palm power capability, Internet access capability and Microsoft Office applications as well as other applications) Membrane Keyboards Intellikeys $395.00 http://store.cambiumlearning.com/ProgramPage.aspx?parent Id=074003405&functionID=009000008&site=itc 800-547-6747 Training is minimal for use of keyboard and standard overlays (software installation required); for training on Overlay Maker (Intellikeys) to create custom overlays training could be approximately 5 hours 8 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Tash $809.00 to $899.00 http://store.ergoguys.com/24600.html 602-354-4190 http://www.ablenetinc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=205&Categor yCode=72 (800) 322-0956 Overview and familiarity required for different functions and layouts Compact Keyboards Datalux $130.00 http://www.datalux.com/keyboard_overview.asp (800) 328-2589 None Large Keyboards BigKeys $159.00 http://www.bigkeys.com/what.asp (800) 249-5397 voice None On-Screen Keyboards Madentec Screen Doors $295.00 http://www.madentec.com/products/screendoors.php 877-623-3682 WiVik $350.00 http://www.wivik.com/ Overview needed and depending on input method (i.e., IR tracker) may need instruction on that as well Product has additional features that require training such as Word Q word prediction and switch interface for individuals who scan 9 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Trackball Mouse Infogrip Evolution Mouse Grip Prices vary from $20.00 to $250.00 depending on models and functions $119.00 http://www.infogrip.com/subcategory_view.asp?option=point ing 800-397-0921 Little training required http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber= 95&sbcolor=%23CC9966&option=pointing&subcategory=9& CatTxt=Trackballs&optiontxt=Pointing http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber= 1055&sbcolor=%23CC9966&option=pointing&subcategory=9 &CatTxt=Trackballs&optiontxt=Pointing http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber= 1004&sbcolor=%23CC9966&option=pointing&subcategory=9 &CatTxt=Trackballs&optiontxt=Pointing Little training required Ergo Trackball $169.00 Expert Mouse $100.00 Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel Mini Trackball $50.00 http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber= Little training required 504&sbcolor=%23CC9966&option=pointing&subcategory=9& CatTxt=Trackballs&optiontxt=Pointing $50.00 Logitech Marble 4Button Track Ball $19.99 http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber= Little training required 504&sbcolor=%23CC9966&option=pointing&subcategory=9& CatTxt=Trackballs&optiontxt=Pointing http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/itemLittle training required details.asp?EdpNo=383572&CatId=540 Little training required Little training required 10 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Touch Pad Mouse Adesso Smart Cat 4 Button Glidepoint Touchpad $69.99 http://www.adesso.us/product_details.asp?dept_id=111&pf_i d=KA33GDU-410 Little training required Joystick Mouse Ability Hub Ergo Cube Don Johnston http://acaiberrysite.com/mouse/joystick.htm http://store.ergocube.com/pcmice.html http://www.donjohnston.co.uk/catalog/pengild.htm Little training required Switch and Scanning Technology Discover Pro Ver. 2.3 Switch by Madentec $399.00 http://www.madentec.com/products/discoverpro.php 877-623-3682 Training to use this program to its potential would consist of a full day Intelliswitch $299.00 http://www.madentec.com/products/intelliswitch.php Minimal training needed Word Prediction Software CoWriter by Don Johnston $245.00 http://www.donjohnston.com/products/cowriter/index.html Training could consist of 2 hours or less 11 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009  Word Q $199.00 http://www.wordq.com/ Free trial download Voice Recognition Software Nuance Dragon Naturally Speaking $199.99 http://shop.nuance.com/DRHM/servlet/ControllerServlet?Acti on=DisplayProductDetailsPage&SiteID=nuanceus&Locale=en _US&productID=111903500 Client and staff training required; staff training would require ½ day and client training is on-going but could use after initial training of approximately 30 minutes to start voice files 12 Janelle Bjorlie Ellis, M.A., CVE  ©June, 2009